My name is Kathryn. I am turning 60 this year and have been happily married for 38 years. I have three beautiful children and five healthy grandchildren. Throughout my life, I have lost too many family and friends to cancer. I don’t like to see anyone suffer. I know every bit of support helps to remedy this.
Hosting a fundraiser for a worthy cause has been on my bucket list. I am pleased to say that I have now achieved this by raising more funds than expected for Australian Cancer Research Foundation. I held a successful fundraiser event with over 150 people attending and we raised over $14,000 that went directly to the cause.
I am surrounded by close family and friends who have suffered or are living with cancer. I, unfortunately, lost my father in law to cancer, my maternal Aunties and mother have suffered from breast cancer, and I have two close family members living with cancer; one has Hodgkin’s lymphoma and the other has multiple myeloma. There are many more that I know of that have battled this dreaded disease.
I believe in supporting the research as it saves lives and hopefully one day we may find a cure.
I chose ACRF as they cover a wide range of cancers. I know of too many family and friends that have suffered or who are currently suffering with cancer. Years ago, it was a death sentence but as a result of research, often it can be beaten, and if not, it can be lived with.
This has been my first major fundraiser. It has taken me well out of my comfort zone.
I don’t normally feel comfortable asking for help. I pushed myself to ask for donations of prizes for silent auctions and balloon prizes. I had quite a few rejects, but I did manage to get corporations, small businesses and individuals willing to support the evening. The outcome was far more than what I was aiming for.
If I can manage to organise a successful fundraiser, I’m sure anyone putting their mind to it can also do the same. It has been a very rewarding experience.
I have been very humbled by the support shown from family, friends and the wider community. The total raised far exceeded any of my expectations. I am proud knowing that the amount raised will contribute to help save the lives of many.
There are many ways you can get involved to raise money if you feel passionate about the advancements in cancer research we are helping fund.
You can host your own fundraiser like Kathryn did. Some ideas for your event include holding a morning tea, a BBQ or a DIY fundraiser.
Another way you can fundraise and help us outsmart cancer is by shaving or colouring your hair and getting family or friends to donate to your cause.
If you are part of a business, we have a business and corporate partnerships program so you can partner with us to raise money as well as creating a partnership that will be a rewarding benefit for your company and staff.
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