ask and you shall receive

A post on the Cape Cod Challenge Walk blog I'm following called ask and you shall receive hit so close to my experience that I have to elaborate.

I thought about the Challenge Walk for a LONG time before I started talking about it with anyone. I don't like to fail... and it's a tough year to ask for donations, right? After registering and personalizing my webpage, I carefully crafted my first email plea. Within moments of sending it out I received overwhelming support and donations! Maybe my success was beginner's luck - this is my first year doing the 50-mile Challenge. In the past I've done Walk MS and never raised over $300. I exceeded $300 in my FIRST DAY fundraising for the Challenge! I'll write about my mom and her response in my next post.

So what about the people who have done the Challenge every year for 3 or 4 or even 8+ years before? They've been asking the same folks to support them, year after year. Will a tough economy reduce that support? According to the ask and you shall receive post, "It is overwhelming to see the continued support that friends and family provide each year. I actually had a huge 'a-ha!' moment when I realized that people will reach into their pockets even in these tough times."

I echo: "Friends, family, and strangers continue to support a cause which which they have a personal connection. They will also find a way to support something that makes them feel they are making a difference. I had people tell me that they set aside this money every year in anticipation of getting my email. I had no idea! We are getting down to the last weeks of fundraising. Don't be afraid to ask for support. I think that you will be surprised with people's generosity and their need to be a part of something positive."

Don't be afraid to ask for support. Send reminders! Some of my oldest friends who I never see anymore were the quickest to donate. And some of my closest friends still have not donated after multiple asks in various settings. I just remind myself - and you should too: You're giving others the opportunity to be a part of this amazing movement toward a world free of MS - of which you are at the forefront.

~Beth