In honor of X and Y Chromosome Variation Month, a mom in San Diego, Michele Barton, wanted to raise money for KS&A.  Michele said, “I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to give back to the organization that helped me so much when I needed it.  If it weren't for KS&A, I would have never found other moms in my area.” 

Michele organized her fundraiser by working with the owner of a small restaurant in her area, Wings Pizza N Things of Oceanside, CA.  The owner of the restaurant agreed to donate to 20% of all proceeds from food and beverage sold to people Michele was able to bring to the restaurant on the night of her party.  Many restaurants offer these kinds of incentives to help build a loyal customer base.   Michele said, “I posted flyers at nearby Starbucks and blasted it on FB!  We had about 70 guests in 4 hrs and raised $1100!!”

Michele has a friend who owns a t-shirt shop, so she had a few custom t-shirts made and bought some balloons to make sure her guests would find her as soon as they entered the restaurant.  They filled more than half of the tables, and they even got donations from regular patrons who just happened to be there having dinner.

Michele was eager to conduct this fundraiser.  She said, “I was able to speak with KS&A’s helpline social worker and volunteers over the phone in times of crisis when my pediatrician didn't understand what our family was going through.  I learned how to better ‘manage’ Brian's distress without punishing him because I became aware of the stressors that are so common with other boys who are 47,XXY.  I learned this info from chatting with other moms on KS&A's forums.”

Michele adds, “When I first found about Brian's diagnosis almost 2yrs ago, I couldn't understand why this happened to MY baby. I still don't fully understand but I do know that I won't just sit back and accept it.  I have to do something to make a difference and help not only my son, but other children who are ‘eXXtraordinarY Heroes!’  My hopes are to take this all the way to Washington someday and get recognition from the insurance companies so our boys can get the therapies and early intervention they need!”

Thank you, Michele.  We agree, and we sincerely appreciate your energy, enthusiasm and commitment to KS&A.

If you want to follow in Michele’s footsteps, read on for an easy, step-by-step guide for arranging your fun Friends-‘N’-Family Fundraiser to benefit KS&A.

Friends-‘N’-Family Fundraiser

1. Choose a Restaurant:
   Many restaurants are enthusiastic partners in fundraising events.  The owners are eager to attract new customers, and your event will introduce your friends and family to their establishment.  Expect 15% to 20% of the gross proceeds from sales of food and beverage.  Just order off the menu—no special planning needed.
   Sports bars are a great choice when the home teams aren’t playing, but any casual restaurant will do.
   Pick a place you like, and ask to speak with the manager.  You may need to choose a “slow” night, but Michele was able to get her restaurant on a Saturday night.
2. Marketing:
   Michele recommends keeping it simple.  “No printing or mailing was necessary,” she said.  Instead she relied on a mix of free resources:
   1. Flyers in nearby Starbucks (click here to see her sample flyer)
   2. Social Media

                                                                          i.      Facebook
ii.      Tweet-Ups
iii.      Emails

3. Word of Mouth

                                                                          i.      Personal invitations by phone or in person to friends, family and co-workers.
ii.      On-site in the restaurant:  several regular patrons saw the party and asked what was going on.  Several donated and one wrote a check for $100 on the spot.

3. Party Atmosphere:
   A party wouldn’t be much fun with out balloons, so Michele picked up about $20 worth of balloons to create a festive atmosphere.
   She also made a few message t-shirts to convey the message that something special was happening.  Michele worked with a friend who has a t-shirt shop, but there are many sources for custom t-shirts, such as www.vistaprint.com or www.spreadshirt.com. 
   Michele’s photo shows the shirts she designed.
4. On-Site Appeal:
   Michele recommends having a simple handout to share with prospective donors.  Click here for KS&A’s one-page donation form.

 That’s all there is to it.  Thanks, Michele!