This week, Cheryl Knopp from Liquidnet shares her fundraising tips and techniques for her Race4Rwanda campaign. So far, she’s raised over $1500 and still has over a month remaining to fundraise. It’ll be exciting to see the impact that she’ll have by the end of the campaign.
Tell us a little bit about who you are.
My name is Cheryl Knopp, and I am a 40 year old from New York. I live in NYC and work as in house counsel for Liquidnet, the #1 institutional equities marketplace. Last year I completed my first Olympic triathlon by participating in the New York City Triathlon (yes, I swam in the Hudson River!)
What is Race4Rwanda (R4R)?
Since 2007, Liquidnet has committed a portion of its revenues to social causes through Liquidnet For Good, its corporate social engagement program. Liquidnet’s signature project is the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) which is an innovative home, community and high school for hundreds of orphans in Rwanda. This is Liquidnet taking action to help deal with the needs of the kids affected by the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Liquidnet employees and family members helped launch the ASYV in many ways (volunteering time, visiting the village, and raising funds).
Why did you decide to fundraise for Race4Rwanda?
One of the ways we raise money is participation in races to raise money and awareness for the project. To me, it’s such an amazing cause that I felt compelled to participate in some way. Plus, I wanted to see if I had what it took to complete a triathlon and this was great incentive. Last year I was one of more than 40 on the Liquidnet R4R team that completed the NYC Triathlon and we raised over $180,000 for the village.
What methods did you use to get people to come to your page?
Both this year and last year, I sent an email to my family and friends explaining about the ASYV and my participation in the triathlon to raise awareness and money for the cause. I also posted a link on my Facebook page which allowed Facebook friends to learn about the race and the cause. The Facebook posting included a link to my donation page. This year, I also posted a link on LinkedIn. As the race gets closer, I will send updated emails and update my Facebook/LinkedIn postings.
What has been the most difficult part of fundraising?
There are so many great causes to support and the economy is still not great so it’s hard to ask people to donate a lot of money. That being said, I think by personalizing my feelings about the ASYV, as well as showing my commitment with the training and the race, it gives people the hook to want to do something. It’s also hard to ask people to donate for the second year in a row but again, if they understand how great the cause is, and that it is personal to me, that helps.
Any tips you’d like to share with other fundraisers?
Follow up with people — not in a harassing way obviously — but emails and Facebook posts get lost amongst the many that everyone receives every day. Don’t be shy about sending reminders or updated posts. Also let people know that no amount is too small. Finally, as I said before, make it personal. Let people know that it is important enough for you that you are taking action and you are hoping that they feel some of your passion and commitment as well.
