20 Nov 2010 No Comments
Free Agent Fundraising: The Pine Street Inn Knit-a-thon
Farley Sullivan is a free agent fundraiser. She can’t ignore the human problem of homelessness and in 2007, she decided to do something about it on a large scale. The result is the annual Boston Knit-a-thon fundraising event for the Pine Street Inn‘s permanent housing program.
Farley’s life changed when she befriended a local homeless man, Arthur, in downtown Boston. Farley writes that “I work downtown and passed Arthur every day for years. I, like a lot of people, did not pay him much mind. Perhaps ten years ago, upon exiting a coffee shop, I found a bill on the ground and I gave it to him. I gradually became friendly with Arthur , learned about his life and sought him out when I emerged from the subway stop on my daily commute. I wanted to help this sweet, friendly man in some way beyond a few dollars in his cup, so in 2006 I went to the Pine Street Inn and pitched an idea to develop an event that would both help the homeless and inspire the community to get involved with the Pine Street Inn in a very tangible way. A “Knit-a-thon” was the idea.”
Farley began working as a volunteer with Pine Street Inn (PSI), New England’s largest homeless shelter, which offers emergency shelter for men and women, permanent housing, job training, social enterprises (such as catering and a building trades programs), and street outreach vans. She wanted to get Arthur into permanent supportive housing, and has accomplished that goal: Arthur entered permanent housing supported by the Pine Street Inn in February 2010. Arthur and Farley continue their friendship to this day – they speak on the phone and she sees him at least twice a week.
Farley founded the Knit-a-thon in 2007. This year’s Knit-a-thon was held November 7 2010. For the Knit-a-thon, participants submit 9×9 inch knit squares of any design, to be assembled into blankets at the actual Knit-a-thon event, and then given to residents of the Pine Street Inn moving into permanent housing. This year’s event took place at the Grand Staircase inside of the Massachusetts State House. In addition, the event raises money for Pine Street Inn’s permanent housing program. Farley herself raises money through the main Knit-a-thon FirstGiving fundraising page and anyone else is encouraged to create his or her own FirstGiving fundraising page and solicit donations for the Knit-a-thon.
Asked if Arthur is involved in the Knit-a-thon at all, Farley responds, “tn fact, Arthur hands out flyers for the knit-a-thon!”
Over the past three years, the Knit-a-thon has raised just under $100,000 and given over 200 blankets to tenants of Pine Street Inn’s permanent residency. This year, about 150 people attended the Knit-a-thon, assembled 50 blankets and have 50 more on the way. This year’s Knit-a-thon raised $25,000…and counting.
The most memorable aspect of creating the fundraiser? ” It works! It is raising awareness about homelessness and the beautiful handmade blankets are wonderful housewarming gifts, that hopefully help the PSI tenants feel like they are part of a bigger community again. It is a three-way win. It continues to amaze me.” Farley says that people from all over the country have called asking about starting their own Knit-a-thons also.
Some fo the knitted blankets on the Grand Staircase
When asked what keeps Farley motivated to continue with the Knit-a-thon, she replies that it is about the human connections she’s made. “Since befriending Arthur and breaking down the barrier between”Us and Them,” I want to get to know the folks living on the streets. Everyone needs to know that there is someone looking out for them, so I look for Eddie, and Chris and Brother George and check in, say hi, try to get them helpful phone numbers and see if there is anything that I can do.”
Farley’s fundraising tips: “You need to make the person who is sponsoring you feel impressed by your effort, and moved. Everyone gets an email asking for money for worthy causes. You need to make your email stand out, and maybe that is through a video, or photographs, or tailoring the email personally. Try to really connect with them, so that they understand your cause and why it is important to you. One email isn’t enough. Send out multiple emails to the same person over the course of two or three months as a reminder.”
Barabara Trevisan is the Director of Communications for the Pine Street Inn. “Farley came to us with the idea and over the years it has grown in contributions and participants. Farley works so hard at putting this together and putting the word out and we’re extremely thrilled to be working with her.” When asked what makes the event special, Barbara responds: “People are actually creating something that will go to people who were once homeless as a housewarming gift. The funds are used for ongoing housing. There is a nice sense in the room of community among the participants.”
All funds from the Knit-a-thon are used for PSI’s permanent housing program: from furnishing a room to providing case management. “The push for us is to get people out of shelter, off the street, and into housing with support services.” Currently, 550 formerly homeless men and women are in PSI permanent housing.
You can become a fan of the Pine Street Knit-a-thon on their Facebook Page, donate money to the Knit-a-thon through Farley’s FirstGiving fundraising page, and find out more about the Knit-A-Thon on their website.
Farley Sullivan (standing) at the Knit-a-thon
Farley Sullivan manages the Firestone and Parson Jewelers store in Boston. David Firestone, the owner, hosted the Knit-a-thon space at the State House and is a long-time supporter of the Pine Street Inn and the Knit-a-thon.
