You Too Can Hold a Fundraiser!

Louise O’ConnellMark Patterson, MD, PhD

Why a Fundraiser?• Seems obvious, but can achieve several goals

• Raise money for your favorite charity (Narcolepsy Network!)

• Increase awareness about narcolepsy

• Become known as the local go-to person on the subject

• Build teamwork

• Serve as building block for local support group

What Kind of Fundraiser?• Lots of options, from traditional to unique

• Walk or 5K race

• Bake/craft sales

• Partnership with restaurant: https://soapboxie.com/activism/restaurant-fundraising

• Quirky, such as a bed race

• Raise money every time you shop: https://smile.amazon.com/

What Kind of Fundraiser?• Community Event: A Benefit Concert

• Megan and Kevin began dating in college. In 2012, she was diagnosed with narcolepsy even though her symptoms started around the age of 10

• Kevin decided to start a benefit concert to raise awarenessand funds for NN, and to show his support and love for Megan

• The Dream Big Concert was able to raise over $2,000, had over 250 audience members, and was a huge success

What Kind of Fundraiser?• Community Event: Walk to Raise Awareness

• Walkers of every kind gathered in New York City for the sixth annual DREAM BIG! Walk for Narcolepsy Network

• The DREAM BIG! Walk is a 2.5 mile walk that starts at Pier 45 at Hudson River Park

• 17 Dream Teams raised $6,058 at this year’s walk

• Other walks in Seattle and St. Louis raised

an additional $2,598!

What Kind of Fundraiser?• Online Sales: Donate a Portion to NN

• Dawn Estes founded Sandman Metals in 2015 withthe mission to “create original handcrafted jewelryand art while promoting a better understanding and awareness of narcolepsy and cataplexy...”

• Dawn donates a portion of sales to NN

What Kind of Fundraiser?• A bed race!

• Unusual event which gets the attention of the press.

• Good for team-building

• Encourages creativity in both bed design and theme

• Money raised: $1,000/year

• Awareness raised: Priceless

Where to Hold the Event• Local is obviously easier than a destination location

• Event type determines majority of the decision

• Private options: Homes, churches, company parking lots

• Public options: City or county parks, city streets

• Take into account any regulations or permits required by your location, possible fees associated

• Tie-ins with local events can be helpful

• Who will participate?

Promote the Event• Free is good!

• Local television stations and newspapers

• www.whofish.org

• www.EventSetter.com

• www.SpinGo.com

• Social media: FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, blogs, YouTube

Recurrent Event• Allows for reuse of durable items

• Secure a domain name/set up a website: www.GoDaddy.com, www.JustHost.com

• Get a dedicated g-mail account (Free!)

• Signage/banners: www.BannersOnTheCheap.com

Promotional Items• Create your own jewelry for the cause: www.Bravelets.com

• Let you creative spirits flow with shirt design: www.Booster.com

• Create flyers to post, hand out

• Branded items such as pens: www.Pens.com

• Narcolepsy Network items!

• Trophies are always popular: www.DinnTrophy.com

• Check with companies for sponsorship possibilities

Additional Activities• If families are included, have activities for all ages

• Face painting, chalk drawing, games

• Food trucks (support the local economy); possible vouchers for volunteers

• Music, featuring local bands (they enjoy the exposure)

• Take photos and videos of the event

Questions?