The Jimmy Fund Is Looking for Submissions for its ‘Big Ideas’ Contest

The Red Sox and the Jimmy Fund have been working together since 1953. And while a lot has changed in baseball since then, the Jimmy Fund is still doing the exact same thing: raising funds for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Now, the Jimmy Fund is launching a new contest open to the public called, “Big Ideas” in order to find the next big fundraising superstar.

The project can be a new app, an event, a social media campaign, a corporate tie-in, or anything else that is a “creative and sustainable fundraising idea that would raise approximately $100,000 or more each year for the Jimmy Fund,” according to the contest’s website. Entries can come from one person or a team of up to four. Submissions are due April 26.

“This contest helps us find creative ways to engage new donors and supporters for the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber in our work to help conquer cancer,” said Susan S. Paresky, senior vice president for development at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, in a statement. “We have esteemed judges from leading corporations who, in addition to selecting the winning idea, will also mentor participants.”

Five finalists will be selected to present their ideas in front of a judging panel on June 10 at Harvard Medical School. The grand prize winner will receive: Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots experience packages, an iPad, Friendly’s Ice Cream for a year, Stop & Shop gift cards, and lunch with the judge of their choice and Edward J. Benz, Jr., MD, president and CEO of Dana-Farber. The remaining four finalists will receive prizes including more than $500 in gift cards, merchandise, and Red Sox and Pats tickets.

The judges are a collection of people who are definitely intimidating enough to be considered ‘Sharks.” The panel includes: Pam Hamlin, Global President, Managing Partner, Arnold Worldwide; Daniel Kraft, president, The Kraft Group; Larry Lucchino, president and CEO, Boston Red Sox; John Maguire, CEO, Friendly’s Ice Cream; Laura Sen, president and CEO, BJ’s Wholesale Club; John Donohue, chairman, president, and CEO, Arbella Insurance Group; and Bill Fine, president and general manager, WCVB-TV/Channel 5.

For more information, visit JimmyFundBigIdeas.org.