Paddle for Wheelchairs

Get motivated to start fundraising by what this Team Mobility athlete did to support FWM.

Tim, second from right, organized a "Paddle for Wheelchairs"

Team Mobility Athlete: Tim Lukei (second from the right)

Location: Newport Beach, CA

Background: A staff member at Mariner’s Church, Tim has been a supporter of FWM for years. He’s also the owner of an up-and-coming paddleboard company, Pirate Coast Paddle Company.

The Story: He created and held an event called Paddle for Wheelchairs on Thursday, August 25^th in Newport Beach, inviting people to donate the price of a wheelchair in exchange for a a free dinner (donated by Bluewater Grill), an entry to win raffle prizes, and a chance to paddleboard for free. About 30 people attended the event, along with FWM staff Sandi, Claressa, Jessica, and Mike. Most of the funds were collected online via their Team Mobility fundraising website, and the rest was given on event day for last minute additions. Tim publicized his event on his company’s webpage, and by word of mouth.

Lives Transformed to Date: over 30

The crew

FWM Staff Jessica, Claressa, and Mike at the event

Take-Away Tip: Use the resources you already have (like Tim did with his company and professional network), and leverage them for a good cause.

How To: Ask for Money Without Feeling Awkward

Many first-time fundraisers are intimidated by the idea of asking for money. This fear is completely normal, and also, completely avoidable. Read over these tips to bolster your confidence and remind you why you are doing this:

1)       Remember that you’re not begging for money, you’re inviting people to a part of a cause that you’re passionate about. You know the worthiness of the cause – otherwise you wouldn’t have chosen to get involved! All you have to do now is share that enthusiasm with others, and help them recognize the merit of your cause.

2)       No one will give if they’re not asked. It seems simple, but it’s true!

3)       Always begin a talk with a potential donor by simply sharing your enthusiasm for Free Wheelchair Mission, you’ll be amazed at how many people will ask “Where do I send the check?”

4)       Don’t be intimidated to remind people about your efforts after you’ve spoken with them once – life is busy and your letter may have gotten buried at the bottom of the stack, not because they don’t want to give, but because they simply forgot!

5)       You’re really giving people the opportunity to do something for a greater good. Many people really do care and want to help others out, but it’s easy to get wrapped up in personal things and forget about the bigger picture. Educating them about the challenges that the physically disabled face in other countries can help broaden their worldview, and through their donation, can give them the satisfaction of knowing they have done something great. 

Consider the impact of the following quotes as you begin your campaign to bring hope, dignity, and independence to individuals and families across the world: 

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” - Anne Frank

“Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” - Martin Luther King. Jr.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” - Mohandas Gandhi

Happy fundraising!

Run for Mobility 2012 is here!

Registration now open for the Run for Mobility 2012

The most frequent comment on our end-of-the-year fundraiser survey last year was (by far!) "I wish I had started fundraising sooner!"

Don't be a statistic and wait for the last minute to fundraise. Get started now!