Fundraising Questions

If you go to your local bank, they often can create an account, for donations etc. for this.
I have seen this in my own city.
When a family like this, has a child with dire health, they put an ad in the local newspaper, and/or have tv media coverage about it. Then the newspaper ad or tv news coverage about it, will say... that "Donations are being accepted via 'ABC bank'..." etc.

And then, in tandem with this, you would have a website. Don't know how it is then created so quickly. Or do FaceBook for it etc.
The website would need something like PayPal, to accept money for the site etc.

You would ALSO have to, consult with the Bank or Tax professional, about how to set it up, being it is a "charitable" entity which receives money for a certain purpose.
I would ask a bank.

Hi S..
I am sorry for what your child is going through and applaud your willingness to do something for him/her and others with this ailment...

I have done fundraising and consulting in the past....here are some tips

1. Check out other charities and see what they are doing.
2. start a facebook page (it is free :)
3. before #1 and #2 -- write your mission statement and so forth about your charity. that is...define who you are and your goals before marketing.
4. can you find a website designer to donate his/her services or give a reduced price.....

hope this helps a bit

best of luck...

To get the website started, put the word out to see if any of your friends or family know someone who can design and build the site for you. It can be a great way to get something going at no cost.

Next, check out other sites for similar types of organizations/fundraisers. As a previous poster mentioned, the Jessie Rees foundation is a great place to look. You may also want to look at the Maddie James Foundation, started by the family of another little girl in Orange County with a very similar story to Jessie's.

A Facebook campaign can quickly raise awareness. If your child is in school or day care, spread the word through those channels as well. Even if you do any sort of mommy & me class (gymboree, music, swimming, etc) it's a great way to start. Tell everyone you know to tell everyone THEY know, and the word will spread faster than you can imagine. The Maddie James Foundation raised one million dollars in about 3-4 months (not to benefit Maddie directly, but to build a seaside learning center at a local marine museum).

As for bringing a teddy bear to the hospital, double check with them first. Many don't accept stuffed animals, but are always more than happy to take other kinds of toys.

I am so sorry that you're going through this with your child. Good luck in your fundraising and in raising awareness and support for this condition.

I'm sorry if I didn't provide a lot of details but it is still really hard for me to talk about. I try to keep my mind occupied along with my days but it is difficult to think about on a daily basis. We have to carry a portable aed everywhere we go as we don't know when a devastating incident can happen. I want to try and help out not just our family but other families going through this. So thank you for all answers and help that you can provide. And if any of you might know of someone who can donate their time and do a website for us that would be great. Thank you

In today's Daily Herald (July 17) in the front page section on page 9 is an article called "Why Stop at Giving a Kidney". This man who gave a kidney to a 3 year old boy is doing fundraisers. He seems to know what he's doing. He listed his email as ____@____.com Maybe he can give you some ideas...seems to be a super nice, concerned individual.

I'm sorry for the challenges you are facing, and praying for you and your child.

Jilly613 offered some good advice, and I am going to suggest another step, that you message Erik Rees at the Jessie Rees Foundation via Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/JessieReesFoundation

The page was started in early 2011 when his then 11 year old daughter found out she had brain tumors, she has since gone on to heaven. Jessie's dream was to help encourage as many children with cancer as possible to "Never Ever Give UP" aka NEGU with Joy Jars. The site promotes awareness, collects donations and delivers Joy Jars to young cancer patients in hospitals all over the US and to other countries, keeping Jessie's legacy alive.

I would think that Erik would be helpful in answering your questions and giving you advice on your pending venture ❤

Sorry that you are having to deal with your child's illness. That should be your major concern now, not setting up fundraisers. You might ask your hospital social worker for a group of other parents who children have similar illnesses. You might check to see if there is a national support group and see if there is a local chapter or if you could start one. Is your primary goal to cover your child's personal medical/family expenses or to make carebags for other patients? There is a website called GO FUND ME that i have seen people write in and tell their stories. Most set up paypal accounts to accomodate donations.