In the realm of major gift & capital campaign fundraising -one thing is for certain...
Volunteerism is a key to raising significant revenues, accessing advocates to further the cause has no price but has great value. It can't be done with them. I recently said to a Founder of a wonderful organization that nothing happens without a 'champion'. Often this is a passionate volunteer who freely gives of their time, talent, and treasure.
But what about us who are 'paid to raise'? Do we need to give of our time as well? Absolutely. I am a better practitioner because of my unpaid involvements in organizations like Rotary International, AFP Global, among others.
Today I wish to let you know about an organization that I volunteer with, that is all volunteer run -no paid staff at all.
M4M www.Medals4Mettle.org was started by Dr. Steve Isenberg MD almost 20 years ago.
Competitive runners like myself award medals to cancer patients, plus others with life-threatening conditions. Both children and adults who are in the throws of cancer are the recipients of medals to encourage them in their own race. to date, an astounding 70,000 medals have been given. Wow.
The medals are awarded to individuals who are "running a much more difficult race," often with an unknown finish line. The mission of M4M is to appreciate the pay-it-forward concept that links the distance runner’s mettle with the mettle it takes to battle life challenges. The donor's acknowledgement of the recipient's mettle encourages the recipient and creates a human connection honouring the grit, courage, and bravery they share. #medals4mettle #doitbecause
well done! Community service at its best