Recognition is no longer just about t-shirts or medals - it’s about meaning. Thoughtful, mission-driven recognition strategies can deepen fundraisers’ emotional connection and inspire long-term loyalty.

In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Meredith Perkins, Director of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Meredith shares how her team has evolved recognition from transactional to transformational, creating experiences that honor fundraisers’ motivations and celebrate their impact.

From weaving MD Anderson’s mission to eliminate cancer into every recognition moment to reimagining branded products with purpose, Meredith offers practical ways to make participants feel valued and connected. She also dives into how feedback and metrics guide continuous improvement, ensuring each recognition effort aligns with participant expectations and program goals.

Together, we’ll explore:

• How to design recognition programs that strengthen mission connection and emotional engagement
• Creative ways to recognize and reward fundraisers across participation levels and years
• Practical methods for measuring impact and evolving recognition strategies for sustained success

​Mentioned Links

www.MDAnderson.org/Fundraise

www.MDAnderson.org/BootWalk

www.MDAnderson.org/DIY

www.MDAnderson.org/Remember

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• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box