In a recent LinkedIn post, Laurie Ruettimann shared an engaging and characteristically direct call for support for her upcoming London Marathon run, benefiting Cats Protection. Ruettimann, who is participating in the April 26th marathon, highlighted her commitment to exceeding her initial fundraising goal with a unique and interactive pitch to her network.
A Creative Approach to Fundraising
Ruettimann framed her fundraising effort not as a passive request, but as an active engagement with her community. She outlined a simple yet effective proposition: a donation of £5 or $5 in exchange for a song to be added to her running playlist. This approach aims to inject fun and personal connection into the act of giving.
“I’m not going to London to do the bare minimum. So here’s my pitch: Donate £5 or $5. Put a song on my playlist. That’s the whole deal.”
As Ruettimann elaborates, the request is straightforward, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the exchange. The inclusion of a song offers a tangible, albeit small, personal return for the donor, transforming a monetary contribution into a shared experience.
Setting the Rhythm for the Race
A key element of Ruettimann’s strategy involves curating a playlist with a specific vibe. She explicitly set parameters for song selection, steering clear of slower genres while welcoming upbeat and energetic music.
Genre Guidelines for Donors
Ruettimann’s post playfully stipulated certain musical preferences, demonstrating her personality and adding another layer of engagement. This curated approach ensures the playlist will energize her during the demanding 26.2 miles.
“One rule: your song needs a beat. Skip the Whitney Houston ballads. Skip Belle and Sebastian, unless you pick “Party Line,” in which case, fine, okay. Reggae, ska, punk, rock and roll, indie, all of it works.”
According to Ruettimann, the goal is to create a soundtrack that fuels her performance. By specifying acceptable genres, she guides her supporters toward contributions that align with the energetic spirit of her marathon effort. This detail underscores Ruettimann’s thoughtful planning for the race and her desire to involve her network in a meaningful way.
Encouraging Broad Participation
Recognizing that not everyone may be in a financial position to donate, Ruettimann also extended an invitation for simpler forms of support.
Beyond Monetary Contributions
Ruettimann demonstrated inclusivity by offering an alternative for those facing financial hardship or dissatisfaction with their employment.
“Or, if you’re broke and your job sucks, just leave kind words. I’ll take everything I can get.”
This statement highlights Ruettimann’s understanding of her audience and her desire to foster a supportive community around her marathon journey. As she notes, even words of encouragement can provide valuable motivation. She also encouraged repeat engagement:
“Make multiple donations and add more songs.”
Ruettimann concludes her post with a clear call to action, directing potential donors to the link in her bio and encouraging comments or direct messages with their song choices, ending with an enthusiastic “LFG!” This approach, as shared on LinkedIn, showcases a blend of determination, creativity, and community-building from Laurie Ruettimann as she prepares for the London Marathon.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Laurie Ruettimann on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 18, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →