Fundraising Success Center
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Every paddler has a different story. Some are cancer survivors. Some paddle in memory of someone they love. Others paddle simply because they believe no one in our community should face cancer alone.
Whatever brought you here, thank you.
Raising your $1,000 paddler pledge is an important part of Paddle for Life, but you don't have to do it alone. Hundreds of participants have successfully reached their fundraising goals over the years, many without any previous fundraising experience.
This page is here to help you get started, build confidence, and remind you that every conversation, every donation, and every story shared helps bring hope to Maui County families facing cancer.
One of the biggest misconceptions about fundraising is that someone needs to write one large check.
In reality, most paddlers reach their goal through many smaller gifts from friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and community members who simply want to help.
Every donation matters.
You Don't Need One $1,000 Donor
EXAMPLE TOTAL
40 people give $25 $1000
20 people give $50 $1000
10 people give $100 $1000
5 people give $200 $1000
Don't underestimate the power of your community. Small acts of generosity add up quickly.
Your First Five Steps
STEP 1
Complete Your Fundraising Page
Before asking anyone to donate, spend a few minutes making your page personal.
Upload a photo, share why you're participating, and tell people who or what inspired you to paddle. Your story is often the most powerful part of your fundraising.
STEP 2
Start with the People Who Already Love You
You don't need to ask hundreds of people. Start with five. Think about friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors, or former teammates who would be excited to support something that's meaningful to you.
Personal emails, texts, and conversations are often much more effective than a general social media post.
STEP 3
Share Your Journey
People love following along. As you train, post photos, share what Paddle for Life means to you, celebrate milestones, and thank your donors publicly.
You're not asking people to support you. You're inviting them to become part of something bigger.
STEP 4
Thank Every Donor
Every donation deserves gratitude, whether it's $10 or $500.
A simple thank you lets your supporters know their gift matters and often encourages them to continue cheering you on throughout your journey.
STEP 5
Keep Going
Don't stop after your first week.
Many paddlers reach a large portion of their fundraising goal during the final weeks leading up to the voyage.
Consistency matters more than perfection.
Learn from Fellow Paddlers
"People connect to a face and a story.”
“For me, it came down to sharing why I'm doing this. I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer, and every stroke of my paddle will carry her name across the water. People connect to a face and a story, and that personal connection made all the difference."
"Remember how good it feels when you're able to help someone else. Most people enjoy giving when they know they're making a difference."
"People like to give."
Creative Ways to Reach Your Goal
Fundraising doesn't have to look the same for everyone.
Here are a few ideas that have worked for Paddle for Life participants and other nonprofit fundraisers:
Send personal emails to friends and family
Share your story on social media
Ask your employer about matching gifts
Host a backyard BBQ or potluck
Organize a bake sale
Teach a paddle clinic or fitness class
Host a trivia or game night
Celebrate a birthday by asking for donations instead of gifts
Invite friends to coffee and share your story
Ask local businesses to support your voyage
Choose the ideas that feel authentic to you.
Connect Paddle for Life With Local Businesses
Many local businesses are looking for meaningful ways to give back to our community.
If you know a business owner who may be interested in supporting Paddle for Life, we'd love your help making the introduction.
If a business decides to sponsor the voyage because of your outreach, Pacific Cancer Foundation will credit that sponsorship toward your paddler pledge.
To help you get started, we've created a sponsorship cover letter and sponsorship packet that you can personalize and share with prospective sponsors. The packet explains the event, sponsorship levels, community impact, and recognition sponsors receive.
Questions About Sponsorship? Contact Jenny Worth at jenny.worth@pacificcancerfoundation.org and we'd be happy to help.
Copy, Paste & Send
Sample Email
Aloha!
This October I'll be participating in Pacific Cancer Foundation's 17th Annual Paddle for Life, a 36-mile voyage from Maui to Lānaʻi and back to raise funds for local families facing cancer.
I'm paddling in honor of ____________, and my goal is to raise $1,000 to support free patient navigation, transportation assistance, nutrition support, wellness programs, and financial assistance throughout Maui County.
If you're able, I'd be so grateful if you would consider making a donation of any amount. Every gift makes a difference.
Thank you so much for your support!
Sample Text Message
Aloha! I'm participating in Paddle for Life this October to support Pacific Cancer Foundation. If you're able, I'd be so grateful if you'd consider making a donation to my fundraising page. Every gift helps local families facing cancer. Mahalo! ❤️
Sample Social Media Post
💗 This October, I'll be participating in Pacific Cancer Foundation's 17th Annual Paddle for Life, a 36-mile voyage from Maui to Lānaʻi and back.
I'm paddling in honor of [person you're honoring] because [share your reason for paddling].
I'm also raising funds to help ensure that no one in Maui County has to face cancer alone. Every donation supports Pacific Cancer Foundation's free programs and services, including patient navigation, transportation assistance, nutritional support, wellness programs, and financial assistance for local families.
If you're able, I'd be so grateful if you would consider supporting my journey with a donation of any amount. Every gift, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to helping another family when they need it most.
Mahalo for your encouragement and support. ❤️
👉 Donate here: [Insert your fundraising page link]
#PaddleForLife2026 #PacificCancerFoundation #MauiCancerOhana
Frequently Asked Questions
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Start with the people you do know. Personal conversations often lead to introductions to others who would also like to help.
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Not at all. Many paddlers reach their goal through personal emails, phone calls, text messages, and face-to-face conversations.
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Absolutely. If you introduce a business that becomes a Paddle for Life sponsor, PCF can attribute that sponsorship toward your paddler pledge. Sponsorship resources are available above.
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You're not alone. Many paddlers raise a significant portion of their donations during the final weeks before the voyage. Keep sharing your story, thanking donors, and inviting others to join your journey.
EVERY CONVERSATION MATTERS
Fundraising isn't just about reaching a number.
It's about sharing the mission of Pacific Cancer Foundation with people who may have never heard of Paddle for Life before.
Every conversation you have, every story you tell, and every donation you inspire helps ensure that no one in Maui County has to face cancer alone.
Together, we're not just raising funds.
We're building a community of hope, one paddle stroke and one act of generosity at a time.
READY TO SHARE YOUR STORY?
Your fundraising page is more than a place to collect donations. It's your opportunity to inspire others to join you in supporting Maui County families facing cancer.
Take the first step today by personalizing your page, sharing your story, and inviting your community to paddle alongside you.