Thursday, December 17, 2009

Organize Breast Cancer Fundraising Events

While the American Cancer Society estimates the 5 year survival rate is about 90 percent, there is still no cure for breast cancer. In addition, the cost incurred by both men and women who have breast cancer is more than many people can afford. Fund-raising events to support research, therapy and treatment will continue to be necessary for as long as breast cancer is a threat.


Instructions








1. Decide on the type of event you wish to organize. Fund-raiser options include dinner events, walk-a-thons, bake or candy sales, tea parties or car washes.








2. Ask individuals for help organizing your event. Volunteers can help organize the event, while bringing other ideas and resources to the table.


3. Secure a location for your event. Let the venue know you are organizing a breast cancer fund-raising event and ask them to discount the cost of the location--or allow you to use it for free.


4. Ask businesses for help fund your event. If you are organizing a fund-raising dinner, ask your local grocer to donate or discount some of the food. Other local businesses may also want to donate gift items, which can be used for a silent auction to raise more money.


5. Call your local hospital and ask if it has programs for women who cannot afford mammograms. This information can (and should) be incorporated into the event program.


6. Find the names and numbers of oncology nurses, doctors or breast cancer survivors when contacting the local hospital. These individuals would make excellent guest speakers at your fund-raising event.


7. Spread the word about your event throughout the community. A press release to local newspapers, radio stations and news channels can be quite effective. You might also want to post fliers and leave information concerning upcoming events wherever possible.


8. Print a program to give attendees, telling them about the fund-raiser. List the entertainment and silent auction items. Include information on breast cancer and the organization you are donating the funds to.


9. Send thank you notes or press releases, thanking everyone for a successful event. When sending press releases, it is appropriate to include the final total of monies raised for breast cancer.

Tags: breast cancer, your event, breast cancer, also want, fund-raising event, local hospital, press releases