Monthly Archives: October 2023

Fundraising From Start to Finish: Fundraising During Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in a world where breast cancer impacts hundreds of thousands of people each year, initiatives to research and treat the disease often hinge on financial resources. Your commitment to raising $2,300 (or more!) as a 3-Day participant provides critical funding for research, care and advocacy so that we lose fewer of the people we love to this terrible illness. As you work to make positive change in peoples’ lives across the world, there’s much more to fundraising than meets the eye. Let’s dive further into the art of fundraising, exploring the strategies, challenges, and rewards of mobilizing collective efforts to empower change. 

Understanding the Importance of Fundraising 

Fundraising plays a vital role in filling the financial gaps that public and private funding may not cover entirely. Since 2003, the 3-Day has raised $889 million to help support more than 2,700 research projects and more than 500 clinical trials.* Great progress has been made in drug development, including Kadcyla® and many other cancer-specific drugs. Without a pipeline of resources to continue this life-saving work, such progress will come to a halt.  

The Art of Storytelling 

Here at the 3-Day, every step is a story. Though it may bring up complicated emotions, being authentic with donors is the best way to connect and raise funds to fight against breast cancer. By sharing your personal story, you are more likely to motivate and inspire your donors to give. In addition, share this infographic to show them how funds are actively helping us get closer to finding the cures for breast cancer and assisting those receiving treatment. Other powerful resources to share with potential donors include the 3-Day Impact Since 2003 and Komen Research Programs. 

Setting Clear Goals and Objectives 

With a goal to raise at least $2,300, oftentimes the biggest struggle is understanding where to start. We recommend getting the ball rolling with a donation to your own fundraising account to solidify your commitment to the 3-Day. Map out how much time you have to complete your fundraising efforts and work backwards. Check out this handy guide on Raising $2,300 in 2 Months!   

Be sure to continually check back into your fundraising progress and see if you can push further. Need some motivation to kick it up a notch? Check out our 2023 fundraising rewards. 

P.S. Our 2024 fundraising rewards will launch next spring! 

Diversifying Fundraising Strategies 

An effective fundraising campaign should employ a variety of strategies to engage different audiences. Lean into your skills and interests. Are you a fitness fanatic? Contact your local gym to see if an instructor would be willing to volunteer their time to teach a donation-based class. Maybe you’re a foodie and you can connect with your favorite restaurant to host a fundraiser where a portion of the proceeds goes towards your fundraising. Are there services you can provide in exchange for a donation (babysitting, grocery shopping, etc.). Take a peek at these 101 Fundraising Ideas and get inspired! 

Check in with your job to see if they provide corporate matching, which can double your fundraising efforts. And ask every donor if they work for a company that matches. Go to The3Day.org/Matching for more information. Remember that matching gifts can take 4 to 6 weeks to post to your account.  

Harness the Power of Social Media 

There’s no arguing that social media has revolutionized the world around us… and fundraising is no exception! Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and beyond provide 3-Dayers with powerful tools to reach a global audience. Maybe you met someone on vacation who you friended on Facebook last year or your middle school classmate follows you on Instagram. Personally ask people in your network if they will donate to your participation in the 3-Day, and then ask if they can help you spread the message. Download the Komen 3-Day app, share your personal fundraising page link, and post photos of your training walks whenever possible. Take advantage of the extended reach and get to posting! Remember, fundraising via social media should be one part of a multi-channel approach you use to fundraise, not the only way you ask for donations. 

Engaging Donors and Building Relationships 

Fundraising is not meant to be a one-time transactional event. Building lasting relationships with donors is essential for sustainable fundraising efforts. Express gratitude with handwritten cards, provide updates on how their contributions have made a difference, and involve them in the organization’s activities to help foster a sense of ownership and commitment to the cause. Also consider how you can involve them in your event experience. You can ask your donors for the names of the people in their lives who have been impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis. During the event you can carry or wear something with those names. Knowing that your steps will be dedicated to those your donors love as well will make the event even more impactful for them. And increases the likelihood that they will become repeat donors.  

Overcoming Challenges 

Fundraising is not without its challenges. There are times where you may struggle, but by staying adaptable, maintaining transparency, and effectively communicating the impact of contributions, you can overcome these obstacles. Keep track of your progress with our Journey to the Goal Worksheet and be kind to yourself every step of the way. And remember that you must follow-up with your donors. You will not get a donation the first time you ask from everyone you’ve asked. A good fundraising strategy means you have to ask more than once! There are so many resources available to you, including your 3-Day coach, who are here to ensure you meet your fundraising goal. 

Celebrating Success 

A successful 3-Day is not just about walking 60 miles. It’s about coming together to fight against breast cancer and doing your part for the community. No matter how much you raise or how far you walk, your fundraising efforts, this month and every month, are making a difference. 

For a wholistic list of fundraising resources, visit The3Day.org/Fundraising 

*Totals since 1982. ©2023 Susan G. Komen 

Thank You to Our Top Fundraisers of the 2023 Denver 3-Day!

The 2023 Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day boasted 700 walkers and 250 crew members who collectively contributed $1.9 million in the fight against breast cancer. To wrap up Day 1, our top fundraisers were recognized Friday evening at the Bank of America Celebration of Champions. This year, Bank of America is celebrating the accomplishments of our 3-Dayers by donating a collective $42,000 to the top fundraisers to jump start their 2024 fundraising efforts. Join us in congratulating these teams and individuals for their incredible achievements and contributions! 

We kicked off the ceremony by recognizing our Rookie of the Year, Terry W., who raised $13,997.60 for her first ever 3-Day! The crowd applauded her for her contributions as she posed for a picture with Bank of America’s very own Kim Hamstead and Cynthia Solis who delivered Terry a $500 donation to kick off her 2024 fundraising where we hope to see her on her second 3-Day! 

Julie C. was then recognized as our Top Individual Fundraiser for raising $26,331.37 and was also rewarded by Bank of America with a $500 donation for her 2024 3-Day fundraising. For the past eighteen years, she has walked and raised a collective $336,985.51 to fund breast cancer research and treatment. Julie is also captain of The Keepers, our Small but Mighty Team award winner whose team raised $33,847.70 this year with just three team members. Bank of America awarded Julie with an additional $500 donation and her teammates received $60 to kick-start their 2024 fundraising.  

The Top Fundraising Team was our largest team, The AwareWolves, who raised $63,661.80 amongst their 21 members. The whole crowd gave a celebratory wolf howl as team captain Linda L. accepted her $500 donation courtesy of Bank of America and her 20 teammates were awarded with $60 toward their 2024 fundraising. In their eleven years as a team, the AwareWolves have raised a roaring $503,711.10 toward finding the cures for breast cancer. 

With our walkers accounted for, it was time to congratulate our crew who raised $75,403.55 in the Mile High City! Our Top Individual Crew Fundraiser from Pit Stop 2, Mark N., was honored for the $5,001.40 he raised this year on his 21st event, with a lifetime contribution of $82,742.18. Speaking of crew teams, our Top Fundraising Crew Team captained by Julie S. and Michele O. raised $12,885.32! 

We then honored our youngest fundraisers from the Denver 3-Day Youth Corps who collectively raised $13,958.74! Mollee M. participated in her fourth 3-Day and raised $1,862.80 this year, making her this event’s Top Youth Corps Fundraiser. We are so grateful for and proud of our Youth Corps who continually remind us of the future we’re striving to improve.  

Whether you were a top fundraiser or hit your own fundraising goals for the 2023 Denver 3-Day, the work that you do and the funds that you raise are ever important. On behalf of Bank of America and Susan G. Komen, thank you for all that you do to help fight breast cancer.