Every week when I religiously read the “Sunday Styles” section in The New York Times, I flip to the page detailing the recent charity galas and auctions in the New York area and am amazed by how many worthwhile charities and foundations are supported by so many generous benefactors and donors.
I love reading about celebrity fundraisers in InStyle Magazine and Vanity Fair and laughing at celebrities as they try to raise money for their favorite charities on games shows like Jeopardy! (Just a hint: The celebrity show is the best episode to watch if you want to feel smart?they make all the questions much easier).
Even my high school used to throw a wild fundraising auction every year where they auctioned off everything from cars to puppies. It is absolutely wonderful that so many people come out and support these galas, auctions, lunches, speaker events … you name it. Usually someone will be there to support the cause. But what about those sports buffs out there who want to do more than just write a check, buy a drink or bid on a trip to Hawaii?
For those who are interested in actually getting involved and physically challenging themselves in order to raise money, there are thousands of fundraising events for really worthwhile charities and organizations out there?walks (such as the Avon Breast Cancer 3-day Walk and the AIDS Walk), road races, bike tours, bike races and swim-a-thons to name a few. Some require minimal involvement, for those of you who are really interested in participating, but do not have a huge amount of time to commit to training and extensive fundraising, while others can take months and even years to prepare for?both physically and monetarily.
But, whether the event is long or short, whether it’s physically taxing or a walk in the park and whether the event asks simply for participation and commitment or requires a minimum donations of $5000, participation in a fundraising event really is one of the best things you can do. In the process of giving up time and energy to give to others, you really gain a lot for yourself. You learn that that while writing a check is always appreciated, getting personally invovled and challenging yourself to reach a physical goal you might otherwise have thought impossible really is possible when in the process of reaching that goal, you help something or someone you really care about.
In the D.C. area alone, there are plenty of events coming up?such as the National Run For Recovery 5K road race this weekend down by the Capitol. The race is 3.1 miles, requires a minimal registration free and provides free food and drinks (courtesy of two of its sponsors, Fresh Fields and Nantucket Nectars) for the post-race. One of our staff members, Matt Hopkins, is even running the Marine Corps Marathon next weekend in order to raise money for the Vince Lombari Cancer Center. He’ll be kicking some butt, including his own, for an awesome cause.
So if you’re interested, get out there, get motivated, and sign up for a charity event. You’ll be surprised at how awesome it feels to achieve a goal in the name of a good cause!
