Blackbaud’s 2011 Peer-to-Peer Event Fundraising survey reveals the top five reasons that motivated an individual to fund raise for an organization:

• 69% felt a personal or emotional connection
• 50% responded to a request by friend or family
• 37% were drawn to the physical challenge
• 35% wanted to benefit the local community
• 32% wanted to be part of a company or group team

3fold has formed a team for the 2012 Fight for the Air Climb presented by the American Lung Association.  Can’t you just see it, “The 3fold Sherpas – Born to Climb!”  And we fit right in to this matrix:

• Some of us have lost family or friends to lung cancer and other breathing related illnesses.
• We were invited by our good friend, Kimberly Weich Reusché, VP for Programs at the American Lung Assoc of California.
• Even a couple of us (not me) are excited about the physical challenge of climbing 34 floors of stairs for this good cause (go ahead, call it a vertical road race – still sounds painful).
• 3fold is all about our community.
• And others will join with us because we 3folders have such a good time together!

Whatever your cause, and whatever your event’s theme, success can depend on how well you engage the community.  We want to feel a part of something in order to support it; and if you’re a fundraiser, it’s your job to help us feel a part of your mission.

Meanwhile, want to join the 3fold Sherpas – Born to Climb team?  We’d love to have you help us raise $10,000 and have some fun on 24 March.  To sign up or donate to our team, go to http://bit.ly/A3thza.