From Mission To Movement: How Our Team is Fundraising for Something Bigger

By Dr. Amy Blansit, CEO, Drew Lewis Foundation

At the Drew Lewis Foundation, we believe that community isn’t something you have—it’s something you build. And right now, our team is building in more ways than one.

Over the next 90 days, our staff and board members are taking on a challenge we’re calling the 2025 Mini Game. It’s a friendly, team-based fundraising effort with a goal of raising $15,000. But what we’re doing is about much more than money. It’s about learning how to tell our story in a way that sparks action—and how to work together as one, across departments, roles, and titles, to turn our mission into a movement.

Yes, there are prizes. Yes, there’s a colorful poster in the office where teams “build” a house piece by piece with each fundraising win. But more than anything, this is about each of us stepping into our role as storytellers, advocates, and neighbors.

Why Storytelling?

Because that’s where the movement begins. It’s easy to get lost in numbers and strategy. But when we zoom out, our job is simple: to remind our community that people matter. That families working hard to build a better life should never have to do it alone. That the porch light is still on in our community.

Whether it’s the single mom who found support through our Blue House program, or the family that turned financial education through RISE into homeownership, these stories are the heartbeats of our work. And when we share them—authentically, vulnerably, and consistently—we give others permission to care, to act, and to give.

The Power of Teamwork

What’s beautiful about this Mini Game is that it’s not just about professional fundraisers. Everyone is playing a part—from our program managers to our board members, from admin staff to part time support. People who’ve never asked for donations before are now having real conversations about why this work matters.

We’re seeing coworkers come together in new ways: coaching each other on outreach emails, cheering each other on after a successful ask, and swapping stories that light up the “why” behind it all. We even have staff and community members starting birthday fundraisers on social media for the cause.

This is what community looks like behind the scenes: not just delivering services, but learning, stretching, and showing up for each other with purpose.

How You Can Help Us With Fundraising

If you’re reading this, you’re already part of our story. Whether you’ve attended a Porch Party or Fairbanks Fall Festival, volunteered your time, donated before, or simply believe in what we do—we’re grateful for you. And if you’re looking for a simple way to uplift your neighbors, consider this your invitation: Give $5. Or $50. We won't say no to $500 or $5,000 either! Or whatever feels meaningful to you. We will take your time and your talents every day too.

Every gift, no matter the size, builds this movement we’re creating—together.

We’re not just raising money. We’re raising belief.

We’re not just building stability. We’re building trust, opportunity, and lasting change.

And we’re doing it one story, one team, and one generous heart at a time.

Thank you for being part of the movement,

Amy Christine

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