Unleash Your Story: Make a Difference

I’m checking in from Uruguay to talk about getting the word out for our 2009 Unleash Your Story event. We’ve started on Facebook where our list of fans has grown from 25 to 66 overnight. Sure that’s a long way from the 1,000 fans we hope to have before our event starts at the end of August, but it is a great start.

Let’s take a minute to talk about our goals. Last year, we made over $11,000, which was great for our first year. This year we will raise over $20,000. How can we do that in a down economy where people have tighter budgets and little left for charitable giving? We continue with our philosophy of many small gifts. The beauty of our event is that we don’t rely on a few large donors. Instead, we spread the wealth to a lot of small donors.

Did I really say spread the wealth? Of course! Because we all know just how good it feels to give to a great cause. To feel as though we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. To truly make a difference in the lives of others and contribute to making the world a better place. Honestly, there is no better form a wealth than simply feeling content.

Now for the math. Last year we had around 140 participants to raise that $11,000. That works out to around $80 per participant. Let’s assume that this year the average will go down to $50 per participant. To reach $20,000 we will need 400 participants. Let’s hedge out bets by aiming for 500 participants and be sure to make our goal.

What can you do to help? First, start by helping us get the word out. If you are a Facebook user, you can start by becoming a fan of our page. Then encourage all your Facebook friends to become fans too.

Next, start talking to your reader or writer friends about forming an Unleash Your Story team. Think about your reading, writing and fund raising goals. Help us reach our goal of 500 participants and we will meet or exceed our $20,000 fund raising goal.

Together we can make a difference in the lives of young people with cystic fibrosis.