Komen San Francisco Race For The Cure® SAMPLE FUNDRAISING LETTERS

Sample Fundraising Letters

Here are some sample fundraising letters, each written in a different style. You can use one as a

starting point, but the best letters will reflect your own individual personality. Just be yourself, be

sincere, and people will respond.

SAMPLE LETTER 1 : From a survivor

Dear ________,

Many of you know that I am a breast cancer survivor and that the cause is near and dear to me.

This year I will celebrate 25 years of survivorship! What a milestone. Twenty-five years ago there

weren’t a lot of treatment options, and people did not talk openly about breast cancer. It’s as if

neighbors and friends were scared that the disease was contagious!

Boy, have things changed. Today, it’s different and I’m grateful for that. We’ve come a long way

in 25 years new treatments, better drugs, less invasive procedures and improved diagnostics. But

we still haven’t found the cure.

You and I can do something to change that. By helping me reach my pledge goal of $X,XXX for

this year’s Komen San Francisco Race for the Cure you will be helping thousands in the

San Francisco area become informed on how and why to perform a breast self exam; obtain

diagnostic mammograms, or support services. In addition, 25% of the money raised will fund

much needed research through the Komen Foundation Award and Research Grant Program.

Last year, the San Francisco Affiliate awarded over $1 million to help the Bay Area Community members with little or no health insurance receive support, care and hope through San Francisco area not-for-profits providing much-needed services to our friends, neighbors and family members.

Won’t you help me reach my goal of $X,XXX and help us find that cure?

Sincerely,

NAME


SAMPLE LETTER 2: Fundraising Facts

A Sister’s Promise

Did you know that the Race for the Cure series started because of a deathbed promise from one

sister to another? It has spiraled into a commitment from millions of Americans to find a cure.

That simple promise has spawned $630 million in research for breast cancer triggers, treatment

options, and discovered more effective diagnostic tools.

That simple promise has saved thousand of women’s lives by providing treatment to the

uninsured and underinsured in the U.S.

For thousands of women with little or no health insurance living in the service area of the

San Francisco Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, hope can be hard to come by and only

made possible through you. Your generous support powers the organization’s ability to fund

much needed breast health and breast cancer services. Access to these services, through the

San Francisco Affiliate grantees, can mean the difference between life and death.

Won’t you become part of the cure? Take up the pledge today. I am putting my money where my

mouth is and will match any contribution you make up to $XXX.

Best regards,

NAME

P.S. Your employer may augment your donation through a matching gift program please check

your company’s policy.


SAMPLE LETTER 3: Sister of a Survivor

Dear ________,

A lot of you know that every year I participate in the Komen San Francisco Race for the Cure, and every

year I solicit you for pledge dollars to help in the cause.

What you may not know is WHY? The answer is simple. I do this for MY SISTER, MY MOTHER,

MY FRIENDS, and MYSELF. I am only 42, but during my lifetime I have seen my sister

diagnosed and a very dear friend die from breast cancer. Both of these women faced the

diagnosis, treatment and challenges with courage, grace and tenacity. They are my heroes and I

want to celebrate their lives by providing hope to others battling this disease.

I feel strongly that part of their legacy is how they are able to motivate others to make a

difference. Together we can move mountains and find a cure for breast cancer.

Won’t you help me raise $X,XXX?

Sincerely,

NAME


SAMPLE LETTER 4: Friend or relation who has died from breast cancer

Dear ________,

The Komen San Francisco Race for the Cure is something I love to be a part of. I look forward to

the Race every year because it touches me personally.

The first time I ever heard about breast cancer was when I was in grade school. I spent the night

with my grandmother and noticed a lot of scarring on her chest when she was getting ready for

bed. Many years earlier, when she was around 50, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. My

mother was in college at the time and told me how no one *ever* talked about it. Luckily, Nana

survived the disease and I spent a lot of time with her growing up: making chocolate pudding,

playing the piano and challenging each other at Monopoly (she always won)! Who knew that one

of my friends at that time would end up losing her life from the same thing!

Megan Kane and I carpooled to school together for years, road our bikes to the neighborhood

pool and danced to Barry Manilow songs in her basement. Last December, right before

Christmas, Megan Kane McConville died. The Christmas card she created for her family had her

name written in green script along with the names of her husband, and her four children who

ranged in age from six to two. Everyone thought she’d make it to Christmas.

Megan survived her first bout with cancer but it returned when she was pregnant with her

youngest daughter. She went through the chemo and fought the battle again. The disease

spread. Megan died.

I remember the morning my mom called me at work to let me know. My eyes were glossy during

all my live updates during the Today Show. Megan was two years younger than me. We still got

together with her family on Christmas Eve. I spent every Christmas Eve with her and this past

celebration, we all rallied to make it a party for her kids. Children shouldn’t have to deal with the

death of their mother like that … especially around Christmas.

For all the young mothers out there, like Megan … I will do my best to get the word out about this

disease. Maybe I can help. Maybe through monthly reminders on television, women will do self exams

and find a lump before it gets too bad. Maybe if I use my position as a television anchor

and talk about the Race for the Cure a lot, thousands of people will come out on September 21  and

raise money for research.

Maybe I can help find a cure so that other mothers don’t have to say goodbye to their adorable,

freckle-faced kids at such a young age.

Help me reach my goal of raising $X,XXX in contribution dollars.

Sincerely,