It’s a new year! Did you set a resolution to run a race? To complete a bike ride, or take on a climb? Or maybe your resolution is to try something you’ve never done before: Something challenging or even a bit scary?

Your New Year’s resolutions can become even more powerful when you channel them into supporting a meaningful cause. Shatterproof’s work to transform addiction treatment is made possible by passionate supporters across the country who use their personal passions and interests to create amazing fundraisers.

So what makes for a great fundraiser? And how do you get started? We asked two supporters who’ve recently launched successful fundraising campaigns for Shatterproof to share their advice. Read on to get inspired!

Patrick Dolan: Polar Bear Plunge

On New Year’s Day, Patrick kicked off 2019 with a Polar Bear Plunge in the icy waters near his New England home. He streamed his event live on Facebook and raised nearly $2,000 to support Shatterproof’s mission! We asked Patrick what it was like setting up this event, and what advice he has for fellow out-of-the-box fundraisers.

How has addiction affected your life?

Addition has impacted my family deeply. I've lost a cousin to addiction, and have a sibling in the midst of a fight against addition. I've experienced first-hand the struggle to convince a loved one to get help, and I've experienced the anguish that comes when your loved one finally accepts help, only to be told all beds are full or that the rehab facility is financially out of reach. This issue is important to me because it’s needlessly killing my family, plus countless other families across the country. It’s a complex issue, but it’s man-made issue, and something we have the capability of solving through changes in policy, public perception, medical treatment, and research.

How did you first hear of Shatterproof? What about Shatterproof’s mission and impact speaks to you most?

I knew I wanted to raise money for and create awareness of an addiction nonprofit. But when compared to other meaningful causes, I was stunned by the lack of nonprofits focused on solving the addiction epidemic. In the United States you are now more likely to die from an accidental overdose than in a car accident—but as far as I can tell, not a single nonprofit focused on addiction breaks into the top 100 funded charities! I wanted to help change that. Shatterproof's focus on treatment and its advocacy work focused on changing healthcare policy to treat addiction as the disease that it is was a one of many reasons I selected it for my inaugural polar plunge.

What gave you the idea to do a Polar Bear Plunge? How did you plan and prepare for the event?

I've always admired my friends who've been able to leverage their athletic skills to raise money for causes they are passionate about. I'm pretty certain that I will never be running a marathon, so I tried to think of something I could do that would be a challenge and would create some entertainment value to drive donations. Years ago, my brother used to participate in a New Year’s polar plunge in Boston—I thought this was something I could do and a tradition I could carry that perhaps one day we could do together. I had been thinking of doing this for a while, but to be honest I didn't do much planning. The day before the plunge, New Year’s Eve, I created the fundraiser on Facebook and invited my friends and family to watch it on New Year’s Day. My fiancé and I just bought a house near the water so on the day of, I simply slipped on my bathing suit, turned on Facebook Live, and worked up the courage to jump in the water while live on air. The great thing about doing a Facebook Live attached to a fundraiser is that it has life after the actual event. I was able to raise just over $1,000 during the plunge, but raised an additional $800 as people watched my video throughout the week.

What advice would you give to a first-time fundraiser—especially someone who wants to do a more unique or out-of-the-box event?

Go for it! It can be as simple as selecting a charity on Facebook for your birthday or running your first marathon for a cause you care about. My number one tip for success is to make sure to tell your friends and family why this cause is personal and important to you. If your network of friends and family doesn’t know why you care, they are less likely to develop an emotional connection to the cause and make a donation themselves. Every little bit counts!

If you're thinking of doing something outside the box like I did, again make sure you explain your connection to the cause. Take full advantage of your social media network and leverage the tools that make it so easy to start a fundraiser. Consider the medium which will best convey the fun and spirit of your event. For the polar bear plunge, Facebook Live was perfect—I was able to generate demand beforehand, for the live tune in audience and the nature of the activity (plus my own need to build up the courage) created an opportunity for me to build up suspense with an exciting payoff for the audience. When I do the polar plunge next year, I think I’ll plan further in advance and share my plans a week before-hand, with a more specific tune-in time to grow the live audience. But my success this year just shows how easy and rewarding it can be to fundraise for a cause you care about.

Thank you, Patrick!

Kathleen Goggins: Los Angeles Marathon

Kathleen ran the LA Marathon last year and had a blast. This year, she decided to make those miles count even more by using her race to fundraise. We talked to Kathleen about her upcoming race and why she’s so dedicated to shattering the stigma of addiction.

Why are addiction issues important to you?

Addiction runs strong in my family. My dad has been battling with an addiction to alcohol for as long as I can remember, and my older sister had been struggling with a heroin addiction since she was in high school. This issue is extremely important to me because I’ve witnessed both of them lose everything they have to their addictions. It’s heartbreaking to see people missing out on what life has to offer because of addiction.

How did you first discover Shatterproof? What made you choose Shatterproof for your fundraiser?

I first heard about Shatterproof through Facebook! It’s so creepy and amazing how Facebook knows us so well. I clicked on the link and started reading about the mission and vision of this organization and loved what I saw. I saw there was a walk this past November and my mom, aunt, and cousin signed up. I was blown away by the testimonies and how many people there were who have been deeply affected by this disease. I love that Shatterproof is trying to make the conversation about addiction normal and not something to be ashamed of. I love that they are trying to make getting treatment easier for those who need it so there is no excuse.

How long have you been running? What’s your favorite part of running in general, and race training specifically?

I have been running since high school, but started getting more obsessed within the last 4 years. My favorite part of running is it allows me to direct my focus on something other than my thoughts. I am an over-thinker by nature, and running allows me to focus on my breath, fresh air, nature, and to filter my thoughts. My favorite thing about training is the accountability it brings to my life. It holds me accountable for eating healthy, time management, and staying in shape and usually those things bring out so much positivity and joy in other aspects of my life.

What advice would you give to a first time marathoner? How about your advice for a first-time fundraiser?

My advice for a first time marathoner would be to stick to a training plan, stretch even if you don’t want to, drink tons of water, and listen to your body. You can’t run if you’re injured! Lastly, pace yourself: it’s not a race, it’s setting a personal goal and fulfilling it.

For a first time fundraiser I would say if you feel inclined, just do it! It is honestly it is so easy. Takes very minimal effort and the awareness and donations are extremely beneficial.

Rock on, Kathleen!

Want to make like Patrick or Kathleen this year? Start your own fitness fundraiser, or kick off a creative fundraiser of your own design.