Grassroots Finance Committee: Faye in Miami, Florida

August 21, 2008

Faye, 49, is a fire department captain in Miami, Florida who usually spends her free time playing basketball. But after Barack won the Democratic primary, Faye decided she needed to find time to get involved in the campaign.

After what has gone on in our government for the past eight years, our country needs a change, and Obama seems to be the right person to bring us that change.

Faye had done some volunteering for her local congressman before – mostly taking people to the polls on Election Day – but had never donated to a political campaign before. But when she learned about the personal fundraising pages of My.BarackObama.com, she thought it sounded like an easy way for a busy firefighter to get involved.

It was clear to me that in order for Obama to compete in this election, he was going to need money. And it was time for the rest of us to get to work and help him our as much as we can. If you can spare $25, it’s easy to do and makes a huge difference for the campaign.

“Most of the donors are my friends, and the majority are other firefighters.” To get people to donate, Faye sent emails to everyone she knew, made some phone calls, and talked to a bunch of her friends at the fire station. “I convinced them that now is the time for them to get involved. And they did!”

Faye set a personal goal of $1,000, and has already reached and exceeded her own goal, raising $1,145 from 19 contributors.

Faye found the online donor system so easy, she took it to the next level. Faye is part of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters, and the association decided to help the campaign’s efforts. The firefighters association created a pin which they now give to their members who donate to the Obama campaign. Thanks to her efforts, she has donations from not only friends in Miami, but firefighters across the United States.

Faye says she will continue with her grassroots fundraising through the election.

It’s easy, it’s important, and it’s a great way to get involved.

You can join Faye and supporters like her as a member of the Grassroots Finance Committee. We’ve set a challenging $1,000 goal for GFC members, but our team of fundraising experts will be available to give you personal advice and the support you need.