Article provided by WiddyUP
Whether your team is headed to WGI World Championships or staying closer to home on the regional circuit, one thing is universal: keeping a performing arts program alive takes creativity, commitment, and a whole lot of fundraising.
For leaders like Mike Finney (Executive Director of MBI Performing Arts and collaborator with Resound Minnesota), Eryn Webster (Avon Marching Black and Gold, Avon, IN), and Monica Drohan (founder of Evoke Performance Collective in Michigan), WiddyUP has become a bridge, connecting performance, purpose, and financial support in a way that feels authentic to today’s students.
After years of running traditional fundraisers, such as car washes and popcorn drives, Webster admits she was ready for something different.
“Once we got WiddyUP set up, it was simple,” she says. “No inventory, no counting money, just creativity. The kids could show their personalities and have fun with it.”
That simplicity matters. WiddyUP’s video-based platform allows students to raise money by sharing short, personalized clips that spotlight who they are and what they love, whether it’s a band performance, a behind-the-scenes rehearsal, or a message to supporters.
“It’s the first real, successful attempt I’ve seen to connect with younger audiences,” Finney adds. “Fundraising can be intimidating for teens; WiddyUP makes it organic and friendly.”
A Platform That Scales: From Regional to National
Drohan, who has spent three decades coaching color guard across Southeast Michigan, works primarily with regional-level programs, teams that don’t travel to WGI Championships but still face the same financial challenges as national competitors.
“About 60% of color guard participants compete regionally,” she explains. “Even if we’re not heading to Dayton, we still need to fund costumes, equipment, floors, and staff. It takes a lot to make these shows happen.”
What drew her to WiddyUP was how it combined the convenience of digital fundraising with the connection of storytelling.
“We used other platforms before, but they felt like just collecting money online,” Drohan says. “What I love about WiddyUP is the personal touch. Sponsors get to see the students and even get a little ‘behind-the-scenes’ peek before the season starts. It makes them feel part of the journey.”
She points out that this connection is especially valuable for smaller or rural programs where students’ networks stretch far beyond their hometowns.
“Everyone knows 10 or 15 people who would love to support them,” she says. “With WiddyUP, those people can donate from anywhere and they get to see their loved one’s face pop up in the thank-you video. That’s powerful.”
Support That Feels Human
Across all three interviews, one theme stood out: the human touch.
“You can sign up for any random platform and it’s like, ‘Good luck,’” says Finney. “With WiddyUP, you get a real person, someone who checks in, answers questions, and helps troubleshoot. That’s huge for performing arts programs that often don’t have a built-in fundraising roadmap.”
That kind of support builds confidence, especially for educators juggling limited resources.
“We can’t overwhelm parents with too many fundraisers,” Drohan says. “WiddyUP complements our grassroots efforts like t-shirt sponsorships. Some kids can get business sponsors, others rely on family and friends. With WiddyUP, everyone has a lane that fits their situation.”
More Than Fundraising… It’s Storytelling
For Drohan, WiddyUP doesn’t just raise money; it reinforces her team’s identity and message.
“Our show this year is about legacy, the threads we weave in other people’s lives,” she says. “When my students send their videos, they’re literally reaching out to the people who are part of that legacy. It makes the fundraising deeply personal.”
Finney agrees.
“WiddyUP gives youth a chance to not feel isolated,” he explains. “They can see their peers, share what they love, and feel part of something bigger.”
And Webster, ever the passionate organizer, says that spark of connection is what keeps her coming back year after year.
“I love helping others be part of amazing groups,” she says. “That’s my WiddyUP.”
Advice for WGI Directors Heading Into Champs
As groups prepare for the busy competition season, these leaders agree: the right fundraising partner can make all the difference.
Plan early and set your campaign up for success.
Webster found that launching a WiddyUP campaign early in the season keeps the momentum strong.
“Once it’s live, WiddyUP practically runs itself. We just shared the link and watched the excitement build,” she says. “Planning ahead lets your community rally behind you.”
Mix and match for maximum reach.
Drohan encourages directors to pair WiddyUP with their favorite local traditions.
“We still love our t-shirt sponsors, but WiddyUP reaches people who aren’t local. It connects families and alumni everywhere and that makes participation more equitable.”
Keep students and storytelling at the heart.
Finney adds that WiddyUP’s format helps directors focus on what truly matters.
“The real success comes when students are proud to share their story and when you partner with a team that shares your goals and makes the process easier.”
Together, their advice underscores a simple truth: when fundraising feels personal, purposeful, and supported, everyone wins, and WiddyUP makes that possible.
What’s Your WiddyUP?
For all three leaders, WiddyUP has become more than a tool, it’s a reflection of their values: connection, creativity, and community.
“My WiddyUP,” says Drohan, “is helping my students live their most authentic lives. The performing arts changed mine. I want to give them that same space.”
Raising More Than Money
At every level, from local circuits to WGI World Championships, the performing arts connect students to something bigger than themselves. WiddyUP helps directors sustain that connection by turning fundraising into an extension of performance itself.
Through creativity, storytelling, and authentic student voice, WiddyUP transforms fundraising from a transactional task into a shared celebration of what makes each program unique. For directors, it means less stress and more support. For students, it’s a chance to shine, on and off the floor.
Learn how WiddyUP can support your next season and help your performers share their stories at WiddyUP.com.
About WiddyUP
WiddyUP is a video-based fundraising platform built for K-12 schools, bands, and performing arts groups. Students raise money by sharing short, authentic videos that highlight their talents and passions, connecting creativity to community support.
About MBI Performing Arts & Resound
MBI Performing Arts and Resound Minnesota partner to strengthen the marching arts community across the Upper Midwest through mentorship, collaboration, and infrastructure development.
