Six Steps to Fundraise for Mesothelioma Research
In 2007, St. Louis resident Shelly Kozicki was the first person to start a named grant through the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation in honor of her husband Craig who was diagnosed with mesothelioma.
In 2009, Craig passed away, but Shelly has continued the fight for both of them. This year she surpassed raising more than $250,000 for research during her Quartermania Fundraiser in October.
During last year’s Mesothelioma Symposium, she and Erica Ruble presented a session entitled, “The Six Steps of Fundraising.”
Shelly told attendees that she took her anger and turned it into action. She hopes her story will motivate others to get involved as well. A summary of the session is outlined below.
Step 1 | Pick an Event Type
Pick an event that corresponds to the amount of time and work you can do. Writing a letter campaign and seeking donations from family and friends is much less time consuming than organizing a golf tournament or triva night.
Step 2 | Organize the Logistics
Pick your date, avoiding busy holidays, and set a budget. Remember you have to spend money to make money.
Step 3 | Choose a Venue
Location is a key factor. Is it easily accessible for everyone who you want to invite? Should you rent a hall or hold it in your home? Don’t forget about getting a venue contract and any other permits you might need.
Step 4 | Ask for Support
Don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends and family. Ask them to volunteer. Ask the Meso Foundation for help in organizing. You’ll be surprised to find how much people do want to help. However, the sooner you ask for help in the process, the easier things will be.
Step 5 | Include a Money-Maker
A money-maker is a feature within your event that raises additional funds to benefit your charity. Examples include selling 50/50 raffle, hosting a silent auction, organizing a live auction, getting people to donate baskets to sell, making jello shots or having a drawing for a big ticket item.
Step 6 | Say Thank You
Thank everyone who donated time, money or resources. Thanking businesses who sponsored your event will make future requests easier. Also, don’t forget to share your success story!
Shelly and Erica’s session was so popular last year, symposium organizers asked them back. They will again present on Fundraising during the 2013 Mesothelioma Symposium from 3 to 4 p.m. PST, Friday, March 8 at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas. If you can’t make it, don’t worry. This is one of the sessions that will be streamed live online.
