Peer-to-peer fundraising continues to hold a meaningful place in many organizations. But as revenue strategies diversify and new channels emerge, it’s facing fresh scrutiny, often from leaders who haven’t grown up in the P2P space. That shift is prompting important questions about where it fits and how its value is defined.

In this episode, Marcie Maxwell sits down with Kathe Goller, Senior Director of Community Fundraising, and Mike Lamma, Executive Vice President and COO at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Together, they share the journey of building one of the most recognized walk programs in the country and what it took to move from early skepticism to sustained growth and long-term impact.

Kathe and Mike reflect on the key decisions and moments that helped establish peer-to-peer as a vital part of their organization’s success. They unpack how to communicate value beyond revenue, especially in times of increased pressure, and what it means to truly know your worth as a P2P leader. The conversation also explores how internal perspectives shifted from competition to collaboration, helping peer-to-peer earn its place alongside more traditional development strategies.

Together, we’ll explore:

• How peer-to-peer evolved at AFSP from uncertainty to a core driver of growth
• Ways to communicate value beyond dollars and strengthen leadership confidence
• What it takes to build internal alignment and position peer-to-peer as a strategic partner

Mentioned Links

• AFSP.org
• @AFSPnational on IG
• @AFSPnational on X

Stay Connected on LinkedIn

• ​Connect with Kathe
• Connect with Mike
• Connect with Marcie
• Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum

• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:58) - Introducing Mike Lamma and Kathe Goller
• (06:16) - When is the Walk a Walk?
• (08:53) - Turning Peer-to-Peer into an Engine for Growth
• (14:28) - Selling the Value of Peer-to-Peer
• (22:28) - Understanding Your Data
• (29:48) - Build Effective Buy-in
• (34:31) - Get Involved

What happens when you rethink everything about your signature event all at once? From branding and location to timing, Curebound took a leap that could have reshaped everything or strengthened it.

In this episode, Marcie Maxwell sits down with Liz DiGeronimo, Director of Community Fundraising, and Erik Gordon, Director of Marketing at Curebound. Together, they unpack what it really takes to guide both your community and your internal teams through major change while staying grounded in purpose.

Liz and Erik walk through the signals that made it clear their long-standing event needed to evolve and the risks that came with stepping away from tradition. They share how they brought their community into the process through intentional listening and conversation, discovering that what mattered most wasn’t the venue or logistics but the mission driving it all.

The conversation also dives into the internal work. From aligning marketing and fundraising around a shared story to refining how they communicate during moments of uncertainty, they reveal how clarity and connection became their biggest strengths.

Together, we’ll explore:

• Guiding teams toward shared clarity during major event change
• Engaging your community so they feel part of the journey
• Keeping your mission front and center through every shift

Mentioned Links

• Curebound
• Curebound Cancer Challenge
• Curebound Concert for Cures

Stay Connected on LinkedIn

• Connect with Liz
• Connect with Erik
• Connect with Marcie
• Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum

• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:03) - Introducing Liz DiGeronimo and Erik Gordon
• (04:18) - About Curebound
• (05:32) - Big Moves and Rebranding in 2025
• (10:50) - Marketing
• (19:46) - Location Location Location?
• (24:31) - Get Involved

For many families, a peer-to-peer event is more than a fundraiser, it’s their first step into a community that understands and supports them. When organizations show up with care in those early moments, they create a foundation for trust, connection, and long-term engagement.

In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Christie Godowski, Vice President of Community Engagement at Autism Speaks. Christie shares how her team connects with individuals and families right after diagnosis, offering support while inviting them into a broader community experience through peer-to-peer.

Christie reflects on what it takes to create a seamless journey across program and fundraising teams, so families feel supported rather than segmented. She also shares how Autism Speaks equips frontline fundraisers to approach sensitive conversations with confidence, along with the nuances of engaging adults newly diagnosed with autism alongside parents navigating a child’s diagnosis.

Learn how early outreach shapes long-term connection and what small, intentional actions can help teams build trust from the very first interaction.

Together, we’ll explore:

• Connecting families to support and community from the earliest moments after diagnosis
• Strengthening collaboration between program and fundraising teams to create one cohesive experience
• Equipping fundraisers to lead thoughtful conversations that build trust and lasting engagement

Mentioned Links

• Autism Speaks
• On social - Instagram, YouTube & Facebook

Stay Connected on LinkedIn

• Connect with Christie
• Connect with Marcie
• Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum

• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:20) - Introducing Christie Godowski and Autism Speaks
• (03:50) - The First Walk
• (06:40) - Breaking Down Barriers
• (11:10) - Front Line Fundraisers
• (14:34) - Adults & Children in Diagnosis
• (22:44) - Making Change toward Building Trust
• (24:25) - Get Involved