Fundraiser Profiles
Patrick Curlis
Occupation: Fleet Management
Status: Team Captain - Paddy's Peddlers
Number of Members in Team: 13
Fundraising Total for 2008: $5,114
Why do you support MS Australia?
I was diagnosed with MS a few years ago and, even though I'm fortunate enough not to require the services of MS Australia, I understand how important it is to support an organisation that performs such a worthwhile and important function. I am proud to help MS Australia attain it's fundraising goal.
How did you go about reaching your team Fundraising goal in 2008?
We used a number of strategies and functions that had different degrees of success. The most successful was an auction night - of items that were donated by friends and local businesses. We held it at a pub with an MC who did silly games, got people in the mood to donate and it was a great night. We had a poker game where half of the money bet is automatically donated to the cause, along with a "garage giveaway" where items were put on the nature strip and people could put 2 cents or $200 to take one of the items.
Other tactics were a "guess how many lollies in the lolly jar", a raffle for a basket of donated chocolates, a bocce competition and then straight out grovelling to the general public. I was fortunate to have a few friends that helped share the workload. In retrospect I would have loved to have started fundraising earlier as time went so quickly up to the ride.
How easy and rewarding did you find your fundraising?
I had a blast fundraising. You find the majority of people are really generous and, if you have a $2 raffle most people will buy a ticket. It's very important to have a goal so you can work towards something. Make the goal a little higher than you think you can get and enlist friends to raise certain amounts each. If your friends don't want to come for the ride, they will quite likely be great fundraisers. Fundraising feels good and it's good to know that you are helping people that really need it.
Do you have any tips for other fundraisers?
Set a goal early so you have enough time to reach it.
Plan a variety of events. You will find some work really well, others may flop but there is no harm in it.
Get friends to help out. Fundraising is a great reason for a bbq with friends.
Set mini goals. Break down your fundraising goal and meet it in stages. You will be surprised what you
can achieve.
Good Luck!
How did your ride go on the day?
It was most enjoyable. I had ridden it the previous year and knew what to expect. It was very cruisey, chatting with my mates as we travelled through the suburbs of Melbourne, resting when we felt like it.
Will you be back bigger and better in 2009?
Yep, hopefully with a massive crew, and a whole heap of cash for MS Australia!