By Linda Culotta, Mortgage Loan Officer – New Construction/Renovation Loan Specialist
In an effort to assist fundraising efforts for children faced with critical illness, I am sharing this information with the hope readers will respond and participate in this upcoming Family Fun Day event.
I am excited to have been asked to become the Team Lead of corporate fundraising for the Walk For Wishes Fundraising Event on October 6, 2018, at the Florida Gulf Coast University. This event is sponsored by Publix Super Markets, and donor sponsorships are available for donations of $500 to $7,500. Sponsorships benefit the companies participating with a great deal of public awareness, creating a team environment within the organization, and most importantly making a wish come true for a deserving child.
When a child and family are faced with critical illness, financial support is of utmost importance. I personally realized this when my grown daughter was told by the doctor that her baby was going to be born with a serious heart condition. Eleven years and four open-heart surgeries later, it has been quite a journey for us all. Fortunately, a couple came forward to fund a Make-A-Wish trip to my grandson’s favorite place, Disney World. As many parents in the same situation will testify, their generosity gave us the time of our lives, just sitting back and watching the look of wonder and joy on our little guy’s face. We shared a rare moment when there were no tests to perform, surgeries to face, or doctor appointments to miss. It was just utter joy.
That’s why I feel a need to give back, and agreed to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. Our Structure and Roles/Stewardship on behalf of Lori Teague, Rick Gallo, Erica Pickett, myself and led by Tammy Lynn, gives us the opportunity to raise the funds needed to make a wish come true for children, as well as their deserving families.
We are planning a 5K Walk/Run fundraiser, with Family Fun Day starting immediately after. Everyone is invited to participate as an individual or a team. Members of any business, organization, school, hospital, religious group or other organization can create their own teams. Even friends, family and neighbors who are not in the area can join in this team effort. A team consists of a minimum of four participants. Each team member must register online and pay an entry fee.
Family Fun Day is included in your registration, so please stick around after the race!
Company benefits:
. Team building promotes teamwork, builds morale and raises community visibility
. Participation costs companies little or nothing since funds are raised through individual donations
. Company participation can generate more money to grant wishes than would otherwise be possible through a direct corporate donation
. It’s fun for your employees, families and friends, drawing people together in a healthy activity for a worthy cause
. The best reason for your team to participate in the Walk for Wishes is the satisfaction you and your teammates will have knowing the dollars you raise will help share the power of a wish.
. 89% of Americans believe corporations and non-profits should work together to raise money
and awareness for causes
. 8 of 10 Americans have a more positive image of companies that support important causes
. Nearly 2/3 of Americans report they would switch brands/retailers to one associated with a
good cause
. 67% of Americans want companies to go beyond their traditional business and profit models to contribute to broader societal goals
Please register and donate at www.walkforwishessfla.net. If you do so prior to September 7, 2018, your registration fee will include a free t-shirt. If you would like to become a corporate sponsor please contact me for more information: 239-908-5860.