Are nonprofits underestimating what their peer-to-peer programs and supporters are capable of? Project Purple's Dino Verrelli thinks so, and he's challenging the mindset that may be holding us back.

In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Dino, founder and CEO of Project Purple, about turning a personal connection to pancreatic cancer into a thriving nonprofit built on endurance fundraising. From becoming a charity partner at the world's biggest marathons to exploring walks, pickleball and other community events, Dino shares how his team approaches growth with intention.

Drawing on his experience as both an entrepreneur and nonprofit executive, Dino challenges P2P professionals to recognize their programs' value, set ambitious expectations and demonstrate what's possible through consistent results.

Together, we'll explore:

• Diversifying beyond endurance while staying focused on the communities, partnerships and opportunities that drive results
• Challenging the nonprofit mindset that undervalues our programs, participants and fundraising potential
• Investing strategically in growth and demonstrating P2P's long-term value to organizational leadership

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Mentioned Links

• Project Purple • Ways We Help

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Stay Connected on LinkedIn

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

• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (00:31) - Introducing Dino Verelli and Project Purple
• (07:22) - The Power of Endurance
• (12:38) - A Diverse Portfolio
• (19:26) - Why do we undervalue our own programs?
• (31:56) - Get Involved

Big fundraising goals can be exciting, but they can also feel overwhelming, especially when staff don't have a clear roadmap for achieving them. The key isn't just tracking more data. It's helping teams understand what the numbers mean and how their everyday actions contribute to success.

In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Sara Echeverri-Bentley, National Director, Special Events for Walk to Cure Arthritis at the Arthritis Foundation. With more than 100 walks and runs nationwide, Sara shares how her team is turning ambitious revenue targets into manageable milestones that keep staff focused, motivated and moving forward.

Sara explores the art and science of forecasting, the power of monthly micro-goals and the importance of explaining the "why" behind performance metrics. She also shares how creating opportunities for peer learning helps local teams build confidence and take greater ownership of their results.

Together, we'll explore:

• Breaking down ambitious fundraising goals into actionable plans and measurable milestones
• Building staff confidence in forecasting and using data to make smarter decisions
• Using monthly micro-goals and peer collaboration to create focus, accountability and momentum

​Mentioned Links

• About • Arthritis Foundation
• Help Your Child Live Better with Juvenile Arthritis • Arthritis Foundation
• Get Involved • Arthritis Foundation

​Stay Connected on LinkedIn

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

• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:22) - Introducing Sara Echeverri-Bentley
• (09:14) - How do you help staff improve their relationship with data?
• (13:11) - Micro-Goals
• (18:08) - How do you connect data to the "why?"
• (21:12) - How do you share across locations and teams?
• (24:24) - Building confidence not pressure
• (28:30) - Get Involved

Building a stronger endurance program isn’t just about adding more races or recruiting more runners. It requires a clear vision for where the program is headed, how it supports the organization’s bigger goals and where to invest along the way.

In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Andrew Shannon, National Manager of Run/Endurance at Breakthrough T1D, about the organization’s intentional approach to building a run program designed for the future.

Andrew shares how he assessed the program with fresh eyes, developed a five-year strategy aligned with organizational priorities and created different pathways for runners to engage. He also explores a broader definition of retention, how Breakthrough T1D decides which opportunities to pursue and why strong relationships with race partners can unlock new possibilities.

Together, we’ll explore:

• ​Building a long-term endurance strategy that supports broader organizational goals
• Creating a portfolio of opportunities that reaches new communities and keeps runners engaged
• Making intentional choices about race participation, retention and strategic partnerships

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Mentioned Links

• www.breakthrought1d.org
• www.run.breakthrought1d.org

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Stay Connected on LinkedIn

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

• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:12) - Introducing Andrew Shannon
• (08:25) - Priorities and Shaping Strategic Planning
• (21:18) - Retention
• (33:35) - The Race Relationship
• (38:16) - Get Involved