Fundraising tips

We know we’re asking a lot. But, cancer’s a big problem and it will take all of us to solve. So let’s raise money and end cancer.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started and hit (or exceed) your goal. Just think: when we achieve our collective goal, you’ll know you were part of history.

1) Make it easy for people to donate to your fundraising efforts

  • Create a fundraising page in your Participant Center where you can share your story and explain why you are committed to Obliteride
  • Create and distribute a personalized URL, linking donors directly to your donation form

2) Start early and build your community

Gather names and contact information for your network, and ask for donations early and often. Here’s a list of common contacts to kick-start your thinking:

  • Family
  • Friends
  • Acquaintances
  • Companies/corporations (vendors, suppliers, partners, customers)
  • Colleagues
  • Fellow students
  • Employer
  • Clients
  • Fellow alumni
  • Neighbors
  • Clubs or organizations to which you belong
  • Church or religious groups
  • Community businesses
  • Doctor(s)
  • Dry cleaner
  • Veterinarian
  • Banker
  • Attorney
  • Dentist
  • Hair stylist
  • Travel agent
  • Mechanic
  • Fitness instructor
  • Insurance agent

3) Explain how Obliteride is like no other pledge ride
 

Thanks to our sponsors, 100% of EVERY dollar raised benefits lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch.
 

4) Utilize your social (media) network

  • Email people you know. Request donations, share training and fundraising updates, and be sure to thank everyone for their support.
  • Create a fan base from your 578 friends on Facebook. Ask each of them to skip their morning joe and give $5 to you for Obliteride. Hands down, easiest and fastest way to fundraise.
  • Tweet updates from your training and fundraising activities. Invite friends and family to join you … for a ride or for a donation.
  • Make a video about your journey and why it’s important to you; post to YouTube and let it go viral.

5) Challenge yourself

Set a stretch goal beyond your fundraising commitment and imagine yourself achieving that goal. Stay positive and remember why you’re doing this – it’s all about ending cancer.

6) Talk about your commitment and make the ask

Tell everyone you know and meet that you’re supporting Obliteride. The more you talk about your commitment, the more excited you and everyone around you will be about your goal. Then ask them to support you: be specific and make it personal.

7) Be bold!

Ask BIG because what you are doing is big and surviving cancer is big. Obliterating cancer– now, that’s BIG! Just ask – you’ll be surprised how many people will be honored you asked for their support.

8)  Get creative

Host a fundraising event to help you meet your fundraising commitment, including:

  • Art benefit show
  • Auction
  • Bake sale
  • Bicycle ride
  • Book sale
  • Car wash
  • Chili cook-off
  • Concert
  • Craft sale
  • Fundraising party
  • Golf or mini golf tournament
  • Lemonade stand
  • Pancake breakfast
  • Raffle
  • Spaghetti dinner
  • Yard or garage sale
You can also:
  • Post flyers on bulletin boards at your local coffee shop;
  • Ask your donors to spread the word and ask their own networks to support you, too; and
  • Ask for donations in lieu of gifts for special occasions such as holidays, your birthday, anniversary, etc.

9)  Matching Gifts!

Matching gifts are a quick, easy way to meet your fundraising goal. Remind your donors to find out if their company has a matching gift program. The process is simple and quickly DOUBLES their generous donation! Once their donation has been made, have your donor contact their employer's HR matching gifts rep to submit the paperwork to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Ensure they reference your name AND Obliteride so we can properly credit the matching gift to your fundraising commitment upon receipt.
 

10)  Say thanks!

Send personal thank you notes to everyone who supports you, hosts an event for you or provides influence. Thank them immediately and then follow up after Obliteride, with a review of your amazing weekend. Help them see how their support will help obliterate cancer.
 

Pacesetter Program

Set the bar high! Every Obliteride participant is going above and beyond to raise money, ride or volunteer, and will be rewarded. That said, if you top the list, we mean, really go above and beyond … we’ll call you out, shower you with praise, and celebrate your impact with you.  

Here’s how it works: A Pacesetter is a rider who chooses to DOUBLE their fundraising commitment (e.g., you’re riding the 25-mile route and commit to raise $2,000, DOUBLE the minimum fundraising commitment for that route) and thereby accelerates the pace at which we can fund lifesaving cancer research. As a Pacesetter you’ll receive special amenities and of course, bragging rights.

Simply put, this is what what it takes to be a Pacesetter:

  • 25-mile route = $2,000 minimum fundraising commitment
  • 50-mile route = $2,500 minimum fundraising commitment
  • 100-mile route = $3,000 minimum fundraising commitment
  • 180-mile route = $3,950 minimum fundraising commitment

Questions? Contact Obliteride Outreach Manager Melissa Opland at melissa@obliteride.org or 206.667.1338.