Despite raising over $1 billion in 2022, peer-to-peer fundraising often fails to receive the recognition it deserves in the world of development and even from the top leadership within nonprofit organizations. There is an ever-present notion that "Walks are dead," but these misguided voices fail to comprehend the true power of peer-to-peer fundraising.
In fact, peer-to-peer fundraising is the most democratic form of fundraising, empowering individuals directly affected by our mission to come together and raise funds to combat challenges, seek cures, promote accessibility in treatments, and create a better world.
It is only when organizational leaders grasp the potential of peer-to-peer fundraising that we can elevate our efforts to unparalleled levels of success.
In this inaugural episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell is joined by Julie Fleshman, President & CEO of the
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) and Peter Cashion, Purple Stride team captain and member of the PanCAN Board of Directors. Peter was also the winner of the 2023 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award presented at the 2023 Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum Conference in Washington, DC.
Both Julie & Peter share their very personal stories of losing a loved one to pancreatic cancer - and how they have find new purpose in fundraising and a sense of community through PanCAN’s signature event,
Purple Stride. They also discuss how they are deepening their Board’s engagement with peer-to-peer fundraising and the impact that has on their staff and volunteers.
In today’s episode, we’ll explore:
- How peer-to-peer fundraising can empower a community
- How PanCAN is mobilizing its board to participate in peer-to-peer fundraising
- The decision-making process that went into moving all Purple Stride walks to the same day nationwide
Mentioned Links
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- (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
- (05:52) - Introducing Jule Fleshman
- (08:02) - Introducing Peter Cashion
- (13:22) - Turning passion into service
- (17:15) - Mobilizing Board Support
- (22:29) - Strategic Scheduling
- (30:42) - Get Involved • https://pancan.org
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.