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Maine Fundraising Event Raises $2,200 for CPF
 When Carolyn Krahn’s father, William “Bill” Cousins, was diagnosed with IPF in March 2005, the marketing expert was empowered to do something about it. She soon realized the treatment options for her 75-year-old father, a retired school teacher, were limited. At the same time, Krahn of Bethel, Maine, discovered the CPF and was introduced to resources that helped her father and her to understand and better cope with the disease.
Inspired by IPF patient and CPF member Frank Cabral, who was successfully transplanted in 2005 and has held fundraising efforts of his own, including an “Everybody Loves Frank” event in 2005 that raised more than $12,000, Carolyn sought to make a difference for IPF patients like her father. She planned a concert event featuring a popular local all-male a cappella singing group called “The Bowdoin College Meddiebempsters” at the local private high school, Gould Academy, where her father taught for 34 years.
The event, held on Feb. 18, 2006 raised more than $2,200 for the CPF to support efforts to fight IPF. In a town with only 2,000 residents, Krahn says she was happy with the results of her efforts.
Cousins was unable to attend the fundraiser held in his honor due to a heart attack he suffered just 10 days before the event. However, more than 200 people attended despite the lowest temperatures of the year in Bethel, recording two below zero on Feb. 18.
“I would like to do this again, maybe when the weather is a bit better,” said Krahn. “The location was terrific and there was lots of interaction with the singers and the audience. They have lots of respect for my Dad and lots of interest in helping.”
Krahn has advice for IPF patients and their friends and families who are thinking of doing a local fundraising event of their own. She recommends the CPF Fundraising Kit, a free kit that provides simple-to-use guidance for creating any sized event. “People really want to know what they can do. As a daughter, [at father’s diagnosis], I kind of felt helpless. I thought with my background, maybe I could hold an event. But anyone can do this. Don’t be afraid to ask entertainers and others to volunteer and donate. People are generous about giving.”
For more information on how to host a fundraising event in your community, please contact the CPF at (888) 222-8541 or visit the fundraising section of our Web page at http://www.coalitionforpf.org/cpf_contribute.php.
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