Written by Lorraine Wilson, Davis Phinney Foundation Ambassador
Most years, Team DPF (the fundraising arm of the Davis Phinney Foundation) holds several in-person events to raise funds that help them deliver educational, informational, and motivational materials and events. With the onset of the COVID pandemic, of course, those fundraising events were often cancelled, and although I do not consider myself a fundraiser, this year I told myself to stop my negative self-talk and take action. I formed a step-by-step plan to see through an idea I had been entertaining, and it worked! Here, I share the steps I took and the fundraiser I created so you, too, can take action and succeed in your goals.
Imagine you are a maker: you sew, sculpt, create jewelry, or turn scraps into quilts. You enjoy giving gifts made with your hands, and your friends repeatedly advise you to sell your creations online. How do you do that?
Start with a pep talk about the idea: “I can do this!” Then guide yourself step by step to bring your idea to fruition.
The Steps in Action
I could, and I did, participate in a Team DPF virtual event during July 2020—the Every Victory Counts Challenge. It was fantastic. (It’s not too late to read about it and contribute to Team Wilson’s donation pool!)
Eager to do more, I pursued a fundraising idea I’d had months before. No luck. I considered the same fundraising idea but with a twist. Again, no luck—but I was learning. Calling on my determined nature, I put ideas from my failed efforts together and fully embraced an online venue and what seemed an atypical topic for DPF.
My crazy fundraising idea was inspired by the comfort of quilts. Every quilt has a story, but one that I have is made of the story—of two-inch fabric squares leftover from dresses my grandmother sewed for my mother and aunts in the 1930’s. I inherited just the quilt top, which my grandmother had cut and pieced together but which had later suffered some damage. To repair it, I found similar fabrics, dipped them in tea to match the damaged squares, sewed them in place, and hired a quilter.
My fundraiser began with a call via social and phone to see if anyone was interested in participating. There was a resounding yes, and to work I went. Despite snags here and there, “Quilts and More: An Online Art Auction for the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s” will take place November 2-13, 2020. I am delighted to have followed my plan and to have connected with Team DPF to bring you this opportunity to buy a gift (for others or yourself!) and support the Foundation. You can view items as they are added, and the auction will go live on November 2.
Enjoy, and then find your idea and make a plan to get it done!