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I turned myself into a fundraiser!

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Contributed by: Jennifer Bailey on 5/11/2008

I work for a wonderful nonprofit organization that brings art and art education to the community, particularly people with developmental disabilities. Part of my job is raising funds, which isn't easy in this economy!

I have also been a smoker for 30-plus years. Two years ago I watched as my mother died of lung cancer, and held her hand as she took her final breath. As motivating as that event was I still couldn't succeed at quitting this horrible, life robbing addiction. The withdrawals got to me before I made it 24 hours, and since the only one I was disappointing was myself...I ran out and bought a pack.

In April, I decided to blend these two unrelated aspects of my life and turn myself into a living fundraiser. The basic idea is to raise money the same way you would for a 'walkathon' or 'pledge-per-mile race'. Calling it "31 Days In May", I sent out the following excerpt from an e-mail to all my coworkers, friends and family:

"Now here is where you can help by making me responsible to something bigger than myself. I'm asking for a pledge of $1 or $2 per day for the month of May. Should I succeed by not smoking for the full 31 days, you who make this commitment with me will donate $31 or $62 to The Club of Arts, Inc. (a nonprofit organization that provides art classes for the disabled). I am already very committed to the success of The Club of Arts, and your pledge will help ensure that I remain committed to the end of cigarettes controlling my life. Once you have emailed me, pledging your support amount, I'll send you further information. Staying positive and focused on my success, I will put forth this one negativity: Should I fail in my objective and smoke within the 31 days in May, you are released from your pledge. You owe nothing. Those who know me know that I am honest and will confess to not meeting my goal. But I am determined and WILL NOT FAIL!"

April 30th I tossed out all my remaining cigarettes and went to bed. I've not smoked since.

The response I received was fantastic! Within the first week I had over $400 in pledges, today (11 days into my campaign) pledge amounts have reached nearly $1000! Not only have my efforts to raise money for The Club of Arts been successful, but the fact that I'm responsible for something greater than myself has kept me from 'slipping' during times of stress. Success on both levels!

I feel very confident that I'll reach my goals. The primary goal to be a nonsmoker for the rest of my life, the second to see The Club of Arts benefit from my efforts. The support and well wishes from everyone has been very gratifying and humbling.

Any readers who feel moved and/or motivated to become a part of this cause can contact me to make a pledge (or just send a word of encouragement) by writing me an email: theclubofarts@comcast.net or give me a call at (719)520-9222.

I wonder how everyone will feel about pledging support for weight loss???

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Submitted By: Tim Bergsten

posted on 5/12/2008 @ 2:08:54 PM

Rated Story

Awesome idea. A GREAT YourHub story.

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Submitted By: Stephanie Johnson

posted on 5/12/2008 @ 1:20:29 PM

Rated Story

Hmm, maybe pledging for weight loss is what I need to do to get back on track! What an excellent fundraiser for the Club of Arts. Great job! Keep up the good work!

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CONTRIBUTOR INFO

Jennifer Bailey

Colorado Springs , CO

Jennifer Bailey has posted 2 stories and 4 comments since joining on 12/20/2007. Jennifer Bailey 's average story rating is 5.

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