Foundation of hope

Amanda daCunha, marketing coordinator at Howley Bread Group – a Panera Bread franchisee – recently received the Tom Howley Community Award for her work with the Ryan’s Hope Foundation. DaCunha is not new to the fundraising scene. While she was in college, she was a marketing and communications intern for Special Olympics Rhode Island. She also created the Athlete Date Auction, held through her university’s soccer team, to raise funds for Making Roots, a summer camp in Haiti. That fundraiser ignited her passion for fundraising and daCunha continues to help plan fundraisers for Making Roots in addition to her responsibilities at Panera. She holds a B.A. in global communications, with a minor in graphic design communications from Roger Williams University.

What were some of the events held for the Ryan’s Hope Foundation?

Panera/HBG has always raised funds for the Ryan’s Hope Foundation to speed the rate of scientific research for a cure. Two years ago, our managers had a fundraising idea to support the Hastings family directly to help them purchase a wheelchair-accessible van. Panera started the annual Pal-apalooza event, raising more than $13,000 so far. The family’s dreams of getting a van recently came true and more! It’s impossible not to have the family grow near and dear to your heart.

What other events have you coordinated?

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Since 2000, Panera has donated [more than] $7 million in foods and funds. I am honored to be a part of that ‘amazing-ness’ and am grateful [for] having so much meaning in my work life. Currently, we have a series of fundraising events for B’s Mobility Ride. All proceeds will go to McDermott family to help secure a wheelchair-accessible van for their son, Benjamin, who has SMA Type 2, a type of muscular dystrophy.

What are some important factors to consider when organizing a fundraising event?

Get creative! Crazy ideas can turn into fantastic events. I have learned this from our marketing director, Wendy Kopp, who is extremely innovative. Also, it’s important to remember to relax and let the details fall into place, as everything will happen as it is supposed to. •

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