Recognition is no longer just about t-shirts or medals - it’s about meaning. Thoughtful, mission-driven recognition strategies can deepen fundraisers’ emotional connection and inspire long-term loyalty.

In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Meredith Perkins, Director of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Meredith shares how her team has evolved recognition from transactional to transformational, creating experiences that honor fundraisers’ motivations and celebrate their impact.

From weaving MD Anderson’s mission to eliminate cancer into every recognition moment to reimagining branded products with purpose, Meredith offers practical ways to make participants feel valued and connected. She also dives into how feedback and metrics guide continuous improvement, ensuring each recognition effort aligns with participant expectations and program goals.

Together, we’ll explore:

• How to design recognition programs that strengthen mission connection and emotional engagement
• Creative ways to recognize and reward fundraisers across participation levels and years
• Practical methods for measuring impact and evolving recognition strategies for sustained success

​Mentioned Links

www.MDAnderson.org/Fundraise

www.MDAnderson.org/BootWalk

www.MDAnderson.org/DIY

www.MDAnderson.org/Remember

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• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box

Many large nonprofits struggle with the tension between standardization and localization in their fundraising programs. When national organizations move toward centralized models, they risk losing the authentic community relationships that make peer-to-peer events successful. Yet operating entirely through local structures can create inefficiencies and inconsistent donor experiences.

In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Andi Hughes, Vice President of Signature Peer to Peer Programs at Susan G. Komen. With deep experience in nonprofit fundraising transformation, Andi shares how Komen navigated the complex transition from decentralized to centralized program support while maintaining the local flavor that makes their events resonate.

Andi discusses the strategic decision-making behind Komen's organizational shift and the practical challenges of managing change across field and national teams. She explores how they determine which decisions require consistency and which benefit from local autonomy, and shares the metrics that demonstrate success beyond just revenue numbers.

Together, we'll explore:

• Strategic rationale and phased approach for centralizing peer-to-peer program support across a national nonprofit
• Preserving local community connections and authenticity within standardized national event frameworks
• Impact on operational efficiency, fundraising outcomes, and brand presence when balancing autonomy with consistency

Mentioned Links

www.komen.org

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• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (01:03) - Introducing Andi Hughes

While many healthcare organizations treat major gifts and peer-to-peer as separate fundraising channels, some forward-thinking institutions are discovering the power of integration. When these strategies work in harmony rather than competition, both programs can amplify each other's success and create deeper donor relationships.

In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Jamie Lamont, Vice President of Events at Sinai Health Foundation. With extensive experience in healthcare philanthropy, Jamie shares how Sinai has successfully bridged the traditional gap between major donor cultivation and community-driven fundraising, creating a collaborative approach that serves donors holistically.

Jamie discusses how breaking down internal silos has transformed their fundraising outcomes, from event ideation through execution. She explores how peer-to-peer events provide invaluable insights into donor motivations and preferences, intelligence that enhances major gift strategies. The conversation reveals practical approaches for fostering genuine partnership between teams and ensuring all fundraising efforts ladder up to mission-driven priorities.

Together, we'll explore:

• Strategic integration of peer-to-peer and major gifts within hospital philanthropy programs
• Practical collaboration methods from event planning through donor stewardship and relationship building
• Leveraging event insights to inform broader philanthropic strategy and enhance donor engagement across all giving levels

Mentioned Links

https://www.sinaihealth.ca/foundation

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• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:18) - Introducing Jamie Lamont
• (05:28) - The Sinai Health Portfolio
• (09:56) - The Major Gifts/P2P Approach
• (12:34) - Team Integration
• (20:40) - Linking Strategy to Priorities
• (24:32) - Advice for Engagement