Meagan moonwalked through her office and raised a quick $1000 for childhood cancer research. Wanna be startin’ something? Turn your idea into cancer cures with a Do What You Want fundraiser. It’s easy as 1-2-3.
Meagan strikes a pose during her moonwalking fundraiser.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation’s own Meagan Rodriguez has two words for childhood cancer: Beat It!
Meagan, one of our Special Events Coordinators, donned the glittering glove and danced her way through St. Baldrick’s headquarters in Monrovia, California, to raise money for childhood cancer research.
“As I passed by coworkers, I collected five dollar bills and exchanged them for high fives,” she said. “Although I collected a lot of donations prior to the fundraiser, I raised a lot more cash than I anticipated. It was amazing!”
She does have some words of advice for anyone thinking of trying their own moonwalking fundraiser: Don’t stop ’til you get enough, and check out the floor before you start dancing!
“The most challenging part was trying to moonwalk on carpet,” she said. “I didn’t think that part through! A smooth surface is ideal to help glide but I did my best and winged it!”
Want to know more? You are not alone. We asked Meagan to tell us about her thrilling fundraiser:
Why did you decide to fundraise for St. Baldrick’s?
Working at the St. Baldrick’s Foundation has opened my eyes to how many children are fighting this terrible disease and the repercussions of treatment. It has made me realize how important research is to find effective and safe treatments. I want to do my part in whatever way I can to contribute to finding a cure, if that means looking silly and dancing, then I am happy to do it!
How did the moonwalking idea come about?
It started as a joke where I asked my coworker, “What would you do if I just started moonwalking down the hallway?” We both laughed, and then I told another coworker, and she said, “You have to make this a Do What You Want!” So I did!
Why this instead of, say, shaving your head?
I truly admire the people who shave their heads. It is a noble and courageous act. I was not in a point in my life where I felt that was the best course of action, so I was thrilled when we introduced our Do What You Want fundraisers where we could fundraise in any way we want!
Fundraisers like this are great if you don’t have the time to dedicate to a whole event, or if you would rather do something simple on your own.
St. Baldrick’s staffers cheer Meagan on and offer “fives for fives” — five dollar bills for high fives.
How did you prepare for your fundraiser?
I used social media and email to ask friends and family for donations. Then I made a plan of how my fundraiser would go, and I rehearsed my dance moves. Everyone loved it! They all participated by cheering me on and contributing by donating.
What surprised you about your fundraiser?
I was surprised at how many people got involved and donated and were there to support me. What seemed like a silly idea turned out to be a big hit!
Where did you get your sweet moonwalking skills?
I watched YouTube video tutorials and studied Michael Jackson videos. Having the right shoes helps, too! (You can see a clip of Meagan’s moves on her fundraising page.)
What advice can you give someone who wants to do a creative fundraiser for St. Baldrick’s?
Don’t worry about being silly or weird or scared — just go for it! You never know how much you can accomplish unless you try. One person can make a difference.
All right, Meagan, just one more question: Can we count on another performance?
In a heartbeat! I am already thinking about my next fundraiser. It’s got to be good to top this one.
What’s your crazy fundraising idea? Tell us in the comments below or sign up now on the Do What You Want page!
Get more creative fundraising ideas on the blog:
- How a Fun Pose Became a Fundraiser for Childhood Cancer Research
- Kerri Swims Around Key West for Kids With Cancer
- How One Man’s Beard Raised More than $1,000 to Help Kids With Cancer
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