Tag Archives: Fundraising

Fundraising During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Throughout October, an outpouring of attention is brought to breast cancer, survivors, thrivers, and ongoing research efforts. From media outlets to football games and everything in between, communities are rocking pink in support of the cause all month long. Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings people together with shared stories, pink ribbon campaigns, and community events, making it easier to garner support. While the magnifying glass is on the fight against breast cancer, it’s the ideal time to rally to raise both awareness and funds to create a future free from this disease.  

People are more likely to engage in charitable activities and donate when they see others around them participating and notice an emphasis on the cause. To maximize your contributions in the fight against breast cancer, we highly recommend joining the pink wave this fall whether you’re fundraising for the 3-Day in 2024 or 2025.  

Start by clearly identifying why you participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®. Did you or someone you love battle breast cancer? Has Susan G. Komen had a personal impact on your life? Regardless of your reasoning, clearly communicating why you walk will significantly impact your donors’ contributions. From here, understand how Susan G. Komen uses these dollars and show your donors how their donation could help, the Komen 3-Day’s impact since 2003, and why Komen. Together, this knowledge can help someone finalize their donation to your walk and the breast cancer cause.  

Next, choose your fundraising format. Will you be hosting a donation-based workout class on the weekends, or a pink-ribbon bake sale after school hours? Will you utilize social media or dress up in all pink and trick-or-treat for donations? There are countless opportunities to raise money, and, during the month of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, people are more likely to give. Reach out to local companies, as many participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donating a portion of sales, providing items for auctions, or sponsoring events. Their involvement can significantly boost your fundraising efforts and increase your visibility. Regardless of how you choose to fundraise, it’s helpful to have a team of close friends or family to share responsibilities with who will support you along the way.  

Finally, plan your timeline to ensure your hard work pays off! Begin your outreach and preparation early in the month and host events midway through. Throughout the month, consider offering a small incentive like a wearable pink ribbon or social media shout-out to thank your donors for their contributions. Use a countdown to build a sense of urgency amongst donors and, at the end of the month, individually thank each donor and report on your progress toward your fundraising goal. If not for their contributions, we wouldn’t be able to make the strides we do in the fight against breast cancer. 

No matter how many donations you bring in, utilize Breast Cancer Awareness Month to share the impact that breast cancer continues to have on people throughout the world. Encourage your friends and family to get a mammogram, share their personal stories, and spread awareness whenever possible. With advocacy and fundraising, we can end breast cancer together.  

New England Crew Impact Award Winner: Ali P. 

Meet Ali P., our 2024 New England Crew Impact Award Winner!    

Since her first Susan G. Komen 3-Day® 16 years ago as a member of the Youth Corps, Ali has participated 18 times and has raised a lifetime total of nearly $14,000. To this day, she plays an imperative role in keeping the program afloat and thriving. 

“Ali has always embodied the Komen 3-Day to me. She is an incredibly dedicated leader, teacher, and, most importantly, friend. If it weren’t for her hard work, organization, and advocacy, the Youth Corps would not look like it does. As one of the founding members of the Youth Corps when she was a young girl herself, to the repeat leader she has become, Ali has always made sure the Youth Corps mission is a success.” —Bailey M.  

What was your inspiration to do your first 3-Day®?  

My mom had walked the 3-Day for years with her sister, Rose, who was battling breast cancer. At the time, I was very young, but I got to see my mom and aunt at camp (back when camp was outside, moved each night, and was open to friends and family), and at the Closing Ceremony; I immediately knew I wanted to get involved and support the cause. A few years later, the Youth Corps started here in Boston, and I jumped at the chance to join the team. It was one of the best experiences ever, and one that I will never forget. 

What has brought you back to the 3-Day year after year?   

The 3-Day is an amazing event that supports an extremely important cause that is near and dear to my heart. While I initially joined the 3-Day to support my aunt Rose’s battle and triumph over breast cancer, after my first event in New England 2006, I was hooked. I made so many new friends that quickly became family to me, and I looked forward to joining forces with them each year in the fight against breast cancer.  

However, in 2012 my world was rocked, reminding me how cruel this disease is when my grandmother Rosemarie, my mom Cathy, and my Aunt Joanne were all diagnosed with breast cancer. Within a six-month span, three more women on my mom’s side of the family had breast cancer. It was then that I vowed to participate in the 3-Day until we find the cures and there is no need for the walk anymore. 

What is your favorite aspect of crewing the 3-Day?   

My favorite aspect of crewing the 3-Day is the Youth Corps. Maybe I’m biased because I was a member as a kid and have been a Youth Corps leader 12 times, but seeing the smile they bring to walkers is special. Outside of the Youth Corps, it’s being able to help and support others on event. I know firsthand that walking 60 miles is no easy feat, so being there for others in any way I can is extremely rewarding. 

What is your best advice to anyone crewing the 3-Day?    

Talk to everyone, and I mean everyone! Listen to their stories, share yours, make new friends. Smile at someone, say hi, give them a high five — even the smallest actions make a world of difference. And most importantly, enjoy every moment and have fun! Don’t get too caught up in your task that you forget why you are there. 

What’s a fun fact about you?  

I have run eight marathons, six in the United States, one in London, one in Germany, and have individually raised over $50,000 while doing so. My goal is to complete all of the world’s major marathons, and I am only one marathon away from doing so. 

Youth Corps Fundraising Ideas!

Fun, creative, inclusive, forward-thinking, altruistic; Youth Corps, we’re talking about you!  

You are an integral part of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, bringing fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and an unmatched enthusiasm for making a difference. Whether this is your first Komen 3-Day as Youth Corps or you’re a returning veteran, we need your help to continue the fight against breast cancer. With your innovation and determination to leave a positive mark on this world, we’re confident that the cures for breast cancer are just around the corner. Not only does your fundraising collect money for research and patient care, but it puts you in the powerful position to influence your peers. Remember, it is going to take all of us to end this disease and we need your help! 

If you don’t know where to begin, take a deep breath and remember that you’re already changing lives just by showing up! So, let’s have some fun with fundraising and turn anything you love into an opportunity to raise money and advocate for the breast cancer cause. Unlike previous generations, you thrive in the digital world having grown up with the internet and social media as everyday essentials. As you continue your fundraising for the 3-Day®, why not use these skills to go beyond the boundaries?  

Here are some fun ideas to get you inspired!

HARNESS THE POWER OF POP CULTURE — From Taylor Swift to Naruto, the opportunities are endless! Get in your fundraising era by making and selling friendship bracelets. Host an anime viewing party or a trivia night where everyone brings a donation. Get creative and have fun with it! 

UTILIZE SOCIAL MEDIA — TikTok; ever heard of it? With your parents’ permission, share why you’re participating in the 3-Day and ask for donations. You can also do a challenge, where for every $10 raised, you learn a new dance or eat a bite of an onion. Want to kick it up a notch? Go to the mall with a parent or guardian and ask them to record while you share your story and ask people to donate. At the end of the video, share how much you raised and how much more you need to raise until you reach your goal!  

INCORPORATE SPORTS — If you’re on a sports team, this is the perfect place for a fundraiser with assistance from your coaches and parents! At your next game or meet, host a “pink out” where the proceeds from tickets and concessions go to your 3-Day fundraising account. Advertise with pink flyers that contain a brief statement speaking to your participation in the 3-Day Youth Corps. Maybe your team can wear a pink accessory in solidarity with the breast cancer cause.  

COLLABORATE WITH SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONS — There are so many organizations throughout every school district that are always looking to contribute to a good cause. Many organizations such as musical theater and the PTA already host events, so ask to hold a concession stand or raffle entirely for 3-Day donations. You’ll be surprised by how many people will want to help! 

SHOWCASE YOUR TALENTS — If you’re an artist, dancer, or have another special skill, use it! Sell crafts at a farmers’ market or host a paint party with friends, partner with your dance studio to hold a special donation-based class, or anything else that showcases your talents.  

Regardless of how you choose to fundraise, remember that every dollar makes a difference. You are unstoppable and by putting yourself out there to ask for donations, you’re helping to create a world that is free from breast cancer. We can’t wait to see you rock yellow in the Pink Bubble!