In-Shape Health Clubs has pledged to raise $150,000 for cancer research in the month of October for its fourth-annual “In-Shape Fights Cancer” campaign.
Staring on September 26, In-Shape will host a variety of fundraising activities that will help it reach its goal. This includes the donation-based Ride Out Cancer and Dance Out Cancer events, for example. In-Shape will also donate $1 for every new member who joins in October.
These activities, and more, will help contribute to the goal of $150,000, with all proceeds going to cancer research and the American Cancer Society.
According to Kris Mulkey, the vice president of marketing at In-Shape Health Clubs, the Fight Cancer campaign is something members and staff have fully embraced and are excited to rally around.
Here, Mulkey shares further insight into the campaign and fundraising tips for other clubs.
CS: What would you like our readers to know about the In-Shape Fights Cancer campaign?
KM: The In-Shape Fights Cancer campaign is a great example of the way our team members and members come together to achieve their goals. Whether it’s supporting one another through a weight loss journey, or a personal struggle, or even something like fighting cancer, our community is incredibly supportive and generous. With one common goal — to raise money for cancer research during the month of October — we can engage and motivate our members and team members to, as a community, raise money for cancer research. This type of engagement not only makes a huge difference in our communities, but from a brand perspective creates loyalty in our members.
CS: How does it feel to see the campaign grow over the years, and know the impact In-Shape has made?
KM: One of the most exciting aspects of the campaign is how it has grown. Last year, we set an incredibly ambitious goal and put plans in place to try to achieve it. Watching our entire team and community get fired up and exceed our goal by 30 percent was second only to knowing how much of a difference the money and awareness we raised would make in our local communities. It feels pretty amazing.
CS: Why is it important for clubs to support their communities and causes that are important to those communities?
KM: For In-Shape Fights Cancer, we chose charities that make a difference in our local communities because we wanted to see the money our community raised go directly back to it in the form of services for cancer patients, support for caregivers and life-saving research. Not only does it create more connection to the cause, but there’s something special about knowing it’s all going to directly impact the lives of our members.
CS: Are there any tips you can share for how clubs can host successful fundraisers?
KM: My biggest piece of advice would be to do one thing really well rather than 10 things not so well. Pick a cause and then throw everything you have behind it.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
