The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s (CFF’s) Wisconsin Chapter is preparing to launch its third annual Milwaukee’s Finest Campaign with a goal to raise $45,000, up $15,000 from last year’s totals.
The nonprofit campaign relies on the time and talents of Milwaukee-area young professional participants, or honorees, who are challenged to raise at least $2,500 in a 10-week stretch. Net profits from their efforts support CFF’s research of cystic fibrosis, a chronic disease that causes mucus to accumulate in the lungs and digestive tract among other areas in the body. Profits also benefit the foundation’s efforts to provide access to quality care and therapies for individuals impacted by the chronic disease.
This year’s campaign will feature 20 honorees selected from a pool of nominations and applications. Honorees are young professionals who are active in their community, have excelled in their profession, are eager to become leaders in the nonprofit sector, and are willing to invest their energy into a meaningful fundraising initiative.
The campaign celebrates and recognizes “up-and-coming young professionals here in the Milwaukee area while creating awareness and money for cystic fibrosis,” said Julie Nilsen, development director at the foundation.
“We target young professionals because we believe that they’re the leaders of the future, or we know they’re the leaders of the future, and this event is a way to really teach these young professionals how to become leaders within a nonprofit,” Nilsen said.
Throughout the course of Milwaukee’s Finest, which begins with a kick-off event on Thursday, March 13, honorees generate funds for CFF through their own original fundraising efforts. They also attend workshops to learn about leadership development and network with fellow campaign participants and take a tour of the cystic fibrosis care center and research lab at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.
Additionally, each honoree is matched with a cystic fibrosis mentor and ambassador from a family who has been impacted by the disease. Each mentor and ambassador acts as a personal resource for their designated honoree and puts a face in front of the disease.
The campaign wraps up with a recognition event in May, during which the top fundraiser is honored as “Milwaukee’s Finest.” The top fundraiser will also receive the Breath of Life Award along with a vacation getaway.
Last year’s top performer collected $10,000 toward CFF’s mission.
Individuals interested in participating in the 2014 campaign must be nominated or apply, themselves. Nominations are due by Friday, Feb. 14. Individuals nominated must complete an additional application by Friday, Feb. 21.
For more information about ‘Milwaukee’s Finest’ or to nominate a young professional, click here.
