Maximilieno Cedeno did a 50:50 campaign to raise money for his 2016 trip to Esmereldas, Ecuador. Here is what he had to say about running a fundraiser and about his Mobile Clinic trip to Ecuador.
How did you hear about a 50:50 campaign?
I heard about a 50:50 campaign from my chapter and from a previous trip. It is a good way to raise funds for MEDLIFE and also help with the cost of the trip.
Why did you decide to do a 50:50 campaign?
I decided to come on a MEDLIFE trip because it’s a great chance to help others in another country that have low incomes. Also you get to see another side of the world that back in the United States you are not able to see.
How long did it take you to raise the money?
It took me around 2 months to raise the money. I blasted in social media and asked my dad and some friends to pass it around.
What was the main obstacle you encountered?
The main obstacle was myself, I don’t like to ask for money. That was an obstacle, getting over asking for money. But the money was going to a good cause, so that helped me get through it.
What did you learn from doing a fundraising campaign?
I learned first of all that it is not hard. You have to put some time into it but once it gets started it’s going to go on it’s own basically. The first big step is just to get the word out, and letting people know you are fundraising for a good cause. Basically keep track of how much each person is giving you so you can send them a thank you card. It’s actually my second fundraising campaign, because it is my second MEDLIFE trip.
So this is your second 50:50 campaign?
Yes this is my second campaign. The first one I raised less than this one. I learned from the mistakes I made that time and I was able to raise more this year.
What did you do to raise more this time?
I let more people know this time. I also showed them personal experiences that I had before with MEDLIFE.
What did you learn on your trip?
One of the things that struck me the most is how people are able to survive on such a minimal amount of income. How they are able on a day to day basis with so little resources that they have. One of the great things that MEDLIFE does is follow up with the patients and make sure that they get the right treatment, that money does not go to waste.
How do you feel about the impact you made on the communities with the money you raised?
It feels really good knowing you are helping others that actually need it and really appreciate it. When we leave at the end of each day the people are really thankful that we did a mobile clinic in their community , and that makes you feel really good about it.