Champions of the Fall

Welcome to Champions of the Fall! This is an exciting new fundraising and awareness campaign from NF Midwest, running from October 1 to December 31. Through various events and creative ideas, crews have the chance to raise funds and share NF stories throughout the season, from the falling leaves of autumn to the season of giving. 

By joining Champions of the Fall, you’ll be helping to make a difference for those affected by NF. As we kick off this inaugural year, we hope you’ll be inspired to join us in building what could become a powerful new source of funding and awareness for years to come! 

How Champions of the Fall Works 

If you decide to join, here’s what to expect: each participating team, or “crew,” will set up a page to share their story, promote awareness, and raise funds. Your crew will have access to upcoming events, campaign phases, and creative fundraising ideas, all designed to help you make a meaningful impact while having fun. 

Key Events and Campaign Phases 

1. Windfall Wednesday (November 27): 

Our first major event, Windfall Wednesday, takes place the day before Thanksgiving. Donors can enter for a chance to win up to $500 in Visa gift cards (two $250 cards) by making a donation. If they select your crew, you’ll receive credit for those donations! For each donation entry, donors can earn multiple entries, increasing their chances to win both cards. 

Encourage your supporters to participate by visiting www.nfmidwest.org/windfall. Windfall Wednesday is a great way for supporters to give while also getting a chance to win funds for the upcoming holiday season. 

2. Giving Tuesday (December 3): 

Following Windfall Wednesday, we’ll shift our focus to Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving. To make the most of this opportunity, we’ll update your COTF page to highlight Giving Tuesday and include your personal story. This will help attract donors who are specifically looking to support causes on this special day. We’ll also promote all Giving Tuesday COTF pages before, during, and after the day to capture maximum attention. 

3. Year-End Holiday Giving Theme: 

After Giving Tuesday, we’ll transition all COTF pages to a year-end holiday giving theme to keep the momentum going through December. This seasonal update will encourage supporters to give during the traditional season of generosity. 

4. Your Own Creative Ideas: 

If you have unique fundraising or awareness-raising ideas, we encourage you to make them part of your Champions of the Fall campaign! Whether it’s a themed event, a personal challenge, or another creative approach, we’re here to help promote your efforts and share them with our community. You’re welcome to use the ideas provided or create something entirely your own! 

Fundraising Ideas 

To help you brainstorm ways to raise funds and awareness, here are some fun, festive ideas. Feel free to get creative, and don’t hesitate to let us know your ideas—we’d love to support you by sharing your events and activities with the community. 

Classic and Creative Fundraising Ideas: 

• Gift Wrapping for Donations: Offer gift-wrapping services in your community and share NF information while you wrap. 
• Cookies with Santa Event: Host a holiday event with treats and a visit from Santa, and provide NF information for attendees. 
• Wine Tasting with Friends: Partner with a company that hosts in-home tastings for charity or set up a virtual wine-tasting night. 
• New Year’s 4NF Bash: Ring in the New Year with a celebration that supports NF Midwest. Set up donations as tickets and provide a festive way to give. 

More Unique and Festive Ideas: 

• Holiday Card Fundraiser: Design custom holiday cards that supporters can purchase, with proceeds going to NF Midwest. It’s a great way to spread holiday cheer while sharing the mission. 
• Ugly Sweater Party: Organize an in-person or virtual ugly sweater contest where participants donate to enter. Offer a prize for the “ugliest” sweater! 
• “Dedicate a Day” Challenge: Encourage supporters to dedicate a day to a unique activity (10,000 steps, no sugar, or even wearing a costume) in exchange for donations. 
• Holiday Photo Shoots: Partner with a local photographer to offer family photo sessions, with a portion of the proceeds going to NF Midwest. Add a festive touch with themed props! 
• Recipe Exchange or Virtual Cooking Class: Create a digital recipe booklet for purchase, or host a virtual cooking or baking class where participants donate to attend. 
• Personalized Video Shoutouts: Offer personalized video holiday greetings for a small donation. It’s a meaningful way to spread cheer and support the cause. 
• Outdoor Movie or Holiday Lights Tour: Host a socially distanced outdoor movie night or organize a guided tour of local holiday lights. Tickets to the event could be donations! 
• Pet Holiday Costume Contest: Hold a photo contest where pet owners donate to enter and share photos of their pets in holiday costumes. Offer a prize to the winning entry. 
• Resolution Run or Virtual Challenge: Create a New Year’s challenge for January, like a virtual walk or fitness goal. Participants can set personal goals and raise donations as they kick off the new year! 

If you’re planning a specific event and need a dedicated page to share event details and collect donations, let us know! We’re happy to set up a special page for you if needed. 

How to Share Your Story 

Sharing your personal NF story is one of the most impactful ways to connect with supporters. We encourage you to add your story to your Champions of the Fall page, but if you’d like help crafting it, we’re here to support you. Sharing your story on social media, through email, and in person can help people understand the importance of your cause and inspire them to give. 

Thank you for being among the very first to participate in Champions of the Fall! Your support and creativity are essential to making this campaign a memorable and meaningful success. With your help, we’re building a powerful new stream of funding and awareness that we hope will continue to grow for years to come. 

Let’s make Champions of the Fall unforgettable!