Jogging Mommy

Posted on the 05 February, 2012 at 2:56 pm
Written by in Fundraising, News

In case you are wondering about the title, that’s one I came up with years ago for e-bay with everything else associated with my real name was taken.  But, I am a jogging mommy and THIS is my story:

When Paula first talked about doing a race for a fundraiser, I assumed it would be local.  I enjoy running for exercise, though I am not particularly fast.  I have completed 4 marathons and 1 half-marathon, but still find it hard to call myself a runner.  It was a natural fit that the Carters would want to participate in the Disney World Marathon, since Scott loved Disney and they are pretty much a Disney family.  I really wanted to go and support the cause, but I knew it wasn’t in the cards for me to take my whole family this year, and I was VERY nervous about raising the money.

I twisted my good friend’s arm (Kim), and she agreed to join me on the venture.  Setting up a fundraising page was very easy.  The site we used to register walked me through the whole thing.  The next thing I should have done was emailed my friends and family. However, I was too chicken to do that.  Instead, I posted a link on Facebook and thought I would see if I could raise anything.  Daniel and I had already agreed we would just pay for the trip if it was impossible to fundraise.  I was NOT going to be begging friends for money.

Within minutes of posting it to Facebook, the good Lord provided.  I was halfway to my goal.  I couldn’t believe it.  The people that gave were not the people I thought might give.  Most were unlikely suspects that wouldn’t have been on my list had I sent that email.  I was so shocked and so touched by their generosity, that I have made my own little vow:  every time someone fundraises for a charity on Facebook I’m giving, even if it’s just $25.  Over the course of 4 months I posted the link 2 more times.  I raised over the amount necessary.  It was so easy!

We went back and did some analyzing.  My average donation was $100.  It didn’t require some big donor.  Kim’s average donation was $50.  It was easy and I never had to beg.

I hope you will consider running next year.  Please don’t let the fundraising scare you away.  There’s nothing to it, especially if you have a Facebook account.

That's Kim in the front on the far right and I am sitting next to her.

Next year’s Disney World Marathon Weekend is January 10-13, 2013.  Mark your calendar now and make plans to run either the half-marathon, full marathon or relay!

Amanda Herrold

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