The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in some way, shape or form. One group that has been hit especially hard are cancer patients as many of their surgeries and treatments had to be postponed or canceled. This has resulted in organizations like Support Connection, which provides free support services, wellness and educational programs to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer, to be more important now than ever before. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, they had to either cancel or postpone all of their spring fundraising events resulting in a loss of over $85,000 in much-needed revenue for their services.
Support Connection has been an organization that Gina has worked closely with her entire life and is close to her heart. She knew that she had to do something to help raise funds for their critical services. Every year on the first Sunday of October they host their largest fundraiser, their Annual Support-A-Walk at FDR Park which is attended by over 10,000 people. This year they weren’t able to gather in the Park and encouraged people to walk in their communities. Gina wanted to help raise awareness about the Walk this year while raising money for Support Connection. After brainstorming with her family and friends she came up with the idea to host a Food Truck fundraiser. The fundraiser helped Support Connection and Chef Rob on Wheels, a local business that has been hurt by the pandemic as well.
To spread the word about the fundraiser Gina made flyers, posted on social media, shared with family and friends and asked Support Connection and Chef Rob to share with their people. The fundraiser was held on Saturday, October 3rd from 8am-6pm. Support Connection received 10% of the proceeds and also had a tent next to the food truck where we gave out information about Support Connection, the Walk and collected donations. Gina was able to share information about Support Connection with people that were unaware of their services while raising $400 for the organization. Wanting to do more Gina created an online fundraising page to raise additional money for Support Connection and reached out to family and friends who were unable to attend the fundraiser. Through her online fundraising efforts, she raised an additional $200 for Support Connection.
