Tag Archives: Fundraising

Fundraising on the Fourth! 

The Fourth of July holiday brings out patriotism and community spirit, presenting a unique opportunity for creative fundraising efforts. As you gather to celebrate with fireworks, barbecues, and parades, harness this festive atmosphere to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®. Engaging with themed activities not only enhances the celebratory experience but also fosters a sense of togetherness and shared purpose. Here are four imaginative fundraising ideas for you to consider while you make the most of this patriotic holiday! 

Fourth of July Fundraising Ideas 

Patriotic Bake Sale — Host a bake sale featuring patriotic-themed treats such as flag-decorated cupcakes, red, white, and blue cookies, and star-shaped pies. Ask your local friends and family to bake and donate their best patriotic creations for a booth you can set up at popular locations before the holiday or during the day’s festivities. Everyone needs sweet treats for their backyard party!  

Outdoor Movie Night — Host an outdoor movie screening of a classic American film or a family-friendly movie. Charge admission and sell concessions like popcorn, candy, and drinks. If you don’t have the equipment, reach out to a local vendor to see if they’d be willing to donate it. While you’re at it, contact your local grocery store to get food and beverages donated. See if your movie theater will donate some popcorn and candy!  

Red, White and Blue Pool Party — Host a themed pool party fundraiser with patriotic decorations, music, and games. Charge an entry fee and offer activities such as a water balloon toss, patriotic swimsuit contest, and relay races. Provide refreshments like red, white, and blue popsicles and beverages.  

Barbecue Cook-Off — Arrange a barbecue cook-off where your friends and family who fancy themselves as chefs or grill enthusiasts can compete for the top spot. Ask them to share the event with their network to draw a bigger crowd. Sell tickets for tasting and voting rights and offer awards for the best dishes. This can be a great way to involve local businesses while creating a sense of community. 

Regardless of which fundraising idea you run with, remember to make it easy for people to donate by having signs with your QR code on display and printed out copies of your donation form available. Set aside a few minutes to address your crowd by telling them why you’re doing the 3-Day, how you’ve been impacted by the cause, and what they can do to support you. Be bold and direct!  
 
We hope by incorporating these fun and festive fundraising ideas into your Fourth of July celebrations, you can engage your community, celebrate the holiday, and make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Each event offers a unique way to bring people together and make a positive impact. Embrace the spirit of independence and patriotism this Independence Day by organizing a memorable event that not only entertains but also boosts your Komen 3-Day fundraising and contributes to the fight to end breast cancer.  

Baking Pies and Saving Lives 

Janet S. is a breast cancer survivor and Susan G. Komen 3-Day® walker who raises money in the sweetest way possible—baking pies! For years, she has been using her mother-in-law’s foolproof recipe to bake delicious pies for her family. When it came time to fundraise for the Komen 3-Day, she began baking and selling mini pies at her friend’s bakery for $5 each, once a week, which they called “Pie Day Tuesday.” She would make two flavors, apple and triple berry (blueberry, raspberry and blackberry) which always sold out rather quickly. Soon, she found herself scaling her pie fundraising by baking in higher quantities for events such as community-wide swap meets, garage sale days, and school bazaars. Seeing how much people loved the pies, she then started to sell them on Facebook a few times a year. Before she knew it, she was offering nine different flavors. “When I do an event or Facebook sale, I usually bake 200 to 250 pies in a two-day period… I have a regular kitchen and one oven, so things get pretty crowded.”  

Janet’s pies are made entirely from scratch and her husband assists in tasks like peeling apples and managing the kitchen during busy baking periods. She has even involved her grandchildren in the pie-making process, teaching them how to roll dough. Immediately after the San Diego 3-Day each year, Janet kicks off the next year’s fundraising by baking about 30-35 full-size Thanksgiving pies to raise money for breast cancer treatment and research, a cause that is near to her heart. Janet was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 after her annual physical check-up when her doctor performed a breast exam where he found nothing, but suggested she get her first mammogram anyway. Janet tended to procrastinate but didn’t delay this time, a decision that saved her life, since the cancer was detected at an early stage (DCIS). She underwent a lumpectomy followed with five years of Tamoxifen treatment before she joined the Pink Bubble. She was inspired to walk when she learned that her friend and fellow survivor Darcy H. was participating, and Janet knew that she wanted to do something to advocate for early detection. She and her daughter Jessi C. began walking the following year at the 2007 Seattle 3-Day where they participated yearly until transitioning to San Diego in 2022. They have since walked the San Diego 3-Day in 2023 and have plans to return in 2024.  

She encourages others not to hesitate in asking for donations, noting that people are often willing to contribute when they know the cause. In addition to baking pies, Janet’s family has organized fundraising events like bunco nights and “bowling for boobies” at a local bowling’ alley which she says always have a great turnout. To Janet, the Pink Bubble is a place of solidarity, gratitude, and determination to overcome the disease which has affected so many of us. She expresses her appreciation for the support of others during her walks and emphasizes the importance of gratitude throughout her journey. 

Spring into Action: Susan G. Komen 3-Day Fundraising Ideas

As the birds begin chirping and the flowers bloom, it’s the perfect time to amplify your fundraising efforts as we gear up for the 2024 Susan G. Komen 3-Day® season. We’re dedicated to making a difference, and with spring in full swing, there’s no shortage of creative ways to rally support and raise funds. Here are some exciting ideas to get you started. 

Host a Sports Tournament 

With the weather warming and the sun setting later each day, it’s the perfect time for some friendly competition. Rally sports enthusiasts and philanthropists alike by hosting a tournament to raise money for the Komen 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 as we fight to end breast cancer.  

Start with warm leads! If you go to a gym or workout class/studio, see if they would be willing to donate space/time for the venue, dependent on what kind of tournament you want to have or if you want to do a charity fitness class. 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, like Next Door. Also hanging flyers in local businesses or contacting local news stations to get the word out. 

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 in the past few months, put aside anything that may be usable for someone else and host a yard sale to turn your trash into someone else’s treasure. Post on social media, hang signs around your community, and lay out all your pre-loved goods for everyone to shop through. 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 the cause! 

Suggested pricing = nothing lower than $5! 

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 = start at $25 and go up in $10 increments based on the creation!  

Mow Lawns for the Cures  

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 grass blade trimmed brings us one step closer to a world without breast cancer.  

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, complete with birdseed, at local events such as farmer’s markets. 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 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. 

Remember, every dollar raised brings us closer to our goal of ending breast cancer forever. With your passion, creativity and dedication, together we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by this disease. Let’s spring into action and fundraise with purpose! Do you have any unique springtime fundraising ideas? Share them to inspire the rest of the Pink Bubble.