3rd Party Fundraising

Dear Friend,

On behalf of us all at Team Gleason, THANK YOU for your interest in hosting a fundraising event to support the Team Gleason Foundation. Our goal is to improve life for people living with ALS by delivering innovative technology and equipment, as well as providing and empowering an improved life experience. Your help allows us to fulfill our mission and deliver programs that transform the lives of those impacted by ALS.

This fundraising toolkit provides tips, tricks, and ideas for getting started with your event. Our biggest piece of advice is to have FUN with your FUNdraising! We believe the key ingredient to a successful event is building something that brings you joy and resonates with you and your community.

Year over year, the funds raised from these big-hearted and thoughtful events organized around the country allow us to grow our impact and spread awareness about our mission. From a grassroots effort to a national movement, Team Gleason has grown into the country’s leading provider of technology and equipment for those living with ALS. We are proud of all we’ve accomplished together, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you. Your support is what makes our mission possible, and together, we will continue to redefine the future for those living with ALS.

Together, we are stronger. No White Flags.

Katherine O’Hagan, Chief Development Officer

Sample Fundraiser Event Timeline

Above is a sample timeline for preparing your event, which may help to organize your thoughts and to-do list leading up to your event. If your event is smaller or does not require as much planning, that’s okay too!

Identify your target audience based on demographics, interests and location, and develop a targeted list. If you are hosting a movie night at your elementary school, your ideal list of people will include school officials, parents groups, a pizza shop to donate food, etc.

Send out materials that outlines the day, time, and purpose of the event. This may include flyers to hand out, Facebook and social media posts, emails to individuals you want to attend, and (for larger events) sending out a media alert to local newspapers and news stations.

Make follow-up calls and send emails as a reminder about the event. This may include people who are donating baked goods or food items, reminding the park or school where you are hosting an event. the mayor’s office if you are inviting local government officials, etc.

A gentle reminder never hurts! Send out emails to folks who said they were coming, friends, family, community members, etc. and post on social media as well.

Let everyone know how the event went! You can share photos and a brief description on social media; also sending thank you emails or calling attendees can be a great way to let them know how much you appreciate their support.

Rock 4 ALS

Organized by Ryan M. in honor of his brother’s ALS journey, Rock 4 ALS brought the community together to raise funds for Team Gleason. Held at the Fairhope Rod & Gun Club in Belle Vernon, PA, the event featured live music from local bands, games of chance, and a lively carnival atmosphere. All proceeds supported Team Gleason’s mission to empower those living with ALS through technology, equipment, and adventure.

Lemonade Stand for Team Gleason

Rosalee and Liam, the children of Crescent City Classic charity runner Gabrielle R., hosted a neighborhood lemonade stand to raise funds for Team Gleason. Their enthusiasm and generosity inspired neighbors to contribute to the cause, showing that even small acts can make a big impact. This sweet effort proves
that support for those living with ALS can start at any age.

Fin Feather Fur Food Festival (F5)

Created by Lafayette native Dale C. following his ALS diagnosis, the Fin Feather Fur Food Festival is a spirited cooking competition benefiting Team Gleason. Teams compete in categories like Fin, Feather, Fur, and Dessert, with attendees voting for their favorites and prizes awarded across divisions. What began as Dale’s personal challenge has become a beloved community tradition celebrating great food, friendship, and the fight against ALS.

Here are the different ways Team Gleason can provide support during the planning and execution of your event:

Offer advice on event, planning and fundraising
Provide access to your own personal fundraising page
Provide you with our logo for your marketing materials, once approved
Provide sample template letters to solicit sponsorships and in-kind donors, media releases, and thank you letters
Provide Team Gleason printed literature for distribution at your event
Provide IRS compliant tax receipts for gifts made directly to Team Gleason in response to your event

Create your own mailing list of donors, vendors, and sponsors
Plan the agenda and securing the location
Deduct any anticipated costs from the funds raised prior to sending your final gift to Team Gleason
Solicit businesses and vendors to support your event
Promote the fundraiser
Print promotional materials for the event
Insurance, permits, and liability coverage related to the fundraiser
Working and managing the actual fundraiser or event

Team Gleason tax exempt certificate
Insurance or liability coverage
Funding or reimbursement for your expenses
Mailing list of potential donors or vendors
Publicity e.g. newspaper, radio, television, etc.
Guaranteed attendance of Team Gleason staff

Click the button below to view a sample donation request letter!

Donation Request Letter Sample

Click the button below to view a sample thank you letter!

Thank You Letter Sample

Thank you to everyone who joined us at {Fundraising event} for a wonderful event in support of the ALS community and Team Gleason.

Whether you donated, bid in the auction, helped out, or supported from afar — thank you! Together, we raised {Amount raised} in support of @TeamGleason to help empower those living with ALS.

Couldn’t make it and still want to support? You can give here: {Fundraising link}
#NoWhiteFlags

I’m excited to share that I’ll be participating in {Athletic event} this year! I’ll be running in support of Team Gleason, a non-profit organization that provides technology, equipment, and support to help people with ALS live full, meaningful lives.

As I train and prepare for race day, your support means the world to me and to individuals living with ALS. Thank you!

Support here: {Fundraising link}
#NoWhiteFlags

Support the ALS community and get your game on! Join us next month for a Kickball Tournament at the Park Community Center! In honor of my uncle, Richard, who was recently diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), all proceeds will benefit Team Gleason Foundation and their work to provide technology and equipment to the ALS community.

Team Gleason assisted my uncle with a seat elevator grant on his new power wheelchair. Help us support this amazing program and organization! Register now at {Registration Link}.
#NoWhiteFlags

Thanks to you, the testimonials below highlight just a few of the many stories that show the impact of your support.
Raising critical funds for Team Gleason empowers those living with ALS to live purposeful lives.
Feel free to share these stories with your community!

Team Gleason was able to provide Robert with Ability Drive – the ability to control a power wheelchair using eyegaze technology – so he could lead his daughter down the aisle at her wedding.

Brian Jeansonne is one of the thousands of people living with ALS that Team Gleason has helped over the years through voice banking – the ability to preserve one’s natural voice.

Thanks to his portable power wheelchair, Brian can enjoying watching his daughter
play soccer.

Thanks to her communication device, Laurie can continue reading stories to her grandchildren.

Thanks to her portable power wheelchair, Lori can join her family and friends for outings and dog walks.

Kerry’s testimonial below highlights the difference Team Gleason makes in people’s lives.
You’re welcome to share his story and the images below to help promote your event, raise awareness, and encourage donations.

Dear Team Gleason,

Thank you for being such a meaningful part of my journey over these past ten years living with ALS. When I was first diagnosed in 2015, I couldn’t have imagined the physical and emotional terrain ahead of me. But through every stage of this fight, Team Gleason has been a constant source of hope, action, and empowerment.

Most recently, your assistance in covering the copay for my communication device has truly impacted my daily life in ways both practical and deeply personal. The device allows me to express myself clearly again—not just to loved ones and caregivers, but to audiences, supporters of our foundation, and those who need encouragement. It restored a part of me I wasn’t sure I’d ever get back. Being able to engage in meaningful conversations again has been liberating. It’s more than equipment—it’s connection, dignity, and strength.

Working with Team Gleason has always felt like working with family. From the very beginning, your team has treated me with compassion, speed, and genuine care. Whether it’s been equipment, resources, or simply checking in—you show up. And in a journey like this, when so many doors close, that’s everything.

If my story helps someone else facing ALS feel less alone, then I’m grateful to share it. Because every moment of connection is a victory in this battle. And Team Gleason is a part of every one of those victories.

With all my appreciation and support,
Kerry Goode
No White Flags. Ever.