Spotlight: Unique Ideas in Grassroots Efforts
Need a little spark to kick-start your Race for Autism fundraising? By taking inspiration from your daily life, you can reach your fundraising goals while creating fun opportunities for yourself and your friends.
Natasha Rollins (Captain of Team Kolu and a mother of 3) decided to simply follow one of her passions and get creative to help make a difference. On March 10, Natasha and her dance group, San Diego's own HALAU O NA ALI'I, are hosting Bootcamp Polynesia to raise funds for the Race.
Polynesian dancing is not just a hobby for Natasha; it’s a lifestyle. Dancing since age 5, Natasha said she realized that the perfect way to support both her son Kolu and showcase her family’s pacific island culture was to invite her friends and family to join her for 75-minutes of fun, high intensity, calorie burning Polynesian dance.
The mother of a child newly diagnosed with autism, the lovely Miss Lola Demure is taking her talents to the stage, with a little help from her friends, for a charity vaudevillian and burlesque dinner show. Featuring special guests, raffle prizes and more, Breaking the Chains is Friday, Feb. 24 at the On Broadway Event Center.
Perhaps the secret is to focus on what you love to do and shine a spotlight on your talents. Be your own inspiration. Here are few other creative ways to make a difference while having a blast:
- Be Both Social and Socially Minded: Host an Oscar or March Madness basketball game viewing party for your friends and neighbors. Do you like to cook? Then how about a brunch or bake sale? Gather the neighborhood for a charity garage sale or car wash.
- Race without Leaving the Couch: Think global, because you don’t have to be local to help locally. Ask your far away friends and family to get involved by signing up to “Race from Home” (we’ll even mail them one of our fabulous t-shirts). Prefer not to break a sweat? Gather your glam gals for a virtual Race and manicures on the morning of March 24. You’ll still be making a difference and you’ll look good doing it!
- Get Casual: Who wouldn’t want to dress comfortably for a good cause? Arrange for a pay-to-play dress casual day at your place of work.
- Change for a Change: Setting up a change/donation jar at your office or even your own kitchen counter just makes cents. You’d be surprised how quickly spare change can add up.
- Get Chatty: The best way to spread the word is to actually spread the word. Talk to your neighbors. Ask your office if they offer gift matching. Make an announcement at your church. Tell them why you are raising funds for the Race. Your passion will be inspiring!