Playing for a Purpose: Austin Hatcher Foundation Launches Nationwide Innovative Fundraising Campaign for Schools, Clubs, and Athletes to Support Families Affected by Childhood Cancer

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (March 5, 2024) - The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer proudly announces Playing for a Purpose, a nationwide innovative fundraising campaign designed to empower athletes, teams, and communities to support families affected by childhood cancer. This unique initiative allows any team, from any school or sports organization, to leverage their passion for sports and create a positive impact beyond the field, arena, or court by creating their own fundraising event to raise funds.

"Playing for a Purpose is all about empowering athletes and teams to make a real difference," said Georgia Moore, Events and Community Relations Manager at the Foundation. "We are calling on all passionate athletes, coaches, and teams to join us in the Playing for a Purpose movement. Let's come together and play for something bigger than ourselves that will make a lasting impact."

All funds raised benefit the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides comprehensive coordinated care at no cost to families facing childhood cancer. Services such as therapy, counseling, neuropsychological testing, family programs, camps, and more are provided by a licensed clinical team for the lifetime of the child and their family.

To join the Playing for a Purpose movement, teams or individuals must create and share a fundraising page. The Foundation's peer-to-peer fundraising software allows teams to choose their own fundraising approach, giving them the freedom to come up with unique ideas like giveback games, word-of-mouth donations, T-shirt sales, bake sales, or any other fundraising method that can make a difference. To make the fundraiser memorable and unique for each participating team, they can give their campaign a creative name. The Austin Hatcher Foundation provides a Quick Start Guide, social and email templates, and other resources that teams can use to help them get started.

Teams have the freedom to personalize their fundraising efforts by setting their own goals, and each player can create their own fundraising page. This encourages friendly competition within the team and across different teams, motivating players to actively participate in their team's success while supporting a greater cause.

“The Austin Hatcher Foundation’s innovative ‘Playing for a Purpose’ initiative utilizes a user-friendly fundraising tool, empowering teams to take charge of their efforts,” said Moore. “With all proceeds funding the Foundation’s daily programs and services, the initiative operates year-round, welcoming teams from anywhere to participate. Our site serves merely as a landing page, allowing teams to independently orchestrate and execute their fundraising efforts.”

For more information about the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer and Playing for a Purpose, visit https://p2p.onecause.com/p4p2024/home.

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