By Kathy Kraemer

Making the Decision

For the past five years I have worked as the Social Services Coordinator here at the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas, my family and I have always been assigned parking lot duty at our Walk to END Epilepsy events and we love it!!  But, at this year’s Austin Walk to END Epilepsy, I decided to try something new and raise funds.

This year, I asked my Assistant Director Kim Martin if I could actually participate in the Walk since I am usually done with parking duties long before the Walk begins. She thought it would be a great idea. 

Getting Started

So, I registered myself with plenty of time to spare. Then, I posted on my Facebook account the sponsor sheet showing empty spaces with names and gift amounts that I wanted to fill and I challenged all my family and friends to help me reach a goal of $1,000. 

Adding an Incentive

Before I actually published my request, I had an idea. I thought that if I added that I would wear a purple tutu and a tiara throughout the Walk and be sure to publish those pics on my Facebook my friends and family would be more inclined to donate.  AND IT WORKED!!!!

So many of my friends and family immediately responded just to see me in the tutu and tiara.  I was shocked!!

The Final Nudge

When the donations slowed down a bit after about two weeks and I still had not made my goal, I published a picture of the potential tiaras that I was considering on my Facebook account and that stirred the pot again. My friends that thought I wouldn’t do it came through, and I reached my goal. 

The Big Day

The day of the Walk I was ready with my tiara square on my head and my tutu fluffed to the nines!  I posted several pictures and videos and had a ton of responses from my Facebook family and friends.  I made sure to tell them that I would be back in November for the San Antonio Walk to END Epilepsy and that I would add some fabulous wacky socks to my ensemble!!!

My family and friends made me proud by donating to this great cause. I know they’ll step up again for the November 2nd Walk in San Antonio. Sometimes a tutu and a tiara are all you need to help you give back!

The Takeaway

My advice to you is to be sure to include your partner or spouse’s network in your asks because, in my case, it was people close to me along with my extended network of family, friends, and businesses that helped me achieve my goal. I even had some high school friends chip in! Most of my donations were online but I also collected some in-person donations using the sponsor sheet and an envelope which I turned in to the Epilepsy Foundation.

Getting Ready for the Next Walk

If you want to join my team in San Antonio, look for “Team Gato” and you’ll see a photo of me in my tiara. Gato, which means cat in Spanish, is my nickname at the Epilepsy Foundation. In addition to being a social services coordinator, I have from time to time found homes for lost animals.

I look forward to seeing you at the Walk!

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