Creative Fundraising: A Blogging Bake Sale
Looking for a fundraising idea? Meghann, athlete and blogger, has found a creative way to turn something she loves to do into a fundraiser for her Team in Training and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I recently had the chance to talk with Meghann and learn about her fund raising efforts. Check out how she has used the help of fellow food and health bloggers to support an important cause!
You are currently training to run the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon in an effort to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. What motivated you to participate in this effort?
Running a marathon started to become a dream of mine after I completed my first half marathon back in December 08. A friend in a running group I belonged to saw that marathon spark in my eye and told me that for my first marathon I should look into Team in Training. I would be able to raise money for a great cause and have a group of amazing people to train with in the process.
After learning more about the organization I knew this would be the perfect way to take on my first marathon, to make a difference not only to myself, but to the thousands out there who are suffering. I have had so many people tell me how Team in Training and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has impacted them for the better whether they have had to fight a blood born cancer themselves or witness a family member or friend receive the aid needed. Hearing all these stories ensures me that the funds I raise are really going to make a difference.
You have organized a fundraiser called the Blogging Bake Sale through your food blog, The Inner Workings of a College Graduate. Will you explain how this event works?
The Blogging Bake Sale kicks off on April 6th at 11:00 am EST on my blog. Fellow bloggers and readers have offered to bake and donate over 40 baked goods for the cause. On April 6th I will put up a post listing all of the baked goods for sale. Readers will then have a chance to send me an e-mail bidding on the goods they would like to purchase with a minimum bid of $20. Throughout the day I will update the post with the highest bid on each item at that moment. I will cut off bidding at midnight EST.
I will then e-mail the highest bidder to inform them of their winnings and give them the opportunity to donate the amount to my Team in Training donation site. Once the donation has gone through I will contact the volunteer baker with the bidder’s mailing address and it will be the baker’s responsibility to ship the goods.
Have you done a Blogging Bake Sale for previous fundraisers? If so, was it a success?
Yes, this is my second Blogging Bake Sale. The first one occurred on February 9th, 2009 and was such a success – raising over $1,300 – it seemed only natural to have another go around. This time around, though, it will be bigger and better. Other than that, I am a novice at fundraising and have just been very lucky to find success with this.
How can people get involved in your bake sale?
I am filled to the max with bakers, but for those who would like to purchase bake sale goods they can tune into my blog on April 6th at 11:00am EST and bid on the items available. We have a lot of variety of treats to choose from that can suit any dietary need.
Any tips for people out there trying to plan their own fundraising effort?
Yes, find a niche for what you love and explore ideas within that. I love blogging and realized there was a whole community out there ready and willing to support me, just as I am ready and willing to support them. Don’t be afraid to rely on supporters. Take a crazy idea and make it work. I mean, who knew an Online Bake Sale would be such a success? Don’t be afraid to take chances!
Photo by Chance Agrella, Free Range Stock
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