Fantastic Fundraisers
Fundraisers are amazing people.
By definition, a fundraiser is an philanthropic individual leveraging their network for the greater good. They give back and support a cause, simply because they want to. So we’ve made this space to feature the fantastic individuals behind the fundraising campaigns that help us feed our neighbors. Learn how they do it, get inspired, or share your own experience as a fundraiser.
Want to be featured? Contact Kate Steward at ksteward@vtfoodbank.org.
Featured Fundraisers
7th Grade Students Raise Funds and Awareness for Vermonters Facing Hunger
Students host a raffle to fundraise for their class trip and make a difference in their community. Bonus: the winner gets to redesign their teacher’s beard.
Every year, the 8th grade class at U-32 Middle & High School, Montpelier, VT, goes on a field trip to Washington D.C. To help minimize the cost of the trip, students are expected to fundraise starting when they’re in 7th grade. Many traditional fundraisers are offered throughout the school year, but this past spring one 7th grade TA group decided to do something a little extra.
Steve Sheeler, the Teacher Advisor of the group, explained that his group of nine 7th graders decided to do an additional fundraiser together as a TA that would help towards the ultimate goal of visiting D.C. the following year.
“We had many discussions about different ways to raise money,” says Steve, “but we ultimately landed on a raffle that would not only contribute towards our goals related to the D.C. trip, but also could contribute in a positive way towards our local community. With this in mind, we spent some time researching different non-profit organizations in the area where our fundraiser could make a difference.”
Students in the TA group sold raffle tickets, emphasizing that every $3 donated to the Vermont Foodbank could help provide 5 meals. At the end of the raffle the proceeds were divided in thirds: one third went to the raffle winner, one third to the Vermont Foodbank, and the final third to the student who sold the tickets towards their D.C. fund.
And there was an extra incentive for the student who sold the most tickets. “At the time, I had grown a pretty burly mid-winter Vermont beard, and rather than shave it all off at once, I allowed them to design my look for the final day before our February break,” explained Sheeler.
At the conclusion of the fundraiser, the group donated about $80 to the Foodbank, providing more than 130 meals to neighbors in need. The students enjoyed working with each other on the project, and shared that a highlight of the fundraiser was knowing how much food they were helping to provide with the money they raised. Sheeler hopes that this experience will promote more active and involved citizens. We asked the students why they chose to support Vermonters struggling with hunger, and one replied, “So we could help them out. Even if it is not a whole lot, we are still helping.”
Inspired to provide meals for kids, families, and older adults facing hunger? You can start a fundraiser of your own: https://www.vtfoodbank.org/give-time/start-a-fundraiser
More fantastic fundraisers:
The Point to Point, powered by VSECU, is a cycling and running event to raise money for the Vermont Foodbank. Participants can choose from a variety of cycling and running distances, including century (100 miles), metric-century (66 miles), and 25-mile road rides; a 40-mile gravel ride; and half-marathon, five-kilometer, and one-mile runs. Riders and runners can follow the provided routes or pick their own to ride or run virtually. Get outside, have fun, and ride or run to fight hunger in Vermont.
Brothers Michael and Andrew are always up for adventure. Each summer the brothers set a challenge combining fitness and fundraising. Whether it’s hiking 65 miles on the Appalachian Trail or biking 1,000 miles around the country, these two keep active on the trails and in their community. If you’re motivated by miles, grab some friends and get moving >
NPI Vermont’s 5th Annual Hunger Drive
Make it an annual challenge! This company engages employees and their networks every year, coming together to help provide nutritious meals for neighbors in need. First inspired to help support people affected by flood damage after Hurricane Irene, this group has turned fundraising for the Vermont Foodbank into an annual fall tradition. Now is the perfect time to start something new >
Yasmin and Brendan’s Wedding Registry
Yasmin and Brendan are making a difference as they make their commitment. This couple has invited their friends and family to celebrate their upcoming marriage with them as they help to fight hunger in Vermont. Wedding guests can make a donation that provides healthy meals to Vermonters facing hunger in lieu of a traditional wedding gift. Don’t need another set of plates? Instead of gifts, register for donations >