Fundraising can feel intimidating, especially the first time.
For Beth Phillips Synk, that feeling was real. She had seen other Angelman syndrome families host successful fundraisers and wondered how anyone even got started. So she started small, with a bake sale at her daughter’s school. She hoped to raise a few hundred dollars. Instead, the response was overwhelming—over $4,000—and that experience gave her something just as valuable as the money raised: confidence. It showed her that people truly do want to help.
That first step led to something bigger.
On International Angelman Syndrome Day, Beth and FAST Director of Operations Laura Foglyano co-hosted Pinball with a Purpose: Immy’s International Angelman Day Bash, a first-time fundraiser that raised more than $34,000 for FAST and exceeded its original fundraising goal by 50%. Laura, who has been with FAST since 2022, did not come to the organization through a personal connection to Angelman syndrome, but quickly saw how special the community was and how meaningful the work could be. More than that, the event brought together friends, family, and seven Angelman syndrome families from four states in a space filled with love, generosity, and shared purpose.
For Beth, the event was personal in every sense. During the fundraiser, she spoke about receiving her daughter Immy’s diagnosis and having to ask questions no parent should ever have to ask. That honesty is part of what made the event so meaningful. For families living with Angelman syndrome, fundraising is not just about dollars. It is one way to turn feeling powerless into action.
Laura felt that meaning too. Even with a background in events, this was her first grassroots fundraiser, and she had her own concerns about whether it would be successful. But what stood out most was the joy of seeing people come together, the generosity of those who gave, and the connections formed between families, friends, and supporters.
Beth’s advice for anyone thinking about fundraising is simple:
Start with a theme you are excited about. Laura’s advice is just as clear: take a chance.
Pinball with a Purpose is a reminder that you do not have to start big to make a real difference. You just have to start. And when you do, FAST’s Community Fundraising Manager, Krista Nanigian, can help you brainstorm ideas and get started.