If you entered the lottery for the 2017 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run but didn’t get in, I have a story for you.
When I was a kid, I wanted a sparkly Michael Jackson glove so much. I mean, I wanted it BAD.
It was on my birthday wish list, but when my birthday came, no sparkly Michael Jackson glove. I was so sad. I was even a little angry. Then, a late birthday card arrived in the mail from a family member, and inside the card was some cash. I was able to buy myself that Michael Jackson glove.
If you entered the lottery for the 2017 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run but didn’t get in, you can buy your own sparkly glove…I mean, race entry! Just raise $500 before February 15 and you can earn a place in the 2017 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run as a Charity Race Participant.
HOW TO BE A CHARITY RACE ENTRY PARTICIPANT
Being a Charity Race Entry Participant is not as hard as it sounds.
First, create a profile page on the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals donation site.
Then, set a goal. Remember, you need to raise $500 by February 15, 2017 to earn a spot in this year’s race. But you can set any goal.
Next, start fundraising. Send emails. Post on Facebook and Twitter. Ask friends. Get creative!! Last year I accepted dares from friends in exchange for a donation.
Need some more ideas? Here’s what Adam suggests:
The most obvious place to start fundraising is within your personal network, be it physical or virtual. I prefer to approach fundraising from a personal perspective. Tell your network why you’re asking for money, what their donation will go to, and how it will benefit them (and perhaps you). For example, did the cause you’re raising money for personally help you in the past get through a tough time and you want to return the favor to others? Is there a cause you are so passionate about that you feel compelled to tell someone’s story and how donations will help them? Providing some context or story as it relates to your fundraising campaign gives people the extra motivation to donate to your cause versus other potential recipients.
Coco has been raising money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for years. Here’s what she does:
In addition to personalizing my fundraising page, putting a donation badge on my blog, sharing on Facebook, and asking friends and family for support, I sponsor a “jeans day” for CMNH at work, which means people donate $5 (or more) for the privilege of wearing jeans. My co-workers usually are very generous with their donations since they believe in the mission of CMNH and are happy to support our local CMN Hospital.
WHY FUNDRAISE FOR CMNH?
Running gives me gifts every day. It teaches me to set goals. It reminds me to feel grateful. And after a run, I feel great. Fundraising for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals offers the same wonderful gifts, plus a bonus–that sparkly glove race bib!
And sure, you might be doing it just for the race entry, but believe me your donations will go so much farther.
