The easiest way to help a loved one in need
Writing a Press Release
The idea of writing a press release can be a little scary if you’ve never done it
before but don’t worry; we’re here to make it easy! Attached you’ll find a sample press
release that GiveForward has used in the past as well as a fill-in-the-blanks template
for you to use.
It is important in a press release to explain to the person reading it WHY this
story is relevant and why their audience will care about it. They will decide within the
first few lines whether this is a story they want to run with. Give them the facts about
your fundraiser and the beneficiary including age, where they’re located, disease or
reason for fundraiser and what makes this story special. Think about what you tell
people to encourage them to donate, those same points will be relevant to media
groups.
For example, the sample press release we’ve included highlights that the story
is interesting because the beneficiary, Dre, has defied the odds in his recovery, but he
is still stuck with thousands in rehab bills.
Interesting story aspects can include:

The community showing their support for a local person.

A person who has had a big impact on their community is now in need
of help themselves.

A rare disease/condition or extraordinary circumstances (like a recovery
that defies the odds)
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, if you need help, please don’t hesitate to
reach out to our Director of Marketing & PR, Cate Conroy at: Cate@GiveForward.com
or 312-957-6113.
more
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Press Release
The easiest way to help a loved one in
need
Lakeland Man Defies Odds After Paralyzing
Accident.
Community gathers to support Dre Aloia as he works through
rehab.
Lakeland, FL, May, 2011: On March 17, 2011, 26 year-old Dre Aloia was involved in a
motorcycle accident, leaving him with multiple injuries, including a broken spine. Doctors thought he
wouldn’t make it through the night. But Dre beat the odds, and continues to defy doctors. Told he
would be paralyzed from the waist down, Dre is determined to walk again and has enrolled in the JoyFuller rehab facility that specializes in brain and spinal injuries.
According to Kathy Aloia, Dre’s mother, “Dre has had such amazing progress over the past 4
weeks at the Joy-Fuller Rehab Center located in the Winter Haven Hospital, Winter Haven, FL that the
Admissions Director has asked Dre to accompany him to local hospitals to speak with top surgeons to
promote the rehab center.”
Despite Dre’s positive attitude, there is still concern about the mounting medical bills from the
motorcycle accident, the medical treatment and the rehab equipment. The medical expenses are
expected to exceed tens of thousands of dollars. That is why his community has come together to
support Dre by donating to his recovery fund on GiveForward.
Since the fundraiser (http://www.giveforward.com/drealoiamiriclerecoveryfund) started on April 12th,
they have raised over $3,000. To learn more about Dre’s amazing story, and how the community is
helping to support him while he recovers, please contact Cate Conroy at 312-957-6113.
For Release Immediately
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Who Is GiveForward?
The easiest way to help a loved one in
need
GiveForward is a company that is passionate about empowering people in need. GiveForward
provide easy to use, free, fundraising pages so people can raise money for a loved one in need.
GiveForward is more than just a website. The GiveForward team provides support through every
moment of the fundraising process with step-by-step guides, fundraising coaches, and details on how
to use free fundraising tools like social media to make fundraisers successful.
GiveForward is run by a small team of fun, passionate people that love helping others. They also
occasionally like to dress up in ugly Christmas sweaters, hold burrito eating contests and give out
virtual hugs and high fives!
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Contact: Cate Conroy
GiveForward
Phone 773-502-7686
www.giveforward.com
211 W. Wacker
Ste. 1800
Chicago, IL 60606
@giveforward
The easiest way to help a loved one in
need
Press Release
(Write One Line About Your Fundraiser)
Community gathers to support (insert beneficiary name) through
fundraising efforts.
City, State, Date: On (insert date), (insert age) year-old (insert beneficiary name) was diagnosed
with (insert information about .
(Tell your story here. Why is this an important fundraiser? What will the money raised do to help
someone?)
According to (insert name of person quoted), “(include a quote from someone about this
fundraiser)”
Since the fundraiser started on (insert start date) they have raised over (insert amount raised). To
learn more about this amazing story, and how the community is providing support please contact (insert
your name) at (insert phone number),
Who Is GiveForward?
GiveForward is a company that is passionate about empowering people in need. GiveForward
provide easy to use, free, fundraising pages so people can raise money for a loved one in need.
GiveForward is more than just a website. The GiveForward team provides support through every
moment of the fundraising process with step-by-step guides, fundraising coaches, and details on how
to use free fundraising tools like social media to make fundraisers successful.
For Release Immediately
Page 5
The easiest way to help a loved one in
need
Aside from just showing support, GiveForward pages are important because it can help break
through the stigma associated with asking for help, financial or otherwise. Often, people are
comfortable giving gifts of money during times of celebration like a graduation or marriage but during
times of real need, people are afraid to give financial help. GiveForward is breaking that stigma. With a
GiveForward page, beneficiaries can feel more comfortable asking for support and donors know that
their help is welcome and appreciated.
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