The Unsexy Truth About Fundraising
New Feature: Click to listen to today’s letter on my new website–Jay Armstrong, The (Dis)Abled Writer
Ben Franklin has never been a sex symbol.
While he may not fit the traditional mold of “sexy” by today’s standards, he certainly had a charismatic personality and was known for his charm and wit. Franklin was a socialite who loved engaging in lively conversations and had a reputation as quite the ladies’ man in his younger years. His intelligence, humor, and contributions to society made him appealing in many ways.
Built like an acorn—stocky, thick, and bald—Franklin had a slightly portly yet magnetic allure, reminiscent of a successful, firmly rooted version of George Costanza.
He invented such “sexy” items as bifocals, swim fins, the Franklin stove, and, of course, the provocative lightning rod. However, perhaps his most alluring contribution is the timeless advice shared by everyone from Wall Street investors to kids with lemonade stands: “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
Franklin first shared this wisdom in his 1737 essay “The Way to Wealth,” where he cleverly quipped, “A penny saved is two pence earned.” It’s a catchy reminder that every penny counts, as wealth is simply the accumulation of pennies over time.
In April 2024, I organized a comedy show called “Yo Philly, Stand Up to Ataxia,” which raised $16,306.68 for ataxia research. This past weekend, I led Team J-Strong at the Ride Ataxia Bike Ride and Walk event, raising $9,939.00 for the same cause. So far in 2024, I have helped raise a total of $26,242.68 for ataxia research.
I share this because each time I decided to start my fundraising efforts, it felt like a trapdoor swung open in my chest. I feared I wouldn’t raise any money and that my calls for support, awareness, and financial help would be ignored. A whirlwind of self-doubt, neuroticism, and imagined incompetence swirled within me, accompanied by a belly full of self-deprecating thoughts that would make even George Costanza proud.
It occurs to me now that the success of these fundraisers boils down to a revision of Franklin’s wise adage: “A penny donated is a penny closer to a cure.”
I wouldn’t say I enjoy fundraising. I don’t like bothering people or asking for money. And even though I’ve put my face on the cover of my book, I certainly don’t relish attention. Yet, knowing that every penny can make a difference makes it a little easier to step out of my comfort zone. It’s a strange mix of reluctance and resolve that keeps me pushing forward, even when I’d rather blend into the background.
I live with an incurable disease that needs more funding for lab work to find a cure. Isn’t that so much like life? We do what we must—little by little, day by day—because we must remember that progress is often unglamorous and depends on the unsexy accumulation of every single penny.
Be well,
Jay
You Can Still Help Team J-Strong!
Though the Ride Ataxia fundraising event has passed, you can still help us reach $10k!!You can contribute to this important cause by making a donation here on my fundraising page.
This event aims to raise awareness and financial support for Friedrich’s Ataxia research, a particularly debilitating form of Ataxia.
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One, Line, One Love: Episode 37: A Creative Conversation Between Two Everyday Writers
In this episode of ‘One Line, One Love,’ Gail and Jay react to author John Green’s thoughts on the ‘dream’ writing advice he received as a young writer. They discuss how Green’s suggestion to ‘tell’ a story as if you’re at a party can be incredibly helpful for everyday writers struggling to find their voice. If you’re a writer looking to enhance your connection with your audience, this episode is a must-listen!
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Warm greetings to everyone who found me on the University of Pennsylvania’s Ataxia Clinic’s website! Thanks for stopping by. I have ataxia and though I’m not a doctor, I hope my words comfort, encourage, empower, and serve as good company on your journey.
Jay Armstrong is a speaker and an award-winning author. Despite being diagnosed with a rare neurological disease, that impairs his movement, balance, eyesight, and speech–Jay presses on. The leader of the Philadelphia Ataxia Support Group, he hopes to help you find joy, peace, and meaning in life.
