Alternative fundraising during the pandemic

By Carla Gade

When Debra Violette planned the 2020 fundraising activities for her nonprofit organization, she was looking forward to putting on events that had been successful in previous years. Plans were executed. Venues were booked.
Then, COVID-19.
Like many other nonprofit organizations, Violette, CEO of Free ME from Lung Cancer, based in Augusta, had to reconsider with her board of directors via ZOOM how to handle fundraising efforts to sustain their services in the midst of a pandemic.
“Our Save Your Breath 5K Run is one of two fundraisers we do each year,” said Violette. “These events are the only means of supporting our mission which is research, early lung cancer screening and helping single-family, low-income homeowners get access to radon air abatement systems.”
Lung cancer claims more lives in the U.S. than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined. Anyone can develop lung cancer, including those who currently smoke, those who smoked in the past and those who never smoked. Violette, a lung cancer survivor, said, “Lung cancer is the number one cause of death from cancer. Only 16 percent of people with lung cancer will be diagnosed in the earliest stage when the disease is most treatable.”
Kathy, a lung cancer patient and participant in a Save Your Breath 5K, said, “Last year’s walk was a unique experience for me where lung cancer patients, family, and friends gathered to share experiences, celebrate life, and renew hope.” But things are moving in a different direction during the pandemic, and people like Kathy can still show their support and camaraderie by participating in virtual events as an alternative to in person gatherings.
The Maine Association of Nonprofits reports that members estimate an average revenue shortfall of 25 percent of their typical annual operating budget. To combat this, Maine’s nonprofits have been stepping up with innovative ways to serve their communities. SeaChange Yoga in Portland turned their annual Yogathon into a live-streamed event to generate revenue for their largest fundraiser of the year. The Good Shepherd Food Bank created a virtual food drive in their fight against hunger in Maine.
“We are now going virtual with our famous annual auction,” said FMFLC Board President Roger Pomerleau. “We are looking forward to opening up this auction to anyone who can utilize our high-quality selection of auction items. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly to continue our programs benefitting lung cancer patients. We hope to widen our supporter base. All are welcome to participate.”
Donations have been coming in, showing that even during difficult times, community comes together to show support. More than 40 items are being auctioned including everything from white water rafting and ski trips to overnight stays in fabulous bed and breakfasts, spas, and yurts; a guided bear hunt; gift cards to restaurants and entertainment; a quarter pig; and two exotic vacations.
To participate in the Save Your Breath Virtual 5k Run, Walk, or Race-Walk from Oct. 25 through Nov. 7, visit and sign up for the online auction, active through Oct. 31. Visit freemefromlungcancer.org to sign up. The website also has information about what Free ME from Lung Cancer is doing to raise awareness, advocate and help prevent lung cancer throughout Maine and beyond.

Carla Gade has been working with non-profits for many years and is social media director for Free Me from Lung Cancer.