Meg McElroy says she started raising money for CCRF somewhat on accident. Since 2009, she’s hosted an annual holiday party to keep college friends coming together and include new friends she’s made along the way. When the party outgrew her small NYC apartment, she decided to turn the event into a party with a purpose. Leading up to the event, she sends out messages about why funding childhood cancer research is so important, and asks guests to donate. She takes advantage of Give to the Max Day, during which her guests’ gifts are triple-matched. Each year the holiday fundraiser has grown, beating previous year’s fundraising totals. Since 2009, Meg has raised over $126,000 for childhood cancer research.
Be a fundraiser like Meg
Meg McElroy hosts an annual holiday fundraiser for CCRF. Since 2009, she's raised $126,000 for childhood cancer research.
Are you inspired by Meg and want to host an annual party or get-together to make a difference in the lives of kids fighting cancer? Be a fundraiser like Meg and join a community committed to improving the lives of children affected by cancer.
Wondering where to get started? We will equip you with all the tools you need to create a successful holiday fundraiser.
Holiday Fundraising Ideas
Host a holiday get-together. Turn a holiday get-together into a rally for childhood cancer awareness. Coming together for a common cause is what makes the holiday season extra special. Check out this page to get started!
Livestream holiday fundraiser. Looking to add extra holiday spirit to your streams? The festive season is a great time to gather your loyal viewers and host the ultimate holiday stream. Check out this story about how just three livestreamers raised over $12,000 for childhood cancer research.
Honor a loved one for the holiday. Give the ultimate gift by creating an Honor or Memorial page for someone you love. It’s a way to share your loved ones’ story, while also giving family and friends a chance to make a meaningful impact.
Create Your Own. Want to get creative? You can come up with your own holiday fundraising idea that is completely tailored to your passions and interests! Whether you choose to host an ugly sweater party, a snowman contest or a neighborhood sledding event, the options are endless!
Holiday Fundraising Tips & Tricks
Tell your story about why. Many fundraisers have a personal connection with childhood cancer. Share the story of why you chose to fundraise for Children’s Cancer Research Fund. Sharing your passion and motivation can make the difference when telling your story to your biggest supporters. Don’t have a personal connection? You can find lots of stories to inspire your community through CCRF’s website and Facebook posts.
Ask for a set amount. If you ask for $50 donations, you’re likely to achieve $50 donations as opposed to $5 or $10 donations. You can also consider asking for an amount tied to a challenge or meaningful statistic. For example, “Donate $100 for the 100-mile bike ride challenge I’m participating in” or ask supporters to donate $47 for the 47 children that will be diagnosed with cancer today in the U.S.
Have fun! Put the fun in FUNdraising! Think of ways to engage with your family and friends at an upcoming holiday happy hour, dinner, game night or live stream while fundraising for your race. If you’re having fun, your supporters will want to join you in your efforts.
We’re inspired every day by our community fundraisers and the innovative, fun and creative ideas they come up with. Interested in starting a holiday fundraiser? We’ll make sure you’re set up for fundraising success and be with you every step along the way cheering you on.
For more information, contact Fundraise@ChildrensCancer.org.
Start a fundraiser for kids fighting cancer
One of the best ways you can help a child with cancer is to start a fundraiser to raise money for cancer research. No fundraising idea is too big or too small to make a lasting impact in the life of a child with cancer.
