In the P2P fundraising world, we often look to the spark of organic, supporter-led moments like the Ice Bucket Challenge as examples of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. But when lightning strikes, are you ready to catch it?
This episode dives into one such moment: when four friends, Pat Morissey, Brendan Cusick, Peter Durso, and Scott Forman, decided to row 2,800 miles across the Pacific Ocean to raise funds for The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research. With the right support, strategic partnership and a community rallying behind them, their effort transformed into a powerful campaign that inspired the Parkinson’s community worldwide.
Pat Morrissey, the first person with Parkinson’s to complete this journey, and Liz Deemer, Vice President of Community Fundraising at MJFF, join P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell to share the behind-the-scenes story of Team Human Powered Potential—recipients of the 2025 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award—and the incredible impact of this campaign.
In this episode, we’ll also explore:
- How to recognize and respond to bold, supporter-led fundraising opportunities
- What makes staff–fundraiser relationships thrive under high-stakes pressure
- Practical takeaways for activating your community in powerful and unexpected ways
Mentioned Links
Stay Connected on LinkedIn
- (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
- (02:22) - Introducingt the Team
- (03:42) - Pat's Journey
- (10:53) - Liz's Journey
- (15:46) - The Story of the Numbers
- (28:30) - On the Water
- (33:57) - Organizational Challenges
- (37:28) - Advice for Professionals
- (42:14) - Learn More about MJFF
What is The P2P Soapbox?
As peer-to-peer fundraising professionals, we are inherently passionate people. Passionate about our missions, our fundraisers, our events, and our campaigns. We barely shy away from sharing our opinions. Whether it's the debate between back-to-basics, or searching for the next big idea, the battle of retention versus recruitment, or even our very strong feelings about T-shirts and registration fees.
Welcome to The P2P box, a brand new podcast that amplifies the voices of our peer-to-peer fundraising community and gives us a platform — a box, if you will — to discuss the hot topics facing our industry.
Join your host and P2P BFF, Marcie Maxwell, the Managing Director of the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum, as she sits down with industry peers and leaders, delving deep into their box issues, sharing best practices, and celebrating success stories.