Patsy's Fundraising Ideas

Patsy’s Fundraising Ideas for Freedom Challenge

 I have been involved in the Freedom Challenge for 10 years, so I have a large network of supporters, some who have given for years and some who just give occasionally.

Prior to every event that I participate in, I send out a newsletter letting everyone know about the upcoming event and asking for their prayers and financial support. Whenever I receive a donation, I send a personal thank you note. I also put together a prayer team of close friends and family that pray for me while I’m training and during my upcoming event.

After the event, I follow up with another newsletter, including photographs, with the details of the challenge and answers to prayer, as well as thanking them again for the support. This has all made a difference in maintaining my network of supporters. And the Champion Page is a great way to accept donations from supporters throughout the year and then apply them to a specific event once I sign up.

Here are some of my ideas:

Birthday Party with a Purpose – In 2016, I sent out invitations for a “Birthday Party with a Purpose.” I invited my closest friends and supporters, decorated for my birthday party, prepared delicious food and dessert, and showed a video about the Freedom Challenge. On the invitation, I explained My Birthday Party with a Purpose and asked them to give donations to the Freedom Challenge instead of buying me gifts. We highlighted this idea at the 2016 Freedom Challenge in the Tetons. Since then, I have continued to ask for donations to my Champion Page for my birthday rather than gifts.

Photography – I am an amateur photographer, and I am passionate about taking photographs. I live in Colorado and train for the Freedom Challenge in the Rocky Mountains, so I am always taking photographs while I’m hiking, bicycling, snowshoeing or skiing. Many years ago, I started making a Colorado calendar with my photographs through Shutterfly for myself and for my parents. Four or five years ago I decided to ask family, friends and supporters if they would like to purchase a calendar by donating to my Champion Page while I cover the cost of the calendar. I wait to order the calendars until there is a 40-50% sale on Shutterfly or purchase the calendars in bulk, when that option has been available. I offer an 8x10 or desktop calendar with a minimum donation of $35 and a minimum donation of $45 for a 12x12 calendar. The calendars are made by Shutterfly with high quality paper and products. Most often, supporters give more than the minimum. My orders for the 2025 calendar brought in $2,200 in donations from 25 supporters!! I encourage you to consider the gifts and talents God has given you to see how He can use those in your fundraising.

Freedom Steps – There are bluffs with a view of the mountains about 15 minutes from my house. Wanting to get more local women and friends involved in the Freedom Challenge and raise more funds, I organized the Freedom Steps at the bluffs many years ago. I ask participants to sign up in advance and give a $50 minimum donation. I hold the event on a Saturday morning in the spring and we walk one almost 3 mile loop on the trail. Women often bring their children and/or their dogs, which is always fun! Believing in the power of our prayer and continuing to want to bring awareness, we always stop at the top of the bluffs and several of us pray against the evils of human trafficking before we continue hiking. Many years, I have 10-15 women participating, often raising $750 to $1,000.

 - Patsy Lange, Freedom Challenge Participant