Cape Cod's Team Moore: Successful FUNdraising Strategies

Team Moore

Team Moore is a top Cape Cod Family Team. They have raised over $34,000 for the March of Dimes since 2005. Laurie is a dedicated long-time volunteer of the March of Dimes and we are very grateful to her and her family.

The Moore Family: Laurie & Joel, Halle (11), Emily (9), Hannah (7), Samantha (7)

We have been involved with the March of Dimes since 2003 when Hannah and Samantha were born at 28 weeks, nearly 3 months too soon.  Hannah weighed 2 pounds, 15 ounces and Samantha a mere 1 pound, 7 ounces.  They both faced countless hurdles during their first few months, many of which seemed insurmountable, but they were strong and feisty and they amazed us all.  Between the two of them, we faced brain bleeds, blood transfusions, infections, respiratory distress, and surgeries.  The neonatal intensive care unit at Tufts Medical Center became our home away from home.  We celebrated many of their “firsts” in the NICU, their first Halloween, their first Thanksgiving, and Samantha’s first Christmas and New Year’s.  It was in the NICU that we witnessed their first smiles and heard their first laughs.  For 132 days we hoped and prayed.  For 132 days we lived our lives full of uncertainty.  For 132 days we dug deep into our souls to find the strength we needed to get through this unimaginable time.  That’s what it took…132 days.  People often ask us how we did it.  My answer is a simple one, “I don’t know.”  It is a scary, lonely experience that most people cannot even begin to understand.  We were blessed – and not a day goes by that I don’t realize that.  Being involved and giving back is the least we can do.  I share our story because it’s a story of hope – and that’s what these families need.

Each year I hold a “Come Support the March of Dimes and Fill Your Easter Baskets at the Same Time” party.  Also known as my Easter Egg-stravaganza Party.  Throughout the year I purchase items on sale or clearance and store them away.  Then a few weeks before Easter I have a party and invite all of my girlfriends.  I sell candy, toys, stuffed animals, Easter baskets, basket grass, egg coloring kits, you name it!  Many friends donate items for me to sell and people who can’t attend, often send donations.  It grows in popularity and profit every year.  This year’s profit was $1,000.

In addition to my Easter party, I also send out a personalized letter to local merchants that we do business with throughout the year – our oil company, our plumber, electrician, dentist, etc… asking them to support us in our fundraising efforts.  Each year, the letters result in hundreds of dollars in donations. 

I’ve also found that using email and social networking is a fabulous way to fundraise.  However, I’ve discovered that most people do not give the first time an email goes out.  90% of my friends and family typically make donations the week before our walk.  So be sure to send reminders – especially a week or two before!

Other ideas include:  having a yard sale and donating your profits, setting up a lemonade stand, selling candy bars or coffee cakes, putting a “change jar” out at work and asking co-workers to donate their loose change (it adds up fast), challenge your friends to make a donation in the amount of $2.50 or $25 if your child was born at 2 pounds, 5 ounces (whichever they can afford).

Hannah and Sam holding NICU pictures