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3 Fresh Fundraising Ideas for Hospitals

September 14, 2016

Don't underestimate the power of chocolate, tattoos, and NASCAR.

Whether fundraising falls under the purview of your organization's marketing department or you just work closely with the development team, you know how difficult it can be to come up with fresh fundraising events and messaging year after year.

To help fuel your inspiration, we compiled some of the most original fundraising initiatives we've come across lately.

1. A Gourmet Food Fest at the Hospital

In days past, hospitals and gourmet food may have seemed like an odd match, but today, with hospitals and health systems revamping their menu offerings, a chocolate-based food festival at a hospital is the perfect pairing.

Hamilton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in McLeansboro, IL, is preparing to host a gourmet food extravaganza on September 19. The event, held at the hospital, will feature nearly 70 varieties of gourmet chocolates and snacks from a local chocolate company.

"This is a great opportunity to satisfy your sweet tooth with great quality gourmet foods and support our hospital," Marilyn Smith, Hamilton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary president, told local media.

2. A NASCAR Simulator

Why have a black-tie fundraising event when you can capture the spirit of NASCAR?

The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association did just that at a recent fundraiser for Albany Medical Center's Children's Hospital. The organization held a family-friendly event in Coxsackie, NY, with food, games (including a good old-fashioned dunk tank), and a NASCAR simulator.

Proceeds will go toward purchasing gifts for the medical center's young patients who are in the hospital during the holidays.

3. Tattoos

Hospital advocates can often be found in surprising places—like Patriotic Pain Tattoo & Body Piercing in Murrysville, PA.

For the second year, the tattoo parlor hosted a fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, tattooing cancer-awareness ribbons for a $15 donation to the Memphis, TN-based hospital and research center.

Tattoo artist Scott Riddle decided to launch the fundraiser in 2015 when his niece was diagnosed with cancer.

"She's since passed away, but up until the end, she was making bracelets for other kids with cancer," Riddle told a local news outlet. "Even when her hope was pretty much gone, she still had a positive outlook on things. I just want to help these little kids."

Last year, the fundraiser earned more than $1,500 from more than 150 donors.

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