Fundraising.
It isn’t a scary word until you assign it a value. Not just a monetary value, but the value of the experience. What I could be missing out on if I don’t reach that monetary goal. I couldn’t help but to believe the lie that if I don’t raise the money, I am letting God down.
That lie was a heavy burden that was keeping me from starting the process. I was putting my faith in myself to raise the money and putting my faith in people to get the money, and totally leaving God out of the fundraising process. I knew I could pray about fundraising, but I told myself its ultimately up to me to make this happen. With this mindset, there was an intense pressure to do something, but I felt paralyzed.
My fundraising plan for the month of March consisted of thinking and worrying. Super productive, right? Needless to say, not much got done.
During the month of procrastination, I had a conversation with one of my roommates about the “progress” I’ve made. I told her how scared I was to ask for help, how I didn’t think people would want to help or support me because everyone has enough going on in their lives. How I know I need help but I am scared to ask for it. She looked me in the eyes, held my hand, and very seriously said “I want to help you. Let me help you.”
In that moment, I could feel God start to change my mindset toward fundraising.
Right at the end of March, I set up a meeting with someone who had been doing successful fundraising for 20 years. He not only taught me the most effective ways to fundraise, but more about the purpose of fundraising.
Fundraising isn’t just about raising money. It’s also about making and building relationships. I can’t just look at the check being handed to me, I need to look at the person who wrote it.
Looking at fundraising through a lens of finding support instead of raising money makes it more real and personal. I want to invite those who choose to support me to go on the World Race journey with me- before, during and after.
If you choose to support me financially, please click on the Support Me! tab on the left hand side. Today I will also begin the process of sending out support letters. If you would like to receive one, please let me know!
Thank you so much already to those who have pushed me and loved me throughout this process. I am so grateful for you.
Peace, Love and Happiness,
Amy
