Putting the “Fun” into Fundraising: A Guide from SAF National

One of the great things about National Convention, aside from the activities and educational sessions offered, is the ability to support the Forester’s Fund and Kurt Gottschalk Science Fund with your peers. At in-person events, we raise funds through a silent auction and raffle; however, this year we are putting a virtual spin on things for this important fundraising event. We are bringing back the ever-so-popular online silent auction, which will be held virtually as it was last year. New this year is the introduction of a virtual Fun(d) Run into the convention mix as an exciting way for members and convention attendees to support SAF through physical activity. 

To participate in the SAF Virtual Silent Auction, you’ll want to follow these two simple steps. First, donate an item! Donating to the silent auction is a fun way to support SAF and showcase your personality. Items range from gift baskets and specialty foods to artwork and hand-crafted items. There isn’t an item too big or small to donate to the cause, but it should be shippable. Second, bid and participate! The silent auction is a great place to find holiday gifts for your friends, family, and yourself.  The virtual auction will go LIVE on November 1 and be active through November 6. For more information on how to donate items, visit the Silent Auction webpage on this site.

At the SAF2021 Fun(d) Run, you’ll be able to skip, swim, bike, dance, walk, or run the distance of your choosing in support of two great causes. The entry fee to participate is $30, and activity seekers are encouraged to ask their friends and family members to sponsor them during the race to increase the fundraising impact. No matter the physical activity you choose to do after you sign up for the run, you can track it online using your FitBit or other mobile fitness app. Registration for this virtual exercise experience opens on September 27, and the six-week period to fundraise and participate closes on November 8.

What’s great about both fundraising activities is that attendance is not required at the 2021 Virtual National Convention to participate. You can simply visit the convention website during the registration and bidding periods and share the site links with your friends and family to support SAF’s two funds. The Foresters’ Fund promotes forestry education and the enhancement of public understanding of forest management through grants provided to state societies. The Kurt Gottschalk Science Fund supports development and dissemination of scientific findings and new technology for natural resource professionals to facilitate science-informed management.

The fundraising activities during SAF2021 promise to be fun for the whole family – so what are you waiting for? Donate your auction items today and visit the Convention site on September 27 to sign up for our virtual Fun(d) Run!