Fundraising Friday--Just Give it Up: UNPLUG!

Did you know that 61% of all US teens spend an average of 20 hours each and every week connected on the internet?!  That is according to a recent study in the March issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. The study also reports that 32% spend 40 hours a week online, while 7% spend 50 hours or more.

That’s a lot of screen time, and while the internet surely has some benefits (like connecting with our Casa de Fe supporters), there are definitely drawbacks. Excessive screen time has been linked to ADD, ADHD, as well as depression.

So what in the world does screen time and internet usage have to do with fundraising for Casa de Fe? So glad you asked…

What would a parent, grandparent, relative or friend pay to get a teenager (or adult) to unplug for a set amount of time? Consider organizing a TECHNOLOGY FAST. Have participants gather sponsors that will donate a specific amount of money for each hour spent OFFline. The organizer will need to decide the amount of time to fast—8 hours, 12, 24—and plan alternate activities for the Unplugged time.

So, exactly how will you spend all of that Unplugged time? Here are some ideas:

1.      Play basketball, volleyball, or flag football.

2.      Play mini-golf or ride go-carts.

3.      Bake cookies or a cake.

4.      Go for a walk or run.

5.      Do a service project.

6.      Do a Bible study.

7.      Write a story.

8.      Act out a story.

9.      Paint or draw. Create something.

10.   Memorize Scripture.

11.   Sing a song.

12.   Read a book.

13.   Go for a swim.

14.   Enjoy meals together.

15.   Play board games or cards games.
16. GO DOOR TO DOOR ASKING FOR CASH DONATIONS!

Now, let’s imagine a few scenarios…

10 participants each gather 10 sponsors. Each sponsor pledges $5 for each hour the participant abstains from technology. The fast lasts 12 hours. Each participant collects $60 from each sponsor, for a total of $600. Multiply that by the 10 participants, and you have raised $6000 for Casa de Fe!

OR

10 participants each gather 10 sponsors. Each sponsor pledges $3 for each hour the participant abstains from technology. The fast lasts an entire 24 hours. Each participant collects $72 from each sponsor, for a total of $720. Multiply that by 10 participants, and you have raised $7200 for Casa de Fe!

Obviously, every sponsor will not pledge the exact same amount, and some will want to make a straight out donation. Whatever works.  Every dollar helps Casa de Fe to provide for the needs of the 70+ children currently in our care. 

Don't forget--once your fundraiser is over, mail your tax-deductible donation to CornerStone International, P.O. Box 192, Wilmore, KY 40390. Be sure to write "Casa de Fe" in the memo of your check. 

And if you're in Canada, you can write your cheque to our Canadian sending agency, ACCI at: Adventive Cross Cultural Initiatives 89 Auriga, Nepean, ON K2E 7Z2 Canada. 

So how about you? Would you fast from technology to raise funds for Casa de Fe? 

Can you think of more activities that don't require screen time?