Kevin’s Cause Fundraiser to Benefit TM Research
Jeanne Hamilton

Our son, Kevin, was afflicted with TM in May of 2000. A group of friends who are concerned about how TM continues to affect Kevin and our family helped us to put on the second Kevin’s Cause Fundraiser to benefit TM research.

There were four elements to our fundraiser last September:

1. Raffle of a “Free” 2 year leased Subaru (I have a brother who works for Subaru).
2. Raffle of $1000.00 cash.
3. Donation to attend BBQ Event
4. Silent Auction tables

The Subaru lease we secured through my brother. (We chose a lease instead of a car, because we would have had to purchase a car at cost for something like $15,000.00. Also, there would have been tax consequences for the winner. The lease was totally free and a lot less risky although somewhat less desirable). The $1000.00 cash came from the proceeds of the raffle, and tickets were very easy to sell. We gave raffle tickets to sell to everyone who offered to sell them. Family, friends, and TMA members from the Illinois support group and the parents online chat group were very helpful selling raffle tickets.

For everything, we solicited friends and family: Does anyone have printing connections? We were able to print the 10,000 raffle tickets and 1000 invitations for a total cost of $50.00. Can anyone make a donation to the silent auction directly or know someone who could make a donation? Can you sell raffle tickets? While I primarily wrote the invitation, I have a friend who is a graphic designer who put it together for me.

As far as the mailing list, I started with my address book, then added my husband’s business contacts, then asked friends and family to give additional addresses for their friends and acquaintances who would be willing to possibly come to the event or make a donation. I believe we sent out around 450 invitations.

Having the BBQ gives the fundraising a focal point. Both raffle winners were announced at the BBQ and people attending participated in the silent auction. For the BBQ, my friend opened up her very large house. Additionally, we used two outdoor tents. We provided the main course, a limited selection of bottled beer, wine, margaritas, and some violinists and a singer for entertainment. We also asked close friends and family to bring desserts and appetizers. Overall, the night was a lot of fun.

We have used this formula twice and it has been very successful, although a lot of work. Between our two parties, we have raised over $100,000.00 for TM research.

I would be happy to assist anyone else trying to raise money for the TMA. If you have any questions that I can answer, please call me at (847)670-9457 or e-mail me at

jeannemarieh[AT SIGN]msn.com.