The Changing Face of Fundraisers

The national economic downturn is impacting local non-profits. With less money pouring in, they're looking at unique ways to get more people to donate.

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By Corey Allen-Young
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Story Created: Aug 12, 2011 at 11:48 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Aug 12, 2011 at 11:48 AM AKDT

The national economic downturn is impacting local non-profits. With less money pouring in, they're looking at unique ways to get more people to donate.

Jumping off buildings, running up 35 floors, or jumping into freezing water, organizations are getting creative to get more money for their cause.

Braving the ice water of Seward, enduring the terrain of the Mat-Su Valley and even leaping off tall buildings, it's the changing face of fundraising  that non-profits are buying into to get more donations rolling in. 

"Its something different in this state, there is a lot of walks and runs, and even ski things here,"   said Nelly Schroder, development manager for the American Lung Association.

To take it a step further, the YMCA is holding their first "Over The Edge" rappelling event, sending folks over the JL Tower to support their services.

"What we get, we give and its just one more way to raise a little more money because the need's always there," said Larry Parker, CEO of the YMCA of Anchorage. "It's a little type of special event in the sense that you don't have to train a year to do it like a bike ride or a marathon." 

It's something other non-profits are trying, too.

The American Cancer Society, famous for its relays and plunges, and the American Lung Association, with its Clean Air Challenge, are mixing it up with new events like the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk and the Fight For Air Climb Challenge on the Hilton Hotel's steps. to give people a different way to give. 

"We also try to engage people in the community and let them see what we have available and also how they can volunteer and give back," said Tracey Thomas, community relationship manager for the American Cancer Society.

Events like the Fight for Air Climb Challenge, where people race up the steps of the Hilton, let people know that every dollar counts, no matter how big or small or it is.

"The hardest part, I think, for people for the fundraising is they think they have to give that big dollar amount," said Schroder.  "But when somebody comes up and asks you to give to their cause, every five dollars and one dollar really adds up, really quickly." 

The response from the new events has been great. The YMCA says they have 40 rapellers set to jump today with the goal to raise $20,000-$30,000.

The Fight for Air Climb organizers say people are already lining up. including firefighters who are eager to race up the Hilton's steps.

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