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Audrey Burgoon hasn’t just run the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon every year since 2009. She also has made her miles count for even more by participating in the Run for a Reason Charity Program presented by Microsoft and becoming one of the program’s top fundraisers. Last year, she raised more than $21,000 for the Urban Impact Foundation, and she’s already committed again to run in 2023 and already raised more than $7,000.    

“I think running is hard!” Burgoon said. “The Run For a Reason Program made that effort so much more worthwhile. I loved the idea of using my sweat and tired legs to help others.”   

Burgoon first decided to run for charity in 2006. At the time, she was supporting a friend whose son was rushed to the Children’s Hospital and eventually diagnosed with leukemia.    

“When I went home that night and checked my mailbox, there was a postcard to run the San Diego Marathon and raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society,” Burgoon said. “I had never run a race in my life, so there was no reason for me to get this post card. I don’t believe in coincidences. I’m a very spiritual person who believes God puts things in our path and we choose to accept or ignore his suggestions. This was too profound to ignore.”    

That year Burgoon trained with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to run the San Diego Marathon, so she could raise money to help find a cure for leukemia. This race set the tone for her fitness journey and made her committed to running for a reason for the long-term. Now an experienced runner and fundraiser, she has coached several charity teams, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and currently Urban Impact Foundation. 

“I not only coach teammates with the physical effort of completing their distance at the Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events, but I also coach them on how to fundraise.”  

Here are Burgoon’s top tips for fundraising.  

Find a charity that you believe in

I will only work with organizations who have a mission that I believe in and that are fiscally responsible with the funds that are raised. When you truly believe in the cause, know how they operate and get to know some of the people who work for the organization, it is easy to ask for support.  

Don’t make assumptions about who will and won’t donate

I always share the biggest mistake that I made with my first marathon fundraiser. Instead of just sending my fundraising request to everyone I knew to let THEM decide if they wanted to make a donation, I made the mistake of making the decision for them. (For example, believing that Aunt Mary won’t be able to donate since she’s just on social security, so i won't send her a letter or my neighbor’s husband just lost his job so I can’t ask them, etc.)  The people who weren’t asked were DISAPPOINTED that I hadn’t  asked them. I discovered they WANTED to be part of my event. Never make the decision for someone else. You will be surprised at how many will support you and how many donations you’ll receive from people you don’t even know. 

Use your talent to help with fundraising

Everyone knows I love to cook. And runners love to eat! I do food fundraisers for various running clubs and events. These events raise a lot. Hungry runners will always donate money for a few slices of french toast and home fried potatoes after a long run! 

Ask for help from your charity

Most of the charities with the Run for a Reason Charity Program presented by Microsoft have staff who can answer your questions and give you tips on fundraising. 

Remember it’s not a competition

There are so many good causes, and there are so many generous people. It’s not a competition for donors. If someone has a desire to support the organization, or to support YOU, they will make a donation. 

Know it’s a worthwhile experience

There are few experiences that are better than crossing the finish line of a race with the satisfaction of knowing that all of your hard work means more than the medal they just put around your neck. You have helped change the lives of others because you ran for a reason!