2013 Big Ideas Success Stories

The first-ever Jimmy Fund Big Ideas Contest in 2013 produced more than 150 innovative fundraising ideas. From new, exciting events to unique business partnerships, many of these ideas were implemented by the Jimmy Fund and are actively generating funds to support Dana-Farber’s life-saving work.

Here are some of those Big Ideas, in action, today:

Coins to Cure Cancer

The 2013 Jimmy Fund Big Ideas Contest winner, Coins to Cure Cancer, is now an ongoing Jimmy Fund program. These free-standing collection canisters—which feature a unique, patented design—make it easy for customers to contribute change and dollar bills, while supporting the Jimmy Fund in the process.

Today, the canisters sit on lane dividers at Walgreens, Burger King, The Paper Store, and Showcase Cinema locations throughout New England, as well as at Jimmy Fund events and at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The program provides a fantastic way to engage corporate partners, promote the Jimmy Fund’s mission, and generate much-needed funds for Dana-Farber.

Cheer for Dana-Farber^SM

Cheer for Dana-Farber^SM is a vibrant and successful fundraising event. Through this program, cheerleading squads across New England raise vital funds for cancer care and research at Dana-Farber, through bake sales, car washes, and other fun activities. The top five fundraising teams attend a cheer clinic with New England Patriots cheerleaders, and the grand prize-winning team performs a cheer routine during a New England Patriots home pre-game show.

In 2013, more than 2,000 cheerleaders participated in Cheer for Dana-Farber, raising $70,000, and in 2014, more than 1,650 cheerleaders raised over $81,000.

Charge on for the Jimmy Fund

Now in its second year, Charge On for the Jimmy Fund is an innovative fundraiser that involves asking businesses to switch their credit card processing services to Michigan Retailers Association (MRA). In turn, the MRA gives 20 percent of the gross profit generated from all credit and debit card receipts to the Jimmy Fund.

This easy charitable giving program does not cost businesses or consumers anything, and it generates immediate revenue for the Jimmy Fund’s mission to conquer cancer.