How I Raised $2500 in 3 Weeks for Cancer Research

I managed to raise over $2500 for what is called the “Ride to Conquer Cancer”. Four simple and powerful steps were taken to achieve this aggressive goal.

Just to give you a little background, the Ride is a 2-day, 168 mile bike ride from Vancouver, Canada to Seattle, Washington. In all, there were 1701 riders that raised over $6.9M toward cancer research. I was one of those riders.

1. TAKE A STAND

For 6 months, I had known about the Ride to Conquer Cancer and was even taking some preliminary steps toward participating in the event. But I hadn’t firmly committed to taking action.

Talk is cheap. For weeks I was “talking about it”. It was so bad that one day I said I’d raise $2000 and the next day, feeling overwhelmed by such a large number, dropped the target to $1500. It wasn’t until I took a stand for my own participation and success that I registered for the event and realized that the minimum amount to raise was $2500.

The pivotal moment for me was when I noticed my lack of commitment and pledged to make it real with my coach. It only took a minute, but voicing my goal with conviction was the turning point. I took a stand and said “I’m doing it”!

2. MAKE IT PUBLIC

After committing to the Ride, I sent an email to over 100 people that I knew. The email served two purposes. One, I asked my contacts to donate on my behalf. Two, it solidified my intentions. Quitting was no longer an option.

I first made my goal public by talking to my coach. Sending the email to 100+ people was icing on the cake. By knowing that everyone I respect and care about knew about my goal, I became more committed than ever. The fact that I had to raise $500 more than I had previously estimated was a minor bump in the road.

I was going to succeed and everyone knew about it.

3. BE BOLD IN YOUR REQUESTS FOR HELP

Because I had waited until there were just 3 weeks left before the event, I had to be bold in my requests for help. My natural inclination is to use a mild tone and make requests like “if you could spare a few dollars, I’d appreciate your financial support. Donate today.”

But instead, I made it clear that I believed in the cause and I asked for $100 per person. In the end, I needed only 28 donations to break my goal of $2500. Therefore, the average donation was nearly $100. Not so shockingly, I got what I asked for.

I had to reframe my thinking about asking people for help. Instead of feeling like I was burdening others with my request, I was giving them an opportunity to help and to be part of something bigger.

4. FOLLOW THROUGH TO THE END

I wish raising $2500 was as easy as 1-2-3 but there was a critical fourth step; my daily follow-through. I monitored my success closely and took action every day. I spoke to people, I sent emails, and I rode my bike to get in shape. But because I had taken the first three steps, the follow-through came easily. I wanted to do it and I was highly motivated to succeed.

And you can too. So call up a friend today and take a stand for something – I don’t care what! Email all your closest and most respected friends about your goal. And boldly ask for help. People want to be part of something big.