Most of us have been affected by cancer at some point in our lives. This is hardly surprising considering that one in six deaths worldwide can be attributed to cancer. Whether we have suffered ourselves or have friends or family members who have been diagnosed, one of the most effective ways to combat it is through awareness and ongoing research.
This February, during National Cancer Prevention month, why not make a company-wide contribution to these efforts with a team fundraiser? Raise awareness, raise money, and raise your overall fitness levels to promote a longer and healthier life!
Cancer is a global disease. But we can combat it at the local level.
Why National Cancer Prevention Month Matters
According to research by the American Cancer Society, 40 percent of cancer cases and half of cancer-related deaths can be attributed to preventable factors, including small lifestyle changes. This makes it all the more valuable to ensure people are informed about how they can best protect themselves through preventive measures. And one of the most effective ways to raise awareness is through collective action.
That’s why we recommend that you get your co-workers together to organize a fundraiser in honor of National Cancer Prevention Month. Come together as a team to build long-lasting healthy habits and donate all your proceeds to a good cause.
How to Organize a Successful National Cancer Prevention Month Fundraiser
Once you’ve got your team on board, it’s time to start the planning process.
- What will your fundraiser be?
- What do you want to achieve?
- How do you plan to keep participants engaged and involved?
Take these steps to help ensure a successful event.
Choose your fundraising activity
If your company produces sugary snacks, then maybe choosing a fundraising activity that targets healthier eating won’t go over too well with the CEO. Be sure to choose a fundraising activity that aligns with your company’s values. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your morals and promote unhealthy eating. Maybe your fundraiser can focus more on exercise and everyday movement. Be sure to choose an activity that will inspire everyone to ensure your goals stay on track.
Define clear goals
Define your goals early on so everyone knows what they’re working towards.
- How much money do you want to earn?
- Who do you plan to donate it to?
- What long-term positive health effects do participants hope to achieve for themselves?
Track progress
Keeping track of how far you’ve come and where you’re headed will help keep everyone involved motivated and on target.
Whatever event you choose, make sure it appeals to as many people as possible to maximize engagement and
motivation.
Three Fundraising Ideas for National Cancer Prevention Month
This is the fun part. Remember, your fundraising event should be uniquely specific to your participants and your company to ensure maximum enthusiasm and engagement. Here are some ideas we think are great:
Organize a team walkathon, marathon, bikeathon, step challenge etc.
This is a great idea because it not only spreads awareness about cancer, it also gets participants moving and is a team-building event. All you need to do is:
- Separate into teams: Teamwork is better than solo work when it comes to big goals. Plus, having a team keeps people motivated to do their best. Make sure each team is balanced. Don’t put all your seasoned athletes in one group. Create teams that can support each other.
- Find sponsors: Find individuals or other companies to sponsor your team. Maybe a flat sum per mile/kilometer biked. Or maybe a one-off goodwill donation. Every little bit counts.
- Some specific ideas are:
- Start moving!
For some reason, Jake preferred to do push-ups in the conference room
Donation-based yoga or fitness class
Almost everyone knows a qualified yoga instructor or a personal trainer. So have them come over once a week for a personalized fitness session. Course participants can then make a donation to participate. First:
- Find the right trainer: Maybe it’s even a co-worker! It will be important to have a class that everyone can participate in, regardless of skill level.
- Spread the word: Decide if the event is only open to employees or if family members and friends can also get involved. If you’ve got the space, the more the merrier!
- "Om…" 🧘
Silent Auction with Local Businesses
If you want to get more people involved, consider collaborating with local businesses to host a silent auction. Get them to donate services, gift certificates, suitable items, etc, then have a company-wide or neighborhood silent auction, with all funds going to your cause. Start by:
- Getting businesses on board: What could you auction off? Maybe a smart watch from an electronics store, a weekly gym membership or private training session from a local fitness studio, or gift certificate to a health food store. Decide on some attractive auction goodies and start canvassing the community for fundraising partners.
- Creating a buzz: Have a team responsible for each partner and item and be sure the local businesses join your efforts to spread the word about the auction.
- Get bidding!
Whatever fundraiser you choose, remember to keep it fun. We’ll skip the obvious dad joke here, but you hopefully get it! This will be a great way to build team spirit, promote community outreach, and support a good cause.
Here’s How KeepTheScore Will Keep You on Track
Now that you’re ready to get started, let KeepTheScore help you achieve your goals. Here’s how!
- Create a goal tracker.
- Choose a name for your tracker and a goal value.
- Click on Settings to choose a new theme or layout or add your own logo. You can also change the default colors and background image.
- Start tracking your goal!
KeepTheScore goal tracker in action
Do you have any questions or insights? Share them with us in the comments section! And if you want regular inspiration on how to use KeepTheScore, sign up for our newsletter.
