Fundraising
NEW INFORMATION RELATED TO FUNDRAISING - VERY IMPORTANT
I've made the decision to do my fundraising with the assistance of the NTAF Spinal Cord Injury Program, which is one organization within the National Transplant Assistance Fund (NTAF). The reason for this decision is primarily because my affiliation with NTAF will allow contributors to make tax deductible donations, which is not possible via a trust account with a bank. NTAF collects a small percentage of all transactions, but it is well worth it to me. They help set financial goals, write appeal letters, design flyers, prepare media kits, and provide guidance on preparing for fundraising campaigns. NTAF is a national 501(c)(3) organization that collects funds in honor of patients. It is the only organization of its kind that works with people to raise money for uninsured medically-related expenses associated with traumatic spinal cord injury. (Check the links page for an NTAF link if you want more information about this organization.)
To make a tax-deductible contribution, here's what you do:
1. Write a check payable to: NTAF Southeast Spinal Cord Injury Fund
2. (VERY IMPORTANT) Print in the memo section of the check: In Honor of Don Worley
3. Mail the check to: NTAF, 150 N. Radnor Chester Road, Suite F-120, Radnor, PA 19087
4. For a credit card contribution, call 800-642-8399 or go to http://www.transplantfund.org/ and follow the instructions. The minimum donation amount for credit cards is $25.00. (That's an NTAF thing, not a Don thing!)
My fundraising goal is $50,000, which will cover my expenses for treatment in China, and will also allow me to purchase a number of items that I need to keep myself in good physical condition and avoid some of the more common problems that occur for paraplegics. Among the items I need are a wheelchair lift for the back of my truck and a special lift that will allow me to get in and out of a pool for water therapy.
We've had two events in the past and raised a total of about $5,000. I can't say "thanks" enough to the Larsons of Larson Construction for sponsoring both of these events and giving me such a big jump start on the fund raising! One of the events was held at NYC Barber Shop (thanks to my buddy Allen for his support!!) and raised about $2,000, and the other was at the Moose Lodge in Tarpon Springs and raised about $3,000. ONLY $45,000 TO GO!!
A car wash was held on Sunday, March 30, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. until about 4:00 p.m. at the Palm Coast Car Wash. We made almost $900, in spite of poor weather. The owner generously offered to let us do another event later, since the conditions weren't optimal this time. We are grateful, nonetheless, because every dollar gets me closer to China. (Read my blog for more detailed information on this fundraiser.)
The May 18th fundraiser in Bunnell has been overtaken by events for the timebeing. My friends, the Larsons, are organizing a golf tournament for me at the Chi Chi Rodriguez golf course near Tampa. The date is TBD, but it'll be within the next month or two. My brother is also coordinating with some other folks to schedule a fishing tournament in the Tampa area. With these two events in the works, our plate is pretty full.
CHECK BACK REGULARLY FOR UPDATES!!
WRISTBANDS!!
Make a donation and we'll send you a wristband. Available colors are solid red, solid blue, solid yellow, camouflage, and red/white/blue marble. Please send an email via the Contact Me page letting us know what color you'd like. We chose the wording "MY 2ND CHANCE" for the bands instead of the more specific "DON'S 2ND CHANCE" because we wanted the bands to apply to anyone who might need a second chance . . . at life, love, health, or whatever the situation may be. (Everyone needs a second chance at some time or another, right?)
