karen Cincotti, Author at Team Roswell

Livestream Fundraising 101

Posted on March 4, 2022March 4, 2022 by karen Cincotti

In 2016, BuzzFeed took to Facebook Live to answer one simple question: How many rubber bands does it take to break a watermelon in half? The question inspired nearly 800,000 people to tune into BuzzFeed’s livestream, and the results were explosive — literally. Viewers hung on the edge of their seats as rubber bands were secured to a bulging watermelon that eventually exploded. The video went on to garner more than 5 million views.

That’s the power of livestreaming.

What is it

Livestreaming is simple. You broadcast a live video over the internet to active viewers. Think of it as live TV you create. Some platforms also let you save the broadcast to share with your social media followers afterward.

What platform do I use?

There are tons of platforms to choose from, but Twitch is one of the most popular by far. With 30 million daily visitors and more than 7 million streamers active each month (according to Twitch), this platform always draws a large audience.

Here are some other options:

YouTube Live
Facebook Live
Tik Tok Live
Vimeo
Periscope
StreamYard

How do I use it to fundraise?

Fundraising through livestream can be as simple as sharing a link to your fundraising page on your live feed. Choose your topic and dedicate whatever you’re doing to raise money as part of Team Roswell. Let people know why you’re raising money and ask them to donate to end cancer once and for all.

What topic do I choose?

When it comes to livestream fundraising, almost anything goes. If you’re into gaming, then game to end cancer. If you enjoy cooking, teach a cooking class for a cause. And if these ideas don’t quite fit? Try something random, like exploding a watermelon or doing a make-up tutorial. Just remember to ask for donations as you go!

Six Tips for Facebook Fundraising

Posted on March 4, 2022March 4, 2022 by karen Cincotti

Now that you’ve officially joined Team Roswell, you may be wondering how to fundraise. Facebook is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reach people, share your story and ask for donations. Through the platform, you can choose to do an integrated or organic fundraiser. If you don’t know the difference, check out Facebook Fundraising 101.

Regardless of the fundraiser you choose, here are six tips to make your efforts on Facebook even more impactful.

1. Personalize it.

Be sure to include your story when you share your fundraising link with your followers. Tell your followers your reason for wanting to end cancer. Write from your heart — people respond to authenticity.

2. Get creative

Pay attention to the overall look and feel of your post. You can get creative (and boost engagement) by adding pictures, using emojis or including memes.

3. Ask friends to share your fundraiser.

Identify trusted friends or family members and ask them to share your fundraiser on their Facebook pages or other social media platforms. This increases your audience and may land you donations you wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.

4. Go live.

Live steaming is one of the fast-growing ways to communicate online, and you can do it right on your Facebook platform. Start a Facebook Live session to talk about your fundraiser and engage more directly with your followers

5. Consider using an incentive.

People are motivated by incentives. Consider incentivizing donations by offering to do something entertaining when you hit a certain fundraising goal. For example, try doing 20 pushups for every $20 you raise and then livestream your pushup session!

6. Show gratitude.

One of the most important things you can do when someone donates to your fundraiser is to thank them. Make sure you send a digital thank you card or drop a friendly note in Messenger. If someone posts on your fundraiser, respond. Sharing gratitude shows people you appreciate their support.

That’s it! Follow these easy tips and your Facebook fundraiser is sure to be a success.

For more fundraising tips, check out A-Z Fundraising Ideas.

A-Z Fundraising

Posted on March 4, 2022March 4, 2022 by karen Cincotti

Looking to host a community fundraiser for Team Roswell to raise funds for cancer patients at Roswell Park but don’t know where to start? Check out these A-Z ideas for inspiration.

1. Athletic Challenge

Whether you’re into running the diamond, hitting the ice or lacing up your running sneakers, there’s always an opportunity to challenge yourself. Plan an athletic event, such as a tournament or race, and raise money while seeing how far you can go.

2. Bootcamp and Bubbles

Sweat and chardonnay, anyone? Team up with your favorite studio and host a fitness fundraiser. Offer participants a glass of bubbly after completing their workout.

3. Cannoli for Cancer

Sweat and chardonnay, anyone? Team up with your favorite studio and host a fitness fundraiser. Offer participants a glass of bubbly after completing their workout.

4. Dinner Sponsors

Reach out to your favorite local restaurant to sponsor dinner for a night. Ask for a percentage of proceeds to be donated to your fundraiser.

5. Entertain

Host an event at your home or produce a mini concert or talent show. Sharing your gifts and creating a space for hospitality is a great way to gather your community for a great cause.

6. Fill the Bottle

Encourage people to “fill the wine bottle” by donating up to a specific dollar amount ($500, for example). Every donation gets entered into a drawing to win a gift card or bottle of wine.

7. Get the Word Out

Wear your Roswell swag proudly. Sharing on social media is a great tool, but nothing beats word of mouth. Speak to your community about why you think it is important to raise funds to end cancer. You would be surprised at the number of people who join the fight with you.

8. Jam It Out!

9. Match Your Donations

Double your impact by asking your employer or local business to match your fundraiser dollar for dollar.

10. Neighborhood Walk

Unite your neighborhood and walk for a purpose. Houses can set up water stops; kids can chalk a start and finish line. There’s no end to the creativity.

11. Open House

Open your home and sell some of the items you are no longer using. It’s a win-win. You’re cleaning your house and helping patients at Roswell.

12. Pancake Breakfast

Pancakes are delicious and easy! Host a pancake breakfast at your church hall or community center. Add an additional charge for a brunch-time mimosa to boost your fundraising goal.

13. Quilt

Raffle off a handmade, one-of-a-kind quilt. Buffalo can get chilly, and quilts liven up any cozy space.

14. Race a Friend

We know you have heard of gym buddies, but have you heard of a fundraising buddy? Pick a friend and race to your fundraising goal. A little friendly competition is great, especially when the finish line goes toward a great cause.

15. Sip and Shop

Want to shop for a cause? Connect with a local boutique to host a private shopping event. Guests can purchase tickets for entry and enjoy a private shopping experience with ticket proceeds benefitting Team Roswell. Maybe you can even encourage the boutique to donate a portion of the shopping proceeds to the fundraiser!

16. Slow Roll

17. Teacher Dare

Double dog dare you to make a bet with a teacher. Set a fundraising goal and dare your teacher to cut their hair or shave their beard if you hit it!

18. Ugly Sweater Party

Throw a party and encourage everyone to don their ugly sweaters! Ask that everyone who wears a sweater donate to Team Roswell and spread the word about the cause over hot cocoa.

19. Wigs!

Get your friends and family together and raise funds to donate to the Roswell Park Wig and Hat Boutique! Learn more here.

20. Zip Line

Zip lining is the perfect activity for any adventure seeker. If this thrill ride is at the top of your to-do list, why not do it while raising money to end cancer?

These are just a few of the hundreds of unique fundraising events you can host to support cancer patients at Roswell Park. Every event makes an impact.

Have you tried something different that you love and want to share?