Easy Ways to Give
Volunteer Fundraising Events
Each year, many of our amazing SADS families host volunteer fundraising events to support the SADS Foundation. There are as many ideas as there are families from throughout the United States. Take a look at the following ideas for inspiration for your own fundraising event to support families and save young lives with SADS conditions.
Please contact Jan at jan@sads.org if you want to plan an event.
Annual Events
Brittany’s Trees
Thanksgiving Weekend
In Illinois, one special neighborhood started selling small Christmas Trees – complete with three strings of white lights and a base. It started small to honor Brittany Valene who died of LQT syndrome at the age of 8, but now they sell more than 2,000 trees every year. It’s beautiful to drive through the neighborhoods of Chicagoland with all the glowing trees. A how-to manual is available and the Brittany’s Trees team is happy to talk with anyone about starting this event in their neighborhood.
Blazing Barracudas Swim Meet in Memory of Stevie Grieshammer
October
This annual swim meet has been organized by the members of Blazing Barracudas swim team since 2018 to remember and honor Stevie Grieshammer who loved swimming competitively with the team. He was a great teammate who encouraged all to work hard and be the best swimmer they could be. Stevie died at age 17 of a SADS condition. Participants in the swim meet raise awareness and raise funds for research to prevent SADS deaths.
Jumpathon in Memory of Brian Price
The Shelton School Jumpathon in Dallas, Texas is one of the longest running and most successful volunteer fund-raisers for the SADS Foundation!
This very special event has taken place each year since the year 2000 in memory of Brian Price, who died at age 15 of Long QT Syndrome. Brian was the son of Kathy Price Martin, former Shelton teacher, and grandson to former long-time Shelton School Lower School head Betty Glasheen. The Jumpathon was originally organized each year by Betty and members of the Price family, but now Dana Rubin who is a teacher at the school is in charge. To date, more than $60,000 have been raised to support SADS families.
Ryan Weidler Memorial Golf Tournament
July 26, 2021 – Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
Join the O’Donnell, Weidler, and Speece Families for golf, wine and beer, dinner, and a whole lot of fun in support of research, the SADS Foundation, and CHOP Youth Heart Watch – an affiliate of Project ADAM. If you are unable to attend, but would like to make a tax deductible donation-you can either make a credit card payment to the SADS Foundation in Ryan’s name or send a check.
Rachel’s Race
September 25, 2021 – Janesville, Wisconsin
This Annual 5k and 10k run take place on scenic roads and the farm. The 1-mile walk will take place on the farm with family activities along the way. This race is in memory of Rachel Lancour who died in her sleep May 20, 2015 and was a victim of Long QT Syndrome. The Lancour Family and Friends are raising funds to enhance LQTS research, education and early recognition to help prevent further tragedies. Click here for more information and to register.
All for Al
December TBA, 2021 – Chicago, Illinois
Allison Bauer was such a fun, giving, kind-hearted person. She lived life to the fullest, always having fun, smiling and making her family and friends laugh. The All for Al event celebrates Allison Bauer’s life through sharing memories and raising money for some amazing charities in her name. All proceeds will benefit Young Hearts for Life, a great organization that provides free heart screening for students at local schools, as well as SADS (Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes) Foundation. Door Prizes – Raffles – Pizza – DJ
Fun Runs
Many families host different types of fun runs such as a friendly 5K or something more elaborate such as a combination run of different distances with awards runners in different categories. Also include beverages and snacks to keep up the energy of all the runners. Additionally, you can raise funds on behalf of the SADS Foundation by joining an established run. A how-to manual is available.
Silent or Live Auctions
Contact local merchants and businesses about donating goods or services to be auctioned off to raise funds for the SADS Foundation. Remind them that all donations are tax deductible and great advertising. The SADS Foundation staff can help with solicitation and tax receipt letters. The auction can be held in conjunction with many of the event ideas listed here.
Tournaments: Golf, Tennis, Bowling
Many community and private courses, courts or lanes will assist in arranging for a tournament with as few as 24 players and as many as 144. You can add food and prizes to the festivities, secure sponsors, and charge an entrance fee to raise funds. After expenses, the net proceeds are given to the SADS Foundation.