When you sign up for Empire State Ride, you’re also committing to raising critical funds for life-saving cancer research. Through your fundraising, you can change the world from the seat of your bike.
As you decide how you want to solicit donations, feel free to lean on our fundraising tips and tricks to help you each step of the way!
Connect your fundraiser to Facebook:
One of the best tools to help with your fundraising is integrating your online fundraising dashboard with your personal Facebook page. This allows you to easily spread the word about your fundraiser and track your progress. You can also send updates on your progress, making it that much simpler to reach your goal.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to tag @EmpireStateRide on Facebook and Instagram for a chance to be featured on our channels as well!
Use the ESR MyHub App:
Let the ESR MyHUB app supercharge your fundraising efforts and get you ready for your Empire State Ride adventure. The app allows you to personalize your fundraiser, accept in-person check donations, send texts or emails asking for donations and so much more.
Learn more here.
Ask your employer:
Matching gifts are a great way to double your donation. Many employers offer programs that match employee’s charitable donations dollar for dollar, so make sure to find out if your company has a matching gift program and ask your donors to check, as well.
Get creative:
Each rider comes to ESR with a different story. Not all fundraising efforts have to be the same! Use your unique gifts to make a positive impact. We encourage riders to personalize their fundraising strategy to their strengths and interests – making the journey fun and rewarding in more ways than one.
Here’s what other ESR road warriors are doing to fundraise:
Justin E.
“I wanted to make it as personal as possible,” said Justin E., a first-time rider. “I think what’s worked for me is sharing stories from loved ones and the folks that I’m riding for because, after each week, someone new would donate after reading a particular story.”
Justin leaned on the ESR Facebook group for unique fundraising ideas, and his main piece of advice is: “Don’t be afraid to ask.”
BillyTheKid K.
For #ESR23, BillyTheKid sought out an endowment from a local Jewish organization. He presented about the impact Empire State Ride has on cancer, and they offered a $3,000 donation. Now, he plans to raise his goal and keep going for a cause that’s helping other survivors and thrivers just like him.
“My grandfather used to say a dollar is made up of 100 pennies. That’s really kind of what Empire State Ride is, you know? It takes a lot of $25 bills to add up, but to just sit back and watch it grow is astounding. I choke up every time I think about it.”
The opportunities are endless! And if you need help coming up with ideas, we are here.
Ask the ESR Fundraising Team:
Fundraising is what we do! Courtney Helinski and Katie Kaplewicz are here to help you reach your goals. If you reach out to Empire State Ride at empirestateride@roswellpark.org or via phone at (716) 845-3179, you will be sure to reach one of their friendly voices. They will guide you to make the process as smooth as possible.
Road warriors pave the way for lifechanging new treatments, groundbreaking clinical trials and innovative research and discoveries. With support from your ESR community, fundraising doesn’t have to be another hill to climb on your journey. Instead, it can be an exciting part of the adventure! You’ve got this.
