Francisco Beltrão SWEATYS GET ACTIVE AND GIVE BACK AWARD NOMINEE

http://sunsationalhomeimprovement.com/diy-summer-gardening WHO: Nadia Alaiyan, 20, from Claremont, CA.

WHAT: Nadia and her soccer team at Pomona-Pitzer organized a Greater Goals Campaign, an exciting fundraising idea where players participate by reaching out to family and friends who pledge voluntary amounts based on goals scored and shutouts achieved throughout the season. They raised $2,331 for Soccer Without Borders.

BEST PART ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE: Nadia says, “Fundraising so much money that can really make a difference, and having it not be difficult to do at all!”

TOUGHEST PART WAS: “Having to bug people to commit to their pledge amounts in the beginning, and collecting their pledge contributions. Our team has 30 people!”

ADVICE FOR OTHER MOVERS & SHAKERS: “If you’re going to try a Greater Goals Campaign, start BEFORE the season! We started midway through the soccer season, so people were busy–it would’ve been much more effective, organized, and easy if we had started before.”

WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF?: “I learned a huge amount about myself. I learned foremost that I have to continue with fundraising work like this, in my career after I graduate from college. There are so many people in the world who need help, and who don’t have the means to improve their situations. Simultaneously, there are so many people in the world who have more than enough to help, and who need to be informed, and encouraged to participate. The potential in fundraising, of course not just for Soccer Without Borders but for all fundraising projects, worldwide, is huge; there is no end to how far it can go. This excites me, as I am someone who has always had a lot of energy and passion to take on new projects, and to see them through; my problem was always deciding on what I was interested in. Now, after leading the Pomona-Pitzer women’s soccer Greater Goals Campaign for Soccer Without Borders, I have full confidence that there are no limits to this fundraiser’s growth in the future, for all fundraisers; and I am so excited to blend my love for soccer and sports in general, with my newfound excitement and determination for fundraising, into a career. In summary, I’ve learned what I want to do in the next steps of my life!

HOW WAS THE DOLLAR DOUBLE DEAL HELPFUL?: “Having our dollars doubled by Positive Tracks was incredible. I felt people were also more excited to get involved, knowing each of their dollars would be doubled. Especially for those without much to donate, I think this had a really big impact, as the little they could give had a lot more weight on it.

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HOW DID YOUR POSITIVE TRACKS COORDINATOR HELP?: Cristy Peterson was amazing. None of this would have happened, if not for her. Cristy and I grew up playing soccer for the same club, and when I volunteered for a Soccer Without Borders Oakland summer camp, she was working there as well. As a result, she reached out to me at the beginning of the last school year, asking if my soccer team would be interested in doing some fundraising for Soccer Without Borders. I was instantly excited about the idea, but also a bit apprehensive. Attending Pomona and Pitzer colleges, and also playing varsity soccer, is a huge time commitment, one which leaves most of us stressed and time-constrained, all the time. The idea of creating and executing a fundraiser clinic seemed intimidating, and no one felt they had enough time to plan one. That’s when Cristy suggested the Greater Goals Campaign, a simple yet ingenious idea, as not only is it fundraising for an amazing cause, but it also simultaneously promotes the success of our team, as fundraised amounts are completely based on the number of goals we scored, and shutouts achieved. She answered all questions as soon as they came up, and always checked in to make sure things were running smoothly. Without her, none of this would’ve happened. My team and I would’ve been just another group of individuals, continuing to play the sport we love, without ever realizing the potential to help improve the lives of others across the world.

Read more about Nadia’s story in her blog post.

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