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April 2004

In this issue -

- The 5 Keys: Did you get your copy?
- One little girl makes a difference
- Updated Fundraising Resources

Last month I celebrated the release of my new book, “The 5 Keys to Successful Fundraising.” This is a no-cost 15 page e-book, only for subscribers to this newsletter!

In my book, the “5 Keys to Successful Fundraising” I talk about how important it is to believe in the cause that you are raising money for. Many times your belief stems from personal involvement with the cause, or because of your family.

For some it is a mission to help others who have been affected by a situation or disease, which they themselves have been afflicted by. One such story is that of Alexandra “Alex” Scott
of Philadelphia. Alex, who is now eight years old, was first diagnosed with cancer two days before her first birthday. She has continued to battle this disease from then until today.

But here’s where Alex’s story becomes truly amazing. When she was just four years old, Alex asked her mom if she could have a lemonade stand to raise money for “her hospital”. In July of
2000, she made good on that promise and raised over $2,000 for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

Each summer since she has held a lemonade stand, raising money for various charities that support cancer research and support for children. I first saw Alex on the Today show last summer, and she has appeared on several other morning talk shows to tell her story. As word has spread, donations have poured in from around the world, and she has raised over $190,000 for pediatric cancer!

What can we learn from little Alex? Most importantly, she demonstrates the wonder and beauty of life. Her entire life has been filled with hospital visits, treatments and sickness. But
she does not live IN this sickness. It is so evident that she lives life to the fullest, seeing hope and love where others may see despair. She gives hope to her family, other children with cancer, and everyone she comes in contact with. Let us persue our dreams with such passion and love!

Alex shows us that one person can make a difference. When she first asked if she could have a lemonade stand, Her mother told her that it might be difficult to raise money fifty cents at a
time; Alex’s response was “I don’t care, I will do it anyway”. Remember, every “fifty cents” matters to your cause, and adds up to great opportunities.

I wonder if Alex knows just what kind of impact she is having on her world. Her determination, the money she raises and her inspirational outlook touch countless lives.

Let us remember that we raise money to help people, children and adults whose lives will be touched beyond measure by our service. Whether it’s money to fund a children’s baseball team,
or to find a cure for cancer, your contributions matter.

To learn more about Alex’s story visit:
http://www.alexslemonade.com

Just a quick note before I go…

I have added some new links to the Fundraising Resources page,
especially the sections on events and grants.

If you know if any other good resources to add, let me know!

To Your Continued Fundraising Success,

Sandra Sims Editor & Publisher Step By Step Fundraising Newsletter Archive Newsletter Sign-up & Free e-Book