Have you had a personal fundraiser?

[Ashley]

I'm interested if any of you had family/friends hold a fundraiser for you after injury, and if so, how many fundraisers did you have? You don't need to explain specifics if you're not comfortable, I just wonder how many of us have gotten community support for extra sci-related finances? PM me if you'd rather not share publically. Thanks.

[Mombo]

Ashley, we were really lucky in that our community (small So. CA beach town) really came thru for us. I worked for a Catholic elementary school and the families were amazing - they jumped in and raised alot of money for my son. As a result, between our community and my school, we were able to afford Project Walk for a couple of years and alot of the extras that our insurance would not cover.

[patd]

Hi Ashley, My brothers re-built my bike (motorcycle) and organized a raffle. They sold tickets, but called them contributions. Many took part and I picked the winner at a National motorcycle event and hended some lucky guy my re-built bike. It more than paid for the bike.

Pat

[Freedom92]

My biker bretheren held a fund raiser motorcycle ride and silent auction that was very successful. It's amazing how everybody pulls together in the time of need.

There was a trust fund set up to handle all the dontions.

The same group are talking about holding another run this summer. This time I'll be riding my bike with the pack.

[jsnova53]

I was injured when I was 16. There were @ least 5 fund raisers for me back then and @ the time, my family and I needed every penny. My friends organized a hoagie sale, there was a huge party for me at the local skating rink w/ over 500 people from my high school, at one party- my parents friends and families had a park rented out (In philly) there were hundreds of family n friends there all connected in one way or another, and some beef and beers---- They raised over $20,000 for me! It's amazing what people are willing to do when you need it! I was able to get my 1st car and things I needed to make the house accessible until my pip fund from my parents auto insurance took over...

Are people trying to raise money for you? Just curious what you want to know?

Hope all is well,

~John

[Bobo1974]

I had one right after my accident. My family is really big into tennis so we had it at a tennis facility. They had free time on the courts and the silent auction went on one court. There were alot of people who donated cool stuff but the biggest sellers were the autographed balls and pictures from sport stars. It was amazing how many people come together when you ask them to.

[brainandspinalcord]

If you are thinking about a fundraiser, you should also think about setting up a special needs trust beforehand, if you're worried about the income interfering with any of your benefits.

[laurenswaha11]

We do a yearly bike rally for my friend who was in an accident...We travel close to 100 miles and have a big cookout afterwards. Its always a big success.

[waters3]

About 6 mos after ant's accident and we knew we were bringing him home his half-sister had a fundraiser at her work, she is marketing director for the Blue Martini in Tampa a local jewelry store donated a pretty expensive piece of jewelry for the raffle and 20% of the cover charge went to Anthony. We already had a special needs trust set up. And all the money went into it for helping us hire care in the home when he came home.

His Aunt in California who owns a very successful Day Spa in Walnut Creek, CA had a fundraiser and raised over $20,000.

Our biker friends here in FL put together a poker run and rally in 2004 and they did a great job and I really didin't have to do anything. I did learn how to do it though by watching everything.

I have been doing one now since 2005 and even doing 2 this year with the help of our Moose Lodge. But only now the money goes to the Miami Project.

If you need any ideas let me know.

[Mike Honcho]

I had friends that organized a weekend softball tournament for me for 3 summers after I became a permanent sitter downer.

[feisty]

My best guy friends are DJs so they spun records one night at my favorite bar and the bar gave them the night to charge a cover and give me 100% of the proceeds. They also included their booking fees in the pot. While in the bar, 10 minutes before last call, the 2 hot chicks I was out with the night of my accident carried around a huge bucket and scooped everyone for their pocket change. (The pocket change alone came to about 500 bucks). They also held a huge bikini car wash and with all the events combined my friends paid my rent, utilities and bills for my entire hospital stay, brought me in an xbox and movies to my hospital room and gve my brother a nice chunk of change to help manage the move from my non-wc friendly Craftsman to the house I'm in now.

Since my release from the hospital, I haven't done any fundraising out of fear that it will interfere with my insurance and/or benefits.

[Chef]

Hi Ashley,
we held two large fundraisers right after I got out of the rehab hospital, one run and one chili cookout. We ended up raising around $30,000 which was able to help with buying a van and for some modifications done to my parents house. My town was extremely supportive and helped in any way they could, such as doing all the work for the modifications for free. Really quite incredible. Now, I hold a fundraiser each year and the proceeds go towards research. Just a simple little thing but every little bit helps. Good luck with many fundraiser you end up organizing or taking part in!
-- Colin