Running of the Beds: A Bed Race for Flourish
I led the development and execution of Running of the Beds, Flourish’s signature bed race fundraiser.
Designed to raise awareness and support for beds through peer-to-peer fundraising, the event invited teams of five build beds-on-wheels and race them - each challenged to raise $500 or more. I also coordinated a vibrant festival atmosphere including carnival games, music, food, and a resource fair featuring 20 Flourish nonprofit referring partners.
Impact
$75,000 raised through sponsorships and peer-to-peer fundraising
Welcomed 600+ attendees for a day of racing and community
Secured 6 news stories highlighting the event’s creativity and mission
Created replicable event template to ensure long-term sustainability
Honored with a Gold Philly Award from Nonprofit Connect for Event Campaign
Background & Goals
During the first several years after Flourish was founded as a nonprofit in 2019, we did not have a signature fundraising event. We did the usual fundraising events - a golf tournament, restaurant givebacks, and comedy nights. We needed something different, something that would elevate our unique voice in the community and garner more momentum around our mission. Running of the Beds came from the age-old college tradition of bed races combined with Running of the Bulls tradition in Spain.
My goal was to create a unique, original event that engaged a wider audience in Kansas City while raising meaningful support.
Results
I successfully planned and executed the event for its inaugural year in 2024 and again in 2025, laying the groundwork for a continuing event year after year. I was responsible for coordinating a team of 50+ event volunteers, securing sponsorships, recruiting teams, creating all the graphic design materials, coordinating with the event venue, writing the event script, and securing event vendors including food trucks, emcee, DJ, nonprofit partners, and carnival games.
Media Coverage
Graphic Design
Photos
Philly Award
Nonprofit Connect is a Kansas City organization that connects nonprofits, provides resources, and hosts annual award celebrations. The Philly Awards recognizes excellence in nonprofit marketing across social media, website, events, fundraising appeals, and more. Winners are chosen based on marketing category, organization size, and one from each category is selected for the Gold Award.
In 2024, Flourish was awarded the Gold Philly Award for an Event Campaign recognizing Running of the Beds.
