what fundraising has taught me so far

With all this marathon fundraising, I've learned that (surprise, surprise) fundraising is hard!  As I talk to people about what I'm doing, it seems that at first most people don't understand that the $5000 is a minimum requirement, as in the John Hancock Marathon Non-Profit Program offers bib numbers to charities with the stipulation that each participant who gets one will raise at least $5000 for their designated charity (Samaritans doesn't have any say in it, it's just the program rules).  Most people also tell me that is crazy or unreasonable, but all the money goes straight to the charities.  The Boston marathon is in super high demand among runners and not all who qualify with their time even get to run in Boston. So I think this program is a very generous one toward the charities and a huge fundraising opportunity for them.  Whatever I don't raise I will just be paying since I don't want Samaritans to be penalized for choosing me to as a member of their team, but let me say it again, it's hard work!  Sometimes I crunch out the numbers: If 100 people gave $50 each, I'd be home free; 200 people would only have to give $25 each; 500 people giving $10 each would do the trick. Those are numbers I can work with, when I mix in some extra fundraising activities and the t-shirts if they sell well.

At the same time, with all this fundraising, I find myself feeling very humble and grateful.  I've decided to champion a cause I feel is worthy of supporting, and it's the first time I've ever done this kind of thing.   Every time someone donates, I feel an elation of gratitude, excitement at being one step closer to my commitment, and humility at the outpouring of generosity.  I've been very touched by the support so many people have shown me.  There is a lot of silence and rejection involved with fundraising, which makes it pretty discouraging at times, but I'm so excited for the Boston marathon, I believe suicide prevention is a cause that is worth it, and the support of so many people has lifted me so that I can keep working on both the training and the fundraising.  Thank you all.