Organizing a fundraiser to benefit someone who is ill is a challenging but rewarding task. There are many ways to raise money, including small-scale events like bake sales and larger events like marathons. The needs and desires of the beneficiary should be kept in mind during the preparations and volunteers should be employed to ensure the event's success. Fundraisers can help offset medical costs incurred during a serious illness.

Define the cause and goals of the fundraiser. Will the event raise money to offset hospital bills and the costs of treatment? Will any of the money go to a recognized charity focusing on the illness of the person in question? How much money do you wish to raise? Be sure to communicate with the person for whom you are raising funds to be sure that his wishes are considered and no stress is added to his already difficult situation. Some people choose not to have fundraisers held on their behalves.

Determine the type of fundraiser you will have. Choose between modest fundraising ideas and more complicated ones. Simple ideas include having a bake sale or car wash. Or you may choose to hold an auction, marathon or poker night. Raffling off items that have been donated or bought at a low price is a way of raising money that may be done concurrently with a larger event.

Plan your fundraiser, enlisting the help of volunteers. Whether your fundraiser is large or small, you will need help to make sure everything runs smoothly. Delegate tasks among your team based on each person's interests and skills. Research other fundraisers of the same type for ideas, tips and warnings regarding planning and running the event. When planning your event, be sure to keep in mind the wishes and thoughts of the person the benefit is for.

Set the time and date for your fundraiser, securing a space or permit if required. Be sure to allow yourself enough time prior to the event to properly organize and publicize it. Enlist your volunteers to spread the word, keeping the beneficiary's privacy in mind so as not to overstep your boundaries.

At the event, be sure that your focus is on providing help to ensure health and happiness. Avoid focusing on the illness itself, or on suffering and death. Keep the mood upbeat to encourage enthusiasm among donors and the beneficiary.

After your event, consult with the person you held the benefit for to ask if you may update your donors on her illness and progress. The person in question may wish to retain her privacy altogether, or she may be willing to share certain details of her progress. Donors will generally want to know how the beneficiary fares after an event, so, with sensitivity, encourage the person to share at least general updates with these people.