How to raise funds for a relative with Cancer?

Question

My brother-in-law has stage four cancer and is currently going through Chemo and Radiation. He and my sister live across the country from me, and run their own small painting and renovation business. His illness has had a big impact on their business and finances. I am able to help financially, but only on a very small scale. I will be going to stay with them for a few weeks over Christmas to help with house work and the children.

I would like to ask our relatives, aunts, uncles, cousins to contribute funds but am not sure how to do it? Should I call each one? Would it be tacky to send out an alternative Christmas newsletter describing the situation and asking for donations on behalf of my sister and her family?

p.s. I have my sister's permission to raise the funds, would be asking them be sent directly to her....she just applied for social security benefits.

Any opinions, ideas, or alternative resources welcome.

Thanks, I appreciate the advice from both of you.

Answer 1

You know, I used to raise funds for my state rifle and pistol association. A very effective technique is having a "sweepstakes." Some localities regulate raffles, or require permits, so by having a sweepstakes, you can sometimes avoid local regulation. Here's the thing. You cannot require monetary compensation for the ticket. You must accept all entries that qualify. On the tickets we would print "suggested donation $1 per ticket, $5 for a book of 6."

So there's the cost of printing tickets, the cost of the prize, and that's it.

Allow a couple of months for the tickets to be collected (with the contributions). Then pick a winner. We could make $3000-$4000 on each sweepstakes, and having 2 per year yielded enough to fund several programs.

Answer 2

Rather than asking the relatives for a donation directly, describe the situation to them and ask them if they have any fund-raising ideas. This may yield more interest and more money than just asking out right for them to give money. You may get some terrific ideas and help.

My brother has cancer. When my aunt, who works as a cashier, found out about it she put a cash jar next to her cash register. It yielded a lot more money than what she could've donated on her own. She said customers gave more when there was a picture of my brother on the jar. So, whatever fundraiser may be done, be sure there is a photo available. The sick person becomes much more real to people when they see a photo.

Other family members have pooled their money by their own accord to donate to my brother for Christmas for his kids.

Answer 3

If family members havnt already donated, chances are you are just going to stir up hard feelings and fights by asking, especially at Christmas time. Often, the actual family members are the ones who say, 'well if you need anything' but when you ask there is always a reason why they cant. Honestly, stay away from asking the family for money unless there is someone who is just extremly wealthy that is close to your sis or husband. However, dont feel bad at all for causually mentioning the other fund raising things you are doing.

Do things like yard and bake sales and the like. Talk to any local church or civic groups for donation. Talk to local business owners to ask for change jar collections. If he is comfortable, go to the news for widespread community help.