Title: Episode #0090 Fundraising For A Cure

Gwen Shusterman discusses various ideas on FUNDRAISING for a cause.
This year Team Boomer – Fighting Cystic Fibrosis will have over 100 runners competing in the

ING New York City Marathon - ALL will be running and fundraising for a cause…

Team Boomer – Fighting Cystic Fibrosis was set up through the Boomer Esiason Foundation to

help raise funds for the fight against cystic fibrosis and raise awareness to the importance of

exercise for people with CF.

Team Boomer’s goal is to improve the “quality of life” and “lifespan” of individuals with CF

through the power of “daily exercise”. As therapeutic developments increase the lifespan of CF

patients so does the need for further education in the area of exercise.


-    Gwen believes there is no secret to fundraising; “It’s an art and partly as science…

fundraising is personal so you have to do it in your own style”.

-    “Come up with a game plan: First think of a target number and then think of

EVERYONE you know who you can possibly approach,” states Gwen.

-    Think outside the box… “People are going to surprise you. All those people I said to

put on the list – the acquaintances, your kid’s friend’s parents, an old boyfriend/girlfriend, the

person you met at a conference last month – they all add up” states Gwen.

-    Once you have your list together the next step is setting up a First Giving page:

www.firstgiving.com/TeamBoomer.

-    “Next take your list and send out an email blast with your fundraising page info to ALL

your contacts” states Gwen.

-    Other ideas for fundraising include special events such as happy hour at a local bar,

golf events, school events, and many companies have “matching gift” programs.

-    Why Can’t I tell people what my minimum is? “Really, if you entered this kind of event

(marathon) then I doubt you’re the kind of person who just settles on the minimum” states Gwen

-    A lot of work? “If you mean does fundraising take time – yes it does! To be successful

you have to personalize your story and it’s really important to start early!” states Gwen.

-    Final thoughts… “I think anyone who is willing to do something like join TEAM BOOMER

is amazing. It takes a special person to make this kind of commitment. Use your passion. Good

luck!