Fundraising for the DE-feet Breast Cancer 5K

Peggie with her  award

The DE-feet Breast Cancer 5K Run/Walk is less than a month away so we sat down with one of last year’s top fundraisers Peggie Ball to find out why she walks, how she puts her team together, and how she raises money for DBCC and the fight against breast cancer.

Peggie Ball of Selbyville, DE is a breast cancer survivor who has a passion for getting involved and giving back.  Last year, she chose to walk in the Second Annual DE-feet Breast Cancer 5K and when asked why, she said “Because DBCC is a local organization and I believe in their programs. The main reason I do this walk is because I know it is helping local people.”

Last year, Peggie created a team and called it “Walking for All.” She said she chose this name because, “this is not about me or a specific person, this is about everyone who has been impacted by breast cancer and we are walking for all of them.”

Peggie said aside from her work collecting donations for the Raven’s Roost, this is the only fundraising event she does all year. So how does she do it?

Team “Walking for All” with their fun accessories!

She explained that one of the most important things is to start early. “I sent a letter in December before the holidays letting people know that they would hear from me soon about this event,” she said. After her initial contact, she followed up with an e-mail in early February with a link to her fundraising page. Peggie then recruits some of her friends to join the team and asks them to reach out to their friends and family for donations.

The “Walking for All” team has no shortage of fun at the event. Peggie has a collection of pink visors with feathers, headbands, scarves, and crazy hats for her team members to wear at the event. “There’s no rhyme or reason…just for fun!”

Peggie’s Top Fundraising Advice:

• Start Fundraising Early
• Be concise when asking for donations but also be ready to give more detail.
• Offer to input checks and donations for people.

Other fun fundraising ideas:

1. Throw a party for your friends who donate to your cause!Offer hors d’oeuvres and drinks for every person who donated $20 or more. This is a great way to raise money while having fun with your friends.
2. Create a Spare Change fundraiser. Ask all your friends and family (or even local stores) to place a jar in a visible place to collect spare change. Pennies do add up!
3. Start a Blue Jeans Friday. Ask if you can ask everyone to wear blue jeans to work if they donate $5 to your cause
4. Sell yourself as a personal chef!  Raffle off your cooking skills and offer a home cooked meal for two.
5. Host a jewelry party for you and your friends. Charge $5 to attend and have everyone bring  1 or 2 pieces of jewelry that they don’t mind parting with, and do a silent auction or swap.
6. Get the help of your company! Many employers offer matching funds programs. Your $50 donation could turn into $100!
7. Use social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, to reach out and ask for donations from your virtual community of friends and colleagues.
8. Ask for money! Sometime the most direct route is the best. Write up a donation letter (or e-mail) and send it to 10 friends. Ask those ten friends to send it to ten of their friends. The message will quickly get out about your event, and the funds will start rolling in.

Event Details
The DE-feet Breast Cancer Run/Walk will include a timed 5K Run, an untimed 5K Walk, and a 1-Mile Fun Walk.  The run begins at 8 am and the walk at 9 am with registration starting at 7 am at the Tanger Outlet’s Seaside Location in the Applebee’s parking lot. You can register online here. For more information about the DE-feet Breast Cancer Run/Walk, please visit www.defeetbreastcancerwalk.org. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Linda Houben

Linda (center) with her daughter and son

Read this Q & A with Linda Houben of Wilmington, DE. Linda is a 6-year breast cancer survivor and a DBCC volunteer and trained Peer Mentor. Linda volunteers at the DE-feet BreastCancer 5K, Annual Emile Henry Warehouse Sale and various outreach events. She also volunteers at the Northern Lights of Life gala, and modeled in the 2007 gala’s fashion show. Read below to find out how she got involved with DBCC.

What led to your involvement with DBCC?

I was looking through a magazine one day in my oncologist’s office about a year after my breast cancer diagnosis when I saw an article on DBCC.  My first thought was “Wow, I wish I had known about this when I was first diagnosed.”  I didn’t go to any support groups when I was diagnosed and didn’t have a breast cancer survivor to talk to. Some of the questions I had were small personal ones, and now I know there are mentors who could talk to me about their experience.

What made you decide to become a peer mentor?

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn’t know this organization was available to me.  Once I saw the article in the magazine about DBCC, I knew I had to get involved.  It’s very uplifting and it warms my heart to “Pay it Forward!”

What have been some of your favorite volunteer opportunities with DBCC?

My favorite part of being a volunteer with DBCC is all the men and women I’ve met over the years who are survivors.  Some that have crossed my path have not survived and I’m thankful each day for having known them. 

What is a memorable moment you have had being a mentor to someone else through their own breast cancer journey?

Each call with a recently diagnosed person is memorable.  I’m there when needed at a very delicate time in someone’s life.

Anything else you would like to add about DBCC or yourself?

The DBCC staff is like my extended family. I always have a good time volunteering and I enjoy knowing that I am helping to educate people about breast cancer. I even run into a lot of the same people while volunteering and that’s nice.

For information about how you can become a DBCC volunteer, click here. For more information about the Peer Mentor Program, click here.

Born to Stand Out with Great Stuff Savvy Resale

By Marissa Chieco 

Your clothes make a statement about who you are, so don’t be afraid to show off and stand out. DBCC’s Great Stuff Savvy Resale Shop is an amazing way to stay at the forefront of the fashion trends this season, without breaking the piggy bank. Here are some fashion trends for spring. All of the looks you see here are from Great Stuff!

Mint green is the break out color of the season. Different shades of this have been popping out everywhere. Pair a mint green dress with some heels and a blazer, or spice up that little black dress with accessories in this color.

The dark days are over. Replace those drab colors with neon. Bright blues, yellows, greens, oranges, and hot pinks can spice up every outfit.

 

Nothing could ever replace that little black dress. This season the red carpet was filled with black and white outfits that defy time. Stock up on these, and you’ll be ready for all occasions.

Don’t be afraid to play with bold prints. You could never go wrong with a bright floral piece that brightens up your closet.

Play with nautical stripes and tribal prints paired with a classic pair of jeans. Good for a casual day out, or dress it up with a pair of heels and a small black clutch for a casual evening look.

 

Lace is everywhere this season. Add lace into your outfit through your accessories. Find lace covered shoes or handbags, or instead wear a lace shirt, dress, or pair of leggings. This edgy, yet feminine look is great on everyone.

Celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Moss have adopted the oversized hats. This practical yet trendy piece is perfect for those long days at the beach or a day at the park with the family. Definitely a summer must have.

DBCC’s Great Stuff Savvy Resale Shop is the perfect place to fill out your wardrobe while helping a great cause. This upscale resale shop features everything from women’s clothing, women’s shoes, fashionable accessories, handbags, coats, jewelry, and home furnishings. All proceeds of the shop go directly to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. Shop for the cause!For more information about Great Stuff, including information about donating items and volunteer opportunities, please visit their website or call the shop at 302-478-7890. You can visit Great Stuff’s Facebook page and follow the shop on Twitter.