Page 6 - HFA_Dateline_2020_Q1_Spring

Best One Yet

Bleeding disorders community member creates
successful annual fundraising event

BY SHAWN NEASE, GUEST WRITER

“You have got to be kidding me! Are you At the time of this year’s Delves for Donors event, it was just when the
sure that is just for this year?” That COVID-19 pandemic was becoming more widespread and public health
was me after wrapping up this year’s Delves guidelines were being established. We were under a state order requiring
for Donors fundraising event and checking in that gatherings have no more than 250 people in attendance. But at our
with the hosting store owner for a rough total busiest, we had 50 people in the store.
of how much was raised this year.
We did our best to take everyone’s health into consideration — I made
A little more than six years ago I came up with sure tables and chairs were wiped down after each game. Despite a few
an idea for a fundraiser to help Hemophilia participants cancelling, no one asked for their money back because they
Federation of America’s Helping Hands understood they were making a donation to a charity.
program, which provides emergency financial
assistance to families in the bleeding disorders
community. Delves for Donors was born! Using
my love and passion for the game Dungeons
and Dragons, I created an event that seems to
have caught on.

More than 70 players — many of whom have
no connection to the bleeding disorders
community — paid for a seat at the table in
one of six two-hour Dungeons and Dragons
games. Players get a goody bag with items
donated from gaming companies I reach out to
for donations. There are also raffles they can
take a chance on for $1 per raffle ticket. Goody
bag and raffle items have all been generously
donated by companies willing to help a good
cause.

Have an idea for a fundraiser for Helping Hands?

Contact us at TeamHFA@hemophiliafed.org to learn more.

6 DATELINE FEDERATION < www.hemophiliafed.org