Innovative “Pink Flamingo” Fundraising Technique Brings in Funds for Crohn’s & Colitis
This is one for the birds! Flocks of gaudy pink flamingos have landed in Attleboro and can be found in neighborhoods throughout the city. The reason for their visit? To raise funds for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s annual Boston-area “Take Steps” Walk.
Initiated by Danielle Ferro and her walk team, The Fighting Ferro’s, the fundraiser has brought in over $1,200 in just under a month. With a month to go to the walk, Ferro, who lives with Crohn’s disease, hopes to double that amount.
Find out what's happening in Attleborofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The flamingos, which are decorated in an array of styles, are secretly placed on lawns by request. “Targets” then pay to have them removed. All proceeds benefit CCFA.
“We’ve got a Hawaiian Flamingo, a princess bird, one decorated to look like the American flag and still another that resembles the Easter Bunny,” said Ferro. “Our goal was to put the ‘fun’ back in fundraising.”
Find out what's happening in Attleborofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Ferro was diagnosed with Crohn’s twelve years ago. She has run through a gamut of medical and surgical options in order to feel better.
“Nothing is working. That’s why it is important to find a cure. I’m a mom to four boys and, right now, I just push through, doing as much as I can. A cure would mean medication to keep me in remission so I don't have to worry about planning my life and the future with my family,” Ferro said.
Ferro will join 1,200 other walkers on Saturday, June 7 for the “Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis Walk.” The walk, now in it’s sixth year, is on track to raise over $350,000.
The CCFA's mission is to cure Crohn's and ulcerative colitis and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. Some 1.4 million Americans -- many of them kids -- suffer from Crohn's or colitis. The walks (which take place around the country) have raised over $30 million for research and patient services programs.
For more information about inflammatory bowel diseases, the "Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis Walk,” or to make a donation to CCFA on behalf of Ferro, please visit www.cctakesteps.org/boston.
