2022 Goals
- Broaden the statewide reach and general understanding of the LifeFlight mission and story, so that more people in Maine understand the full range of LifeFlight’s services and that it is the state’s only medical air ambulance provider.
- Strengthen current donors’ connections to LifeFlight and attract more donors to support this vital service.
- Ensure that every donor feels appreciated and understands the impact of their gift, no matter the size.
- Secure the $6.5 million needed to “Complete The Fleet” and bring the third new helicopter to Maine in 2022.
- Leverage the networks and expertise of talented, committed Board members.
- Achieve a more statewide presence, since LifeFlight interacts with every hospital and every community in Maine.
- Connect with more patients and families, to create an informal ambassador program.
- Create compelling materials (print and video) to better tell the LifeFlight story.
Fundraising Events / Opportunities
In 2021 we reimagined the Islesboro Crossing to become the statewide, month-long Cross For LifeFlight. Participants can choose where, when, and how they want to “Cross” for LifeFlight, and then share their photos and “tracks” on an interactive portal. While significant revenue is generated from peer-to-peer fundraising outreach, we also make it easy for donors to directly support the event. We welcome support from sponsors and offer great packages based on true partnerships. Although the event does not currently include an in-person, synchronous component, we hope to partner with other organizations to create that in future years. From 2013-2020, the event generated $2,040,000 in revenue which was a critical component in bringing two new helicopters to Maine in the winter of 2020/2021.
LifeFlight’s vision for Maine is a place in which every person, in every community, has access to critical care and medical transport when they need it. LifeFlight’s mission is to transform the critical care transport medicine system into an integrated, high quality, patient-centered system worthy of the public’s trust.
Giving Opportunities
We have a year-long, annual giving campaign and a robust memorial giving program. Most donations from these efforts allow us to allocate funds to the area of greatest need; the flexibility this offers is important.
Our annual Cross For LifeFlight and Emergency Care Open golf tournament in the summer attract participants, sponsors, GIKS, and volunteers.
Since LifeFlight transports one patient every four hours, many businesses in Maine have an employee, family member, or customer who benefits from our service. This often is the catalyst for a one-time or annual company-wide donation.
Every year we raise funds for capital projects, such as aircraft, infrastructure, and medical equipment, as well as for crew and state-wide critical care education which is an integral component of LifeFlight.
Volunteer Opportunities
One unfortunate result of the pandemic for LifeFlight and other organizations around the state is that it forced us to limit our volunteer opportunities. We hope that in the coming months and years we can again come together for in-person events, which are great opportunities for volunteer support.
We do a great deal of outreach to Maine municipalities when we ask for support each year, so are developing a plan for crew members, patients, and advocates to play a more active role in helping us make these presentations at town and budget committee meetings.
We welcome and encourage the ideas of anyone who would like to work with us!
