Who better to help prepare new PMC riders for their first PMC than alumni riders? We recently asked some alumni for their advice on topics from training to fundraising to PMC weekend experiences. This is the first collection of their advice for PMC 2025 – stay tuned for more tips leading up to PMC weekend!
14 Unique Fundraising Ideas
We asked some PMC alumni riders, "What is one unique fundraising idea or tip you have?" From hosting events to writing letters to offering fresh eggs to donors, these riders shared a variety of ideas to inspire your PMC fundraising!
1. Ask for Donations by the Mile
"Break down the ride into individual miles and let supporters sponsor a mile. Share a personalized thank you for each sponsor, making it more personal and engaging. It’s a great way to connect with donors and keep them updated on your progress!"
– Barb Epstein, 36-year rider; captain of Team Erica’s Entourage
2. Make PMC Fundraising Business Cards
"I created business cards with Vistaprint and put a QR code on the card. It was great to hand out to people that sounded interested, and I am including them in handwritten notes I am sending out this year."
– Michelle Bourbeau, 3-year rider; PMC Living Proof
3. Wear Memorial Ribbons in Honor of Your Donors & Their Loved Ones
"I send out an email every three weeks or so to several email lists I have created, with about 20 people on a list. I usually send it out after a long ride, often with friends/teammates, attach a few photos, and talk about the ride we just took. I also include a paragraph about our fundraising goals, what the PMC is all about, and the importance of raising funds for advancing cancer research and improved treatments. I ask people to donate whatever amount they are able to and for the names of loved ones who have or had cancer. I put all the names sent to me on yellow ribbons that I wear on my jersey, so I can carry their loved ones with me on the ride."
– Devorah Jacobson, 12-year rider; PMC Living Proof; member of Team Pook’s Pedalers
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4. Wear Eye-Catching Outfits on Training Rides
"Goofy bike rides, I dress up in silly outfits and ride if I meet certain goals. While I’m out riding, people stop to ask, and when I explain it, they often hand over whatever cash they can find!"
– Jessica Piwowarski, 12-year rider; captain of Team De-Feet Cancer
5. Create a PMC Report Post-Ride
"Every year, I tell donors that I will send them a 'report' about my experience of the ride, so that they know about the ride and that they are part of it."
– Ron Molin, 8-year rider; member of Team Flames
6. Host a Paint Party or Other Event
"Host different events. I have done a sign painting party and guests have loved it since they are able to donate but are getting something in return."
– Julie Frias, 13-year rider; member of Team Patriots Platelet Pedalers
7. Use Sporting Events as Fundraising Opportunities
"Run a squares game for the Super Bowl, March Madness, etc. Small donations for squares. Give a portion to the winner and donate the rest to your PMC campaign."
– Jen Field, 5-year rider; PMC Living Proof; member of Team Duncan
8. Create Your Own Postcard
"I mail a bright and photo-filled oversized postcard to all my donors."
– John Hudson, 16-year rider; captain of Team Pilgrim Church Sherborn
9. Suggest Donation Amounts for Donors
"I ask all donors to consider increasing their donation from last year or, if this is their first time donating, consider making a minimum donation of $120. This seems to increase the average donation amount. Also, ask everyone you know. Your family’s friends, service providers, doctors, etc., the worst they can do is say no. I’m always surprised by people who sponsor us."
– Robin Saitz, 32-year rider; member of Team 3G
10. Mail an ‘Old School’ Letter
"I would recommend that a new rider send out letters instead of relying on emails. Just think: who gets personal letters anymore? It might be "old school" but it is an effective way to fundraise. Handwritten letters in conjunction with social media and emails can be most effective."
– Barry Lipsett, 20-year rider; member of Team Duncan
11. Thank Your Donors Publicly
"No matter how redundant it feels, thank every single donor publicly on social media. I use Facebook for most of my exposure and website sharing. As soon as I thank a person or group of people and share my link again, inevitably, I receive another donation. I try not to post too much, so lumping people together as a thank you works well for me."
– Audrey Crozier, 13-year rider; member of Team Evan’s Crew
12. Use Your Christmas Card List
"The first thing I do each year is to take my Christmas card list (Excel spreadsheet with names, mailing addresses, and emails) and use it to build a list of donors. I send an email to each person/home in March. I send the PMC cards with a personal note in May/June and another email in July to let them know how my training is going and to remind them to donate if they have not 'had the opportunity' to do so."
– Pete Tracy, 6-year rider; member of Team Flames
13. Ask for Donations for Your Birthday
"My birthday is at the end of August, so I tell everyone on my mailing list to hit the red button below to make some sort of a donation, any donation, as that is the best birthday present I could imagine. I then take the verbiage on the donate link and have it read 'happy birthday.'"
– Harold Kessler, 24-year rider; member of Team Erica’s Entourage
14. Offer Fresh Eggs for a Donation
"When I'm in a final press for fundraising, I offer a dozen eggs, fresh multicolored from our backyard ladies, for local donations. With the price of eggs these days, this strategy should be clutch (cluck?)."
– Nichole Bernier, 3-year rider; member of Team Perry
Find all PMC rider advice posts here.