This is a guest post written for The Megalomaniac Mommy by Wayne Elsey on behalf of Funds2Orgs.

 

If you’re reading “The Megalomaniac Mommy,” then you’re probably a parent. And, if your kids are in school, I’d guess that you may be tired of all of the fundraising and requests for money. I’m a grandfather and my grandkids will be entering school soon. I’m expecting to go into what I refer to as “round 2” of school fundraising ideas when my grand-daughter begins school. But, it’s not just schools. It’s also the fundraising that happens for churches, sports teams or other good causes. Allow me to share with you some of my story and how I sought to change fundraising.

I began my career in the footwear industry at the age of 15 with my first job at a retail shoe store as part of a work-study program. Years later I became the president of a shoe manufacturing company. And, it was during that time that one day I found myself in my home watching the television with the rest of the world seeing the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. A single shoe washed ashore and I remember being struck by the image. I wondered if the person who owned the shoe had lived or died.

I remember thinking to myself, “Wayne, you’re a fool if you don’t do something to help.” With a team of driven professionals, we marshaled our resources and shipped hundreds of thousands of shoes to families who had lost everything. Even a pair of shoes, something many of us take for granted, became a great need.

That set my life in a new direction. I began working with people in developing nations. I also realized that nonprofits, schools, churches, families and donors were tired of the relentless candy and cookie dough sales. They were also tired of having to give money to the various fundraisers. People don’t have an endless supply of cash-on-hand.

After countless discussions, I decided to do something. Funds2Orgs was created by a team of people who realized we could help schools, churches, nonprofits and others fundraise and also give a hand-up to micro-entrepreneurs in developing nations. Since we were established, we became the leading shoe drive fundraising social enterprise in North America. But, you don’t have to take my word for it. We’re accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

With all my years in the footwear business, philanthropy and as a social entrepreneur, we created a thriving fundraising business. No one has to sell candy or cookie dough. No one has to open their wallets. All that has to happen is our shoe drive partners have to collect gently worn, used and new shoes. The more shoes collected, the more money that’s made for a good cause. Funds2Orgs issues a check based on the total weight of the shoes.

The premise is simple. You collect gently worn, used and new shoes. We issue a check based on the total weight of the shoes collected to your favorite school, church or even adoption fundraiser. With no out-of-pocket costs, we give our partners the following:

The shoe collection, promotion, and marketing materials.

• A team of fundraising coaches to work with you throughout the fundraiser.
• Pick up of the shoes from the storage location.
• A check issued within 2 business days of the shoes being received and processed at our warehouse.

At our social enterprise, we believe in three principles which help us (and you) make a difference:

1. Our shoe drive fundraiser is a creative way to engage people without selling anything or asking for money.
2. Shoes from your shoe drive are shipped to micro-entrepreneurs (small business owners) in developing countries. In other words, the shoes help people support themselves with business opportunities.
3. A shoe drive with us provides communities across the country with a socially responsible way to get rid of unwanted shoes. Shoe drives prevent footwear from ending up in landfills where they harm the environment and health.

We invite you to see for yourself what we’re all about and how we can help you. Get your free information kit today.