Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

Fostering An Authentic & Inclusive Event Experience with AIDS/LifeCycle’s Tracy Evans

AIDS/LifeCycle’s Tracy Evans drops by to share the behind-the-scenes magic of their cyclist community and how her team fosters it year-round

I love to ask people, “What’s the best event you’ve ever attended? And why?”

– Was it your best friend’s wedding because you knew everyone there?
– Was it a baby shower because everyone was there for the same reason – to help the new parents prepare for their next chapter
– Was it an amazing concert because the community had taken on a life of its own with costumes and bracelets and dancing?

Most often, a person’s favorite event boils down to its community – a group of like-minded people coming together to celebrate or accomplish or support a common cause. Without a focus on building an authentic and inclusive community, our walks and runs and rides risk blending together and losing their distinctiveness.

In this episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell is joined by Tracy Evans, Race Director of AIDS/LifeCycle, a fully-supported, seven-day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, raising money for both the Los Angeles LGBT Center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation. AIDS/LifeCycle was recognized as the 2023 Program of the Year at the last Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum conference.

Tracy shares insights into how they have cultivated one of the industry’s largest event personalities. We’ll discover the behind-the-scenes efforts that make their cyclist community thrive not only during the event itself, but also throughout the year. Tracy also discusses intentional steps taken by AIDS/LifeCycle to foster inclusivity and the positive results they have achieved.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore:

– Finding and cultivating your event’s voice
– Tactics for creating a truly inclusive event
– The power of authentic communication in strengthening both participant and team communities

Mentioned Links
AIDS/LifeCycle
AIDS Life/Cycle – YouTube

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Podcast Guest

Tracey Evans

Race Director, AIDS/LifeCycle

Tracy Evans has been the Ride Director of AIDS/LifeCycle since January, 2017.  Prior to taking the helm at AIDS/LifeCycle, Tracy worked with The Lupus Foundation of America where she was the National Director of Development and Fundraising focused on third party fundraising. Before that, she spent twelve years at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training. While at LLS, she led a 14-chapter roll out of the national Hike for Discovery program, served as the National Director/Product Manager, and worked on wildly successful events such as The Nike Women’s Marathon and The Rock N’ Roll Marathon Series. Prior to making the leap to peer-to-peer fundraising, Tracy worked in corporate marketing and sales force development. When not flying between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Tracy can be found cycling in the hills of the Bay Area, cross country skiing in the High Sierra or enjoying an adventure somewhere far from home. Tracy holds a BA in Human Resource Development from National University and an MBA from Notre Dame de Namur University.

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Podcast Host

Marcie

Marcie Maxwell

Managing Director, Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum

Marcie Maxwell is the Managing Director of the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum. Marcie joined the P2PPF team in 2021 after 15+ years as a front-line fundraiser, national events & campaign director and fundraising consultant. In her role, Marcie serves as a primary thought leader and community builder for the peer-to-peer fundraising industry. She started her career in fundraising with 10+ years at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she ran local fundraising events, managed national volunteer partnerships and launched their national walk program. She then spent 5+ years as the Director of Chapter Fundraising Events with Make-A-Wish America, where she provided strategy, support & training to 60 chapters on the full event portfolio – walks, school fundraising, an endurance hiking program and galas & social events. In her most recent role at Charity Dynamics, she partnered with clients to provide strategic guidance and analysis to help them optimize and grow their peer-to-peer fundraising events & campaigns. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in Ethical Leadership from Christian Brothers University. She resides in Memphis, TN.

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