Put The Fun In Fundraiser Creative Ways To Make A Difference Jess Hanebury D’Amico
If you’re like anyone that I’ve ever met, you want to give back more to the community around you. And if you’re like all those same people, you’re challenged by time, choices, and not knowing where to start. I have good news — you’ve already started! The secret to doing more good is to do more of what you love. I love riding my bike, cross-stitching, hosting events, doodling, graphic design, friendly competition, watching TV and being a weirdo. I’ve paired a charitable cause with every single one of those interests to raise money for issues I’m passionate about. ESPECIALLY being a weirdo. The best part? I had a blast doing it and my friends and family couldn’t wait to get involved. Most recently, I brought my love of layering charitable components onto stuff I already love to my new home in Orlando, where I hosted the first annual Jesstivus: a cornhole tournament to celebrate my birthday and raise money for charity. In total, our 24-team tournament raised over $2,300 and I can’t wait to double it next year. 42
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Here’s a few other ways I’ve made some money for charity using one or a few of my interests: → Facebook Live Plank Challenge: I planked for 1 second for every $5 donated. → Squats and Compliments: I did a squat and gave a compliment to everyone who donated $5 on Facebook Live. → Cross stitch raffle on Instagram stories: selling things for charity is great but selling raffle tickets earns more money per piece. → Pep Talks from Art: I sold custom pep talk videos from my dad (the King of Pep Talks) in exchange for donations. People loved them and he had a blast recording them! → Thankful :30 Podcast: An audio mashup of people recording what they’re thankful for during the pandemic. Admittedly, this one takes a little audio editing chops, but use the special skills YOU have to make something only you can do.