Personal Fundraising: Finding Strength in Numbers

Jordan Dibb and Howard Webb have never met. Their homes are separated by almost two thousand miles, and they were born more than five decades apart. But their stories are remarkably similar. United by a common purpose, both are rallying their communities to help Haiti and get involved in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.

Howard Webb lives in Cottonwood, AZ with his wife, Carol. He’s retired now, but he’s far from idle.

"Any idea is possible. All you have to do is take the first step." —Jordan Dibb, Walking 1,800 miles for Haiti

After the earthquake struck, he got to work. “I was certain there were a lot of people in our community who wanted to help,” he said.

He was right. Webb got his community—Cottonwood Ranch—to contribute nearly $2,000 to Action Against Hunger’s emergency relief efforts. And he did it all without ringing a single doorbell.

“We used the internet,” he said. He also made appeals at scheduled community meetings, and called a few of his neighbors on the phone to follow up. But he found that the most effective way to connect with his community was online. And he was surprised by the generosity of friends and strangers alike.

“We’ve had a number of deposits to the account from people I don’t even know,” said Webb.

Jordan Dibb also knows a thing or two about bringing people together. On March 27th, the 23-year-old from Farmington, MN embarked on a mammoth 1,800 mile journey from Minneapolis to Miami, armed with nothing but a backpack, a few pairs of road-ready shoes, and an urge to do something for earthquake survivors in Haiti.

Dibb set up a blog and an Action Against Hunger fundraising page and aims to raise $100,000 for our emergency programs in Haiti through a growing network of supporters and fans who can help him accomplish his goal. So far, he has raised over $7,000, and he’s been featured on a number of local TV and radio stations, which have helped attract a following. Even strangers have stopped him along the way to hand him donations.

Time is Jordan’s greatest asset, and he plans to spend 100 days on the road. Most of us can’t devote three whole months to a cause, but dedication is not just measured in time.

“Any idea is possible. All you have to do is take the first step,” said Dibb.

Action Against Hunger is making that first step—big or small—easy. Visit our Personal Fundraising Center, and get started on your own personal fundraising challenge today!