Fundraise and Drive Awareness
Become an Impact Player
Turn your passion into action by hosting a fundraiser or spreading awareness in your community.
Your passion. Your creativity. A family in need. Become an Impact Player and provide hope when it matters most.
What Is an Impact Player?
Our Impact Players are organizations, businesses and individuals who support our mission by hosting their own creative events—such as community gatherings, workplace initiatives or personal celebrations—with proceeds benefiting Jay Fund families. These fundraisers can be as simple or elaborate as the host chooses, making it easy for supporters to get involved in a way that feels meaningful to them. Together, these efforts expand our reach and help provide critical support to the families we serve.
Student Impact Player Program
Students are a special focus of our movement. Students can organize individual, team or group campaigns and are recognized each year for their fundraising achievements.
Past student ideas include: plant sales, sports awareness events, lap swims or flag football games.
For information, contact:
- Edye Wright (Jacksonville)
- Mary Jane Pulzello (NY / NJ)
Fundraise & Drive Awareness
Why Become an Impact Player?
Because your efforts translate into real, tangible support:
- Financial Support: Helps cover rent, mortgage, utilities, food and household expenses. We also provide tools like financial literacy workshops and coaching.
- Emotional Support: We host gatherings and special events so children, families, caregivers and siblings can find connection, comfort, and respite together.
- Practical Support: We enhance treatment centers to improve patients’ and families’ day-to-day experiences during the cancer journey.
How It Works
- Launch your campaign — Choose your format: event, challenge, drive or celebration.
- Inspire your circle — Share your reason, your story, and invite others to join you.
- Make impact happen — Every dollar raised helps us walk alongside families during their hardest days.
Impact Events
Upcoming Impact Player Events
Recent Impact Players Events
Thank you to all of our Impact Players for supporting families tackling childhood cancer!
November 2024-March 2025
$10,000+
- Golf Fights Cancer Jax Golf Marathon
- Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse Grand Opening
- Tap Cancer Out- Jax BJJ Open
- TCS New York City Marathon
$5,000-$9,999
- Stephen Colbert’s Americone Dream
- Hops for Hope – Evan & Ann Halloran & Family
$1,000-$4,999
- Cupcake Wine – The Joy of Giving
- Facebook Birthday Fundraisers
$100-$999
- Dylann + Grace Sip & Shop
- Honey Baked Ham Holiday Gift Cards
- Jacksonville Icemen Drawing
- Lilly Pulitzer Shop to Support
- Pickleball in the Sun Holiday Bash
- THE PLAYERS Chip in for Charity
- Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Merchandise Store
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Impact Player Event?
Impact Player Events are grassroots efforts that allow individuals, groups and organizations to BE THERE for local families tackling childhood cancer through events and campaigns that raise funds and awareness for the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund.
Do you have a website I can use to set up my event fundraising page?
During your event donations can be collected via your OneCause fundraising page, through cash, check or our Jay Fund give page. Checks need to be made out to the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund.
All online gifts will receive an auto thank you/receipt. Any donations received via check or cash over $25 with contact information will receive an acknowledgment and tax receipt from the Jay Fund.
What are examples of Impact Player Events?
- Walks, runs, or fitness challenges led by companies or community groups
- Golf/tennis/pickleball tournaments
- Restaurant or brewery giveback nights
- Percentage-of-sales or round-up campaigns at local businesses
- Employee giving campaigns with company match
Who do I contact for questions regarding the Impact Player Program?
For questions, more information or to discuss ideas please contact:
In Jacksonville: Edye Wright, Director of Community Engagement for the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, edye@tcjayfund.org.
In NY/NJ: Lindsay Vachon, Community Relations Coordinator for the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, lindsay@tcjayfund.org
Will the Jay Fund staff help me organize my event?
The Jay Fund will do everything we can to help you make your event a success, but you will need to do the majority of the planning. Assemble a trustworthy team of friends, family or co-workers to help you put on your event.
Can the Jay Fund assist in covering costs associated with my event?
The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund does not pay any costs associated with Impact Player Events.
Can an Impact Player request a Jay Fund representative to be a part of my event?
Can the Jay Fund provide materials for my event?
Can I use the Jay Fund logo?
Will the Jay Fund help promote my Impact Player Event?
Will the Jay Fund share their donor list to promote my event?
Can I use the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund's tax-exempt status to purchase material or services for my event?
How soon after my event must I submit offline donations?
Tips & Tricks
Purpose
Decide what the purpose of your event is. Is this truly a fundraising event? Or does it have other goals? Perhaps you may be hoping to raise money at the event, but also raise awareness of the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund and expose the mission to a new network. Many events have more than one goal. Figuring out the details for your event will depend on knowing what goals you are trying to achieve.
Fundraising Goal
Set a realistic fundraising goal. Every dollar counts to help local families tackling childhood cancer. The amount you choose should be the amount you plan to raise after expenses are deducted.
Budget
Begin with the end in mind and use a budget to make sure that you will raise the amount you want after any costs you might incur. Think about supplies, food, drinks, prizes and other expenses that may be needed to make your fundraiser successful.
Volunteers
Are you planning this event as an individual or are you hoping to recruit some help? Think about the support you need to make this event a success. Do you need buy in from your school or organization? Do you want to enlist friends and family to assist ahead of time or day of? Think about your needs and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Target Audience
Who is the target audience for your event? Is this a general fundraiser where everyone will be invited? Or is this event geared towards a specific group like business people, parents, young professionals or kids? In short, determine who you want to attract to your event.
Spread the Word
Think about how to get the word out about your Impact Player Event. Will grassroots efforts work – word of mouth, flyers in the local coffee shop, sharing information at school or community organizations? Or will your main fundraising efforts be through your One Cause fundraising page? Don’t be afraid to share with everyone the great work you are doing to support the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, and don’t forget to tell them who the Jay Fund is and why you are supporting us! Your network will buy in if you are already invested in the mission.
Be Organized
If working with others, be proactive and let people know ahead of time what their responsibilities are and how they will be helping before, during and after the event. Setting expectations with your support will help the event run smoothly and avoid last-minute problems.
Keep Supporters Updated, and Don’t Forget a Thank You
If your event is running over a period of time, be sure to share updates with your supporters about reaching your goal, ticket sales, new sponsors or any exciting last-minute additions to your event. After your event is complete and you know your results, be sure to share with a Thank You to supporters, volunteers and others that contributed to your success!