#1...Because of YOU!

If you would’ve told me a few months ago that Fundraise Like a 5th Grader would hit #1 on Amazon and stay there for days, I would have given you a high-five and thought, “cool story, bro!” and nervously laughed it off.

But here we are—four days at the top, news interviews, radio spots, newspaper stories, book signings, social media lighting up, and friends and colleagues from all over popping in to cheerlead.

It’s surreal. It’s overwhelming. It’s humbling.

It’s freaking amazing.

And most of all, it’s not just mine—it belongs to everyone who helped make this happen.

There are a lot of feelings swirling around right now (excitement, disbelief, a little bit of sleep deprivation), but mostly, I’m just so grateful.

So, naturally in my borderline insomniac state, I started thinking about how the book itself helped guide this wild ride, and I realized there are a few key lessons that got me here—lessons straight from the 5th graders who inspired it all.

Be a Team Player

There is no way in the world I could have done this alone.

Seriously, I had my cheerleaders, my hype crew, and Leah who constantly reminded me to breathe and drink something other than coffee during this whole thing.

From everyone who shared social media posts, left reviews, bought copies, and even just sent a quick “Congrats!” text—it was all of you who made this happen.

Whether it was my family rallying behind me or my friends celebrating every little win, this book’s success was built on the shoulders of everyone who believed in it and in me.

And man, did you all show up.

You didn’t just support me—you helped amplify the message. You made sure Fundraise Like a 5th Grader wasn’t just another fundraising book, but what actually feels like a movement putting a little more positivity into the fundraising realm.

So, this lesson is simple: Don’t go it alone.

Find your people, lift them up, and let them lift you right back. It makes whatever event, project or appeal way less daunting and a helluva lot more fun!

Be Bold

A #1 spot on Amazon?

Was that really the goal? (Ok, it was totally the BHAG goal – HA!)

Maybe it was a pipe dream—audacious, for sure.

But I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. From the first word on the first page, I wanted this book to stand out, to make waves, and to say something that mattered.

Sometimes it takes a little audacity to go after something that feels way out of reach. It’s like in fundraising—if you don’t make a bold ask, you’ll never know what you could have achieved.

So, we didn’t just aim for a successful launch; we went all in and aimed for the top. And when it hit #1 and stayed there?

I still had to pinch myself.

Be bold.

Take risks.

Go after the wild dream, even when it feels way too big.

Be Creative

When it came to self publishing and launching this book, creativity was everything.

From pitching it to news outlets, to sending little VIP packages to pre-readers for their time and words, to planning the book signings (actual book stores are awesome…but hosting one in my kids classroom? AMAZING!), every move was intentional and a little bit inventive.

 We didn’t just stick to one game plan (as a fundraiser, I know better than thinking everything would go smoothly!) —we adapted, adjusted, sometimes started over, and kept the momentum going.

Creativity isn’t just about doing something flashy; it’s about finding ways to make your message stick.

Whether it was crafting social posts that made people laugh or creating hype that felt genuine and not just sales-y, creativity pushed this book beyond what I thought was possible.

And Above All... Be Grateful

I have so many people to thank. My wrists already hurt just thinking about the thank you notes I’m planning on writing!

I’m overwhelmed by the support from everyone who picked up a copy, shared a post, left a review, or just believed in me.

You’re the reason this book made it to #1. You’re the reason it’s making an impact.

I don’t take any of it for granted. Seeing this book go out into the world and hearing how it’s already making a difference is humbling and heartwarming.

Whether you’re a fundraiser, a leader, or just someone who needed a little pep talk, thank you for making this journey more incredible than I could have ever imagined.

I’m beyond grateful.

Oh, and we’re not even CLOSE to being done! It’s conference season, and I’m taking this book as a keynote and training on the road! (Have a spot you want a highly caffeinated human exclamation point to rally your board or attendees at? Call me!)

Let’s keep changing the world, one bold, creative, and fearless step at a time.

Oh, and if you haven’t joined the party yet? You can get your copy HERE!

THANK YOU gang!!! This is just incredible!!!

-Patrick