Fundraising Fears: How One Wish100 Rider is Overcoming the Fright of Asking for Donations

Fundraising. We all think the worst when we hear this word. We don’t want to bug people, or we are afraid they will feel pressure to donate. I will admit, that is totally me. I hate asking people to donate money. I will say that it is a lot easier when it is for a foundation like the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Most people know what the Make-A-Wish Foundation is all about. I have known about it since I was a little kid. Never did I think that it would become a part of my life. I couldn't have ever imagined that I would have a son that would be eligible to make his own wish. So, that amazing foundation that used to be something that I knew of and thought was awesome, has now become something that I hold very dear in my heart. When your child’s world is turned upside down, and their life is hospital and doctors, how can you show them happiness? How can you give them their greatest wish? That is when Make-A-Wish steps in and puts a light in your child’s eyes. I can say it over and over and it will always bring tears to my eyes, because Make-A-Wish honestly works miracles in the lives of children. Their medications might physically be keeping them alive, but unless they have something to live for, sometimes the medicine isn't enough. The whole process of a wish is just magical. It is indescribable, and unless you ever become a part of an actual wish you will never understand just how important this one wish is to these children. I have been on the receiving end of a wish, but someday I hope to be on the giving end of a wish. To raise enough money to fund a whole wish, or to be a volunteer and become a wish granter would be a reminder to me every day of the generosity of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

So today, FUNDRAISING! I know it is hard, but there are so many good people out there that want to give and don’t know where their money would do the best good. Get out there and tell them that Make-A-Wish is it. I am surprised every day at how generous people are.

I have made a little tool this week to help you boost your fundraising efforts. I gathered many photos from friends I have made on our cancer journey. I put them together in a movie. Though it shows the highlights of a few wishes, you can’t feel that indescribable feeling by watching a movie. The feeling when the the wish granters look your child in the eyes and tell them that their wish is granted. The look on their face is priceless. Some of them have been captured by photo’s but it will never do justice to the feeling that our family felt.

So take this movie and do with it what you want. Link it up on your facebook, your blogs, and send it out on email. Let’s show everyone just how special these Utah kids are. Let’s show them that every child deserves to have their wish and SO much more!!!



(Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the blog to mute the music so you don't have 2 songs playing at once)

(Click this link to view on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liu3OWTVxUU) 

-Dani P., Chase's Mom and Wish100 Rider


Dani is submitting weekly guest blogger entries as she prepares for her adventure at the Wish100. Click here to see her first entry. To learn more about the ride, to register or make a donation, visit www.wish100utah.org.