Need some inspiration? Learn from one of our successful fundraisers.

Meet Michael Ellis - On October 5, he ran the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon to benefit the Special Friends Foundation. As a first-time fundraiser, he reached his initial goal of $2500 in less than 2 weeks after his Firstgiving page went live.

Now, a couple months after he started fundraising and a week after his marathon, he’s at $10,842.

Michael ran the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon because
After last year’s heat wave altered his first marathon experience, Michael decided to run the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon again, but this time he wanted to give his run a bit more significance.

Michael is fundraising because
His youngest daughter, Addie was diagnosed at 2 ½ years old with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RTS), a rare condition that impacts physical and cognitive development, and can incur a variety of different medical problems such as respiratory infections, cardiac abnormalities, etc.

After receiving the diagnosis, Special Friends Foundation was the first group he and his wife turned to – it made perfect sense to give back to the organization that had given so much to Michael and his family.

Also, it made it easier for Michael to strengthen his “Why I should run another marathon” case to his wife.

Michael is raising money for the Special Friends Foundation because
In addition to being the go-to organization for information and resources on RTS, Special Friends Foundation provides assistance to cover expenses for individuals with RTS and their families.

The Special Friends Foundation also connects families with other families under similar circumstances so that they can share resources and information.

Michael’s has raised more than $10,842
Getting started was simple. “Firstgiving made it so easy to go from an idea to putting my page up,” he said.

“It’s easier to go thru the training and run the marathon when you’re working for a cause and have raised $10,000,” said Michael. “My fundraising experience reminded me that I have a great life and wonderful people around me.”

Fundraising tips Michael used to raise money

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for donations – people are always looking to help
2. After you send your initial email blast, send updates and remind people that you are still fundraising. People want to donate, but sometimes they forget.
3. Ask your family and friends to share your fundraising efforts with others.
   “My wife forwarded my email to her friends and colleagues and also placed a Firstgiving widget on her blog to give exposure, while my eldest daughter went around the neighborhood with a pamphlet on the Special Friends Foundation and link to my fundraising page,.” Michael said.
4. Remind people about matching contributions - many employers offer matching donations on charitable contributions so this is a great way to get you to and beyond your goal.
5. Send a post race or event recap letting everyone know how you did and how the fundraising has gone. It gives you another opportunity to thank everyone who’s given, but is also another reminder to those who may yet give.