Spring into Action

A group of walkers on the route of the 2024 San Diego 3-Day.

Spring is a great time to connect with your network and ask for donations to your Susan G. Komen 3-Day® fundraising campaign. To help you gain momentum, we compiled a list of our favorite outdoor fundraising activities. 

Lemonade Stand 

Set up a lemonade stand at a local park or in front of your home. You can make your own lemonade or buy some pre-made. Make a sign and draw the pink breast cancer ribbon on it to attract people’s attention. When you get a customer, be sure to tell them about your 3-Day fundraising campaign and why it’s important to you. Post your lemonade stand on social media to get more customers! 

  • Suggested price: $1 per cup 

Host a Sports Event 

With the warm weather and the sun setting later each day, it’s a great time for some friendly competition. Rally sports enthusiasts and philanthropists alike by hosting a tournament to raise money for the 3-Day. Whether it’s basketball, golf, baseball, or pickleball, charge a participation fee or encourage teams to fundraise leading up to the event. It’s a fun and active way to raise funds while fostering camaraderie. 

Start with warm leads! If you go to a gym or workout class/studio, ask if they would be willing to donate space/time for the venue. Ask local clubs/organizations, such as golf courses or intramural sports leagues, for help to establish rules and build the tournament. This could also be a good sponsorship or in-kind donation opportunity. Be sure to advertise on social media and local online community boards. You can also hang flyers in local businesses or contact local news stations to spread the word about your event. 

  • Suggested entry fee: $25 

Spring Cleaning Yard Sale

Turn clutter into contributions by hosting a spring-cleaning yard sale! As you sift through all the things you’ve collected, put aside anything that may come in handy for someone else. Spread the word by posting on social media and hanging signs around your community. Display information about the 3-Day and how the proceeds will make an impact. Print signs with your QR code so people can make an additional donation if they’d like, and don’t be afraid to price items higher than you normally would since it’s going to such an important cause!

  • Suggested price: nothing lower than $5

Plan a Car Wash 

Gather a group of friends, make some signs and spend a few hours washing cars. You can set up in the parking lot of a school or church (with permission of course!), or even on your block if you have the space. Make sure your signs indicate you’re raising money for breast cancer. 

  • Suggested price: $15 per car 

Plant Flowers for a Cause

Embrace the spirit of renewal by organizing a community flower planting event. Partner with local nurseries or garden centers to source flowers and supplies, then invite participants to plant blooms in exchange for donations. It’s a beautiful way to honor loved ones affected by breast cancer while beautifying your neighborhood.

  • Suggested donation amount: $25 and go up in $10 increments based on the creation! 

Mow Lawns  

Channel your inner landscaper and offer lawn mowing services for donations. Spread the word in your community and schedule mowing sessions throughout the season. Whether it’s a one-time mow or a recurring service, every mowed lawn can make a difference. 

  • Suggested amount: $20 

Craft Bird Feeders from Toilet Paper Rolls 

Looking for an activity to do with the kids? Get crafty for a cause by transforming ordinary toilet paper rolls into charming bird feeders. Host a DIY workshop or sell pre-made feeders at farmer’s markets or other local events. Not only will this raise funds, but it also promotes environmental awareness and provides our feathered friends with a tasty treat. 

  • Suggested workshop fee: $20

Organize a Neighborhood Walk 

Give your loved ones a peek into the Pink Bubble with an organized neighborhood walk to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. Choose a scenic route, set a fundraising goal, and invite friends, family and neighbors to join in solidarity. Consider incorporating pink attire or accessories to make a bold and fun statement of support. Maybe you can even have a contest for best dressed!

  • Suggested donation amount: $15 

Go Door-to-Door with a Purpose 

Turn a training walk into a double positive! Knocking on doors may seem old-fashioned, but it’s still an effective way to engage with your community and garner donations. Arm yourself with informational flyers, donation envelopes and plenty of enthusiasm to share your story and spread the word about the 3-Day.

  • Suggested donation amount: $25 

We hope these fundraising ideas help you reach your 3-Day goal. If you’re looking for more ways to solicit more donations from the comfort of your own home, take a look at these fundraising ideas. 

Stay motivated, and remember, every donation brings us one step closer to a world without breast cancer. 

 

 

One Last Walk Through the Mile High City

A group of women at the Denver 3-Day in 20024.

It didn’t take long for Denver to capture the hearts of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® community. 

With its breathtaking scenery, iconic route and unwavering spirit, Denver quickly became a memorable chapter in our 3-Day journey. From the moment we arrived, the Mile High City welcomed us with open arms, and together, we’ve made unforgettable memories. This year, we will be walking through those beautiful streets one final time, and we’d love to have you there. 

Whether you’ve walked in Denver before or have been thinking about it, this is your last chance to experience its bustling 3-Day atmosphere. From Boulder’s hilly streets to iconic landmarks like Coors Field to the famous 40-foot blue bear at the convention center and views that stretch all the way to the Rockies, the Denver route is packed with so much that has made it an incredible host to the Pink Bubble. 

So, mark your calendars for the Denver 3-Day, Aug. 1-3, and let’s make our farewell to Denver one for the books! Use code DENVER50 for 50% off registration.

Start planning now to make the most of the final Denver 3-Day experience. 

Visit the 3-Day today to register for the final Denver 3-Day! 

In Their Words: The Coaches Behind the 3-Day 

Each year, the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® brings together a powerful community of participants, survivors and supporters who are united by one shared mission: to end breast cancer forever. As participants prepare and train in the months leading up to the 3-Day, they are supported by our dedicated coaches who inspire them, walk alongside them and remind us all why we show up, year after year. In their own words below, they reflect on what this journey means to them. 

Coach Staci

Coach Staci

I walked my first 3-Day (Avon) in 2002. My mother-in-law was in treatment for breast cancerbetween surgery and chemo. I saw my participation as a way I could do something at a time when our family felt very helpless against the disease. My daughters were young, and I also felt I could show them that doing something bigger than yourself is important, powerful and sometimes necessary. 

The discomfort of fundraising was offset by the exhilaration of my donors’ incredible support. 

The discomfort of training was offset by the exhilaration at the Closing Ceremony and the feeling that, “if I can do this, what else can I do?” 

In 2004, I got the chance to become a 3-Day coach, and while my role has evolved over more than 20 years, our shared goal and focus is unwavering. 

I am very proud of the $915 million raised by 3-Day participants over the last 20 years. My mother-in-law passed away in 2007. Her breast cancer had metastasized to her bones.  

All these years later, I believe the work we do together is vital. If not us, then who? We are making a difference! And in the process, we have created a community like no other, based on love, support, friendship and hope. 

The Pink Bubble is a truly special place: three days of how the world should be every day. 

Coach Ann 

Coach Ann

In 2010, my dear friend Susan created a 3-Day team in my honor to celebrate my four years of survivorship. Imagine that—a team of people who didn’t even know me walking for me. I was so humbled. And that started our pay-it-forward journey. 

Money raised by the 3-Day supported research that changed my treatment plan and saved me from having an additional 26 infusions. I am a 17-time walker and a 19-year survivor and will continue to pay it forward!

I love being a coach and fostering relationships with our participants. Everyone has a storya reason why they are walking and committing to this incredible, life-changing challenge. That is really my favorite thinghearing their whys and helping them have the most incredible experience. 

Walking has always been a part of my daily life, and now it is even more so because of the 3-Day. I train for the events and especially get those long, back-to-back miles in. For me, it is not only physically necessary, but mentally necessary. I am fortunate enough to have my incredible co-survivor, my daughter, by my side as we train and walk together; we consider ourselves incredibly fortunate. 

When I’m not walking or coaching, I love spending time with my cute grandson and hanging out on a Lake Michigan beach. 

Coach Susan 

Coach Susan

I‘m Susan Fleming, your coach for all things 3-Day. A Denver resident for more than 20 years, I am new to Komen and the 3-Day but have been involved with non-profit fundraising events around this beautiful area as long as I’ve lived here! 

I am married with two teenage sons. All native Coloradoans,  they keep me busy shuttling them to mountain bike team practice, kayak pool sessions, ski weekends and indoor rock climbingbut I get to read a lot of books while I’m waiting, so it works out for all of us. 

My favorite aspect of the 3-Day is getting to know the amazing participants and learning their stories. I’ve already met several incredible individuals who are so dedicated to the cause that it’s impossible not to share their enthusiasm and excitement. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the training schedules and fundraising tools available in your Participant Centerand, of course, to reach out to me and the other coaches with any questions! 

 Coach Heather 

Coach Heather

Coach Heather here, excited to be the Dallas/Fort Worth Coach again! This will be my eighth year as a 3-Day coach supporting awesome participants across the country in Michigan, Philly and Chicago over the years. 

I was a Michigan 3-Day walker in 2015, so I can speak to the incredible journey that you’ve signed up for! I loved my own 3-Day experience but really had no idea the huge impact that event would have on my life, including my career path. 

It’s been an incredible eight years, meeting some of the most inspirational and amazing human beings on the planet!  

Prior to 2019, I had not been personally affected by breast cancer. That all changed in early 2019, when my own mama was diagnosed. As you can imagine, having the resources and wisdom of this community behind us was a gift. I am so grateful to say my mom is doing great nearly six years later. 

I am excited to take on the 2025 3-Day season with my fellow coaches Staci in San Diego, Ann in New England and Susan in Denver! 

If you have any 3-Day questions, feel free to email the coaches:   

denvercoaches@the3day.org 

newenglandcoaches@the3day.org 

dfwcoaches@the3day.org 

sandiegocoaches@the3day.org