Most people I try to convince to do the 3-Day say the same thing, "I have no idea how I'll raise such a huge amount". Nevermind training for 4 months, logging between 200 and 300 miles per season, and spending weekends out on the road walking...people are most concerned about the fundraising. My son is not like most people. He has stepped up to the challenge like it's no big deal...you would think after years of watching me raise money and recruit walkers, he would have a better appreciation for the time and effort that goes into fighting breast cancer!
I called a meeting of the Juggernauts as a formal opening of the 3-Day season. I'm a planner...Alex, on the otherhand, is a "it'll just happen" sort of guy (which may be the downside of having a mother that plans and makes things happen). I knew to get him to collaborate...it'd have to make the meeting more attractive than sitting at home talking about fundraising, I'd have to provide food. Enter: Applebee's, home of the chicken fajita wrap and french fries.
The meeting started off great...neither of us remembered a pen or paper. After rummaging through my purse and begging a pen off the waitress, we were ready to record our "path to the big tent" (in every city, the walker that raises the most money and his/her tentmate gets a tent 3x bigger than the others equipped with cots. At the 2009 Denver walk, the top fundraiser collected $22K...the 2010 San Diego top fundraiser logged in $44K!).
Once settled, we started talking business. Of course, we will be having a garage sale. Mainly, to raise money...secondarily to clear the 3rd part of the garage so Alex's car can fit. The date will be around the beginning of March. We will accept any and everybody's hidden treasures...an opportunity to clean out garages AND support a great cause! I will be in charge of the garage sale and Alex will help.
Next, Alex suggested he could call Walmart stores in the Seattle area, since the company emphasizes local donations (they've been great throughout the 5 years I walked in AZ). We decided on an event outside of the local store in May that Alex is also in charge of organizing. In year's past, this event has raised several hundred $.
We've come up with a couple of new things for 2011. My favorite coffee spot, Maui Wowi in Gilbert, has agreed to support us with a fundraiser. It's in San Tan mall, so I'm hoping to attract business for the coffee place, while raising a ton for the walk. I've also collected coffee cans to decorate and give to friends and family. This way, supporters can gather change at various locations to donate to our walk.
The meeting came to a close when the check came...lots of solid ideas and decisions were made. Here's to hope that this is the year we'll be in the big tent in Seattle, celebrating a cure!
