Tag Archives: summer fundraising

Summer Fundraising Ideas for the Komen 3-Day

A 3-Day walker at the 2025 Denver 3-Day.

If the summer heat has your fundraising ideas running a little dry, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. There are plenty of easy ways to turn everyday moments into meaningful fundraising opportunities.

Sometimes the simplest ideas can lead to a lot of support. Here’s a list of our favorites:

Spare Change: Loose coins add up fast (some people have been collecting their change for years)! Don’t be shy about asking friends, family and neighbors to donate the spare change they have sitting in their car cup holders, junk drawers, piggy banks or coin jars. You’ll be surprised how quickly it all adds up! 

Purpose-Driven Yard Sale: Ask friends, family and neighbors to donate gently used items, then host a “Fundraising Yard Sale.” Use pink-inspired signs that showcase your 3-Day connection and story. Pro tip: Post your yard sale in local Facebook neighborhood groups and upload photos of your items with prices. Be sure to mention that all proceeds go toward your 3-Day goal. (Suggested price: at least $5 per item)

Pink Treat Stand: Set up a pink-themed popsicle, pink lemonade or iced coffee stand and get creative with signs that highlight the Komen 3-Day and breast cancer awareness. Add homemade treats, baked goods or dog treats to increase donations. Pro tip: Invite your kids or grandkids to help run the stand. People love supporting cute kids! (Suggested price: $2 popsicle/lemonade, $4 iced coffee)

Download the 3-Day App: Send out a fundraising email from the 3-Day app to everyone in your family and friends and ask for a minimum donation of $50.

Plan a Summer 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)

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) 

Organize a Sunset 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) 

Host a Summer Potluck: Invite your family and friends over for a summer afternoon potluck. Ask them to bring a small dish to share and a $20 donation to your 3-Day fundraiser. Be sure to talk about the event and share why you’re participating. Maybe someone will want to join your team!

Pink Bingo Night: Host a pink bingo night where guests can buy bingo cards and play for a chance to win fun prizes while supporting your 3-Day fundraising. Add snacks, raffles and pink-themed decorations!

Facebook Fundraiser: If you haven’t already, visit your Participant Center and connect your fundraiser to Facebook! It’s a quick way to share why you are joining the 3-Day with your entire social network. And remember, sometimes the people you least expect are the most generous. 

You’d be surprised how quickly a little summer fundraising can add up and make a big difference.  Every dollar you raise helps move us closer to a world without breast cancer. 

10 Simple and Fun Summer Fundraising Ideas

Fundraising may be taking a back seat to summer plans, but there are still plenty of easy ways to turn everyday moments into meaningful fundraising opportunities. Whether you’re collecting spare change, decluttering your closet or squeezing some lemons, these simple ideas can help boost your fundraising. 

Spare Change: Loose coins add up fast (some people have been collecting their change for years)! Don’t be shy about asking friends, family and neighbors to donate the spare change they have sitting in their car cup holders, junk drawers, piggy banks or coin jars. You’ll be surprised how quickly it all adds up! 

Purpose-Driven Yard Sale: Ask friends, family and neighbors to donate gently used items, then host a “Fundraising Yard Sale.” Use pink-inspired signs that showcase your 3-Day connection and story. Pro tip: Post your yard sale in local Facebook neighborhood groups and upload photos of your items with prices. Be sure to mention that all proceeds go toward your 3-Day goal. (Suggested price: at least $5 per item)

Pink Treat Stand: Set up a pink-themed popsicle, pink lemonade or iced coffee stand and get creative with signs that highlight the Komen 3-Day and breast cancer awareness. Add homemade treats, baked goods or dog treats to increase donations. Pro tip: Invite your kids or grandkids to help run the stand. People love supporting cute kids! (Suggested price: $2 popsicle/lemonade, $4 iced coffee)

Download the 3-Day App: Send out a fundraising email from the 3-Day app to everyone in your family and friends and ask for a minimum donation of $50.

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)

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) 

Organize a Sunset 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) 

Host a Summer Potluck: Invite your family and friends over for a summer afternoon potluck. Ask them to bring a small dish to share and a $20 donation to your 3-Day fundraiser. Be sure to talk about the event and share why you’re participating. Maybe someone will want to join your team!

Pink Bingo Night: Host a pink bingo night where guests can buy bingo cards and play for a chance to win fun prizes while supporting your 3-Day fundraising. Add snacks, raffles and pink-themed decorations!

Facebook Fundraiser: If you haven’t already, visit your Participant Center and connect your fundraiser to Facebook! It’s a quick way to share why you are joining the 3-Day with your entire social network. And remember, sometimes the people you least expect are the most generous. 

You may not think so, but sometimes the simplest ideas can lead to a lot of support.  Whatever fundraising angle you choose, every effort counts. Keep sharing why you are involved in the 3-Day and the support will follow! 

3-Day Summer Training Tips

Training for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® might not be the first thing on your to-do list this summer, but if you’re gearing up to take on the challenge, the warmer months are a great time to build up your stamina and spirit. Walking up to 60 miles over three days is no small feat, and neither is training in the summer heat. 

To help you walk strongly and safely, we’ve rounded up some smart, simple tips. 

  • Don’t underestimate the sun’s rays (especially on cloudy days). Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every time you train and reapply when needed. Don’t forget to cover your ears, lips and any exposed parts of your scalp (better yet, cover your head with a hat). Sunglasses can be helpful, too.  
  • Even if you don’t feel thirsty, drink LOTS of water and rotate in a sports drink for electrolytes while you train. Drink more fluids than usual and start hydrating the day before you plan to train. 
  • When you’re on a walk this summer, dress in moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics like bamboo fiber, spandex or nylon. These materials help regulate your body temperature and reduce chafing. If you can, wear light-colored clothing to help you stay cool.
  • Walking during early morning or late evenings is cooler and gentler on your skin. Look for shady parks and tree-lined trails to walk instead of blacktops or sunny sidewalks. If you can’t find any shade, bring a UV umbrella on your walk.
  • Listen to your body and its’ warning signs while training. If you start to feel dizzy or nauseous, or if you get a headache, stop walking and get to a cooler area to rest.
  • When you’re out training, always remain alert and be aware of your surroundings. Try not to walk alone, but if you must, tell a family member or friend where you’ll be walking and make sure your cell phone is fully charged. 

With the right mind-set and preparation, training in the summer can be manageable and fun! Stay focused and cool, and remember, every step you take during the 3-Day season brings us closer to a world without breast cancer. 

Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.