Hey there, BDC Daily readers! Hold onto your hats, because this year's Bleeding Disorders Conference just showed us that our community leaders aren't just thinking outside the box—they're tossing the box out entirely!
Remember when fundraising meant bake sales and car washes? Well, Bridget Tyree, Executive Director of the Gateway Hemophilia Association, from the Gateway Hemophilia Association is here to spice things up—literally. She turned a wine tasting into a tequila fiesta! "We brought 200 people to a local restaurant, raised $60,000, and created a win-win situation for everyone involved," Bridget told us with a grin. Now that's what we call raising spirits!
But wait, there's more! Stephanie Dupree, Development Manager of the Nevada Chapter of NBDF, is proving that small change can make a big difference. Her chapter's partnering with local businesses—including a marijuana dispensary—for a roundup campaign. As Stephanie puts it, "It's about finding partners who align with our mission and are eager to support the community." Who knew your spare change could pack such a punch?
Now, if you're an innovator like Nooshin Kumar, Executive Director of the Hemophilia Association of San Diego County, you might be thinking, "How can I possibly do all this?" Well, Nooshin’s got a pro tip for you: "We've pared down our calendar to key events and developed a strong MOU with our local treatment center." It's all about working smarter, not harder, folks!
But let's dream big for a moment. Phil M. Gattone, President and CEO of the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, is shooting for the stars. "We're aiming to secure million-dollar donations by partnering with financial institutions and connecting with high-net-worth individuals," he shared.
The secret ingredient in all of this? Teamwork! As Phil put it, "By sharing our compelling stories and working together, we can open doors to new funding opportunities."
But wait folks, Bridget summed it up perfectly: "We're not just fundraising. We're building communities, forging partnerships, and creating experiences that resonate with donors and supporters alike."
So, there you have it. Our community isn't just facing challenges—we're tackling them head-on with innovation, education and advocacy ideas. Stay tuned for more updates from the Bleeding Disorders Conference, where we're not just talking about the future of care and support—we're creating it!