Facebook fundraising: The power of community in action
Every fundraiser makes a difference—and donors like Nakia Burress are part of a growing community creating meaningful change. Through personal fundraisers, heartfelt gifts, and shared stories, AVMF supporters are helping the veterinary community recover from disasters, pursue education, advance human and animal health through research, and provide care to animals in need. Nakia’s story shows how individual action, combined with collective generosity, can transform lives.
When Nakia Burress, Director of Operations and Vendor Management at the AVMA Trust, decided to create a Facebook fundraiser for the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), she was driven by a deep-rooted passion for supporting veterinarians and their communities.
“I felt a need and a duty to support the foundation,” she shared. “My passion is working with veterinarians and providing our AVMA family with support in any capacity.”
While Nakia had always supported the broader mission of the AVMA, this fundraiser marked a meaningful extension of her involvement with AVMF. Her decision to fundraise was inspired by the foundation’s wide-ranging impact—especially its work in disaster relief, scholarships, and community-based programs that directly benefit veterinarians. “Knowing that my efforts could help veterinarians and their communities in times of need is incredibly motivating,” she said.
Nakia’s connection to the veterinary profession is both personal and professional. Through her work with the AVMA Trust, she’s had a first-hand look at the vital role veterinarians play and the challenges they face. “Working closely with veterinarians in my position, I’ve seen the emotional and financial impact that unexpected events can have on their lives and practices,” Nakia said. “Supporting AVMF means I’m part of a solution that helps them continue their vital work.”
Setting up the Facebook fundraiser was simple, she explained—just a few clicks and her campaign was live. From there, support began pouring in from friends, family, and colleagues.
“The platform made it easy to share my passion for AVMF’s mission, and their response was incredibly supportive,” Nakia said. “It only takes about three minutes to set up a campaign, and before you know it, people are donating $10 here, $50 there. It all adds up.”
To help others understand why AVMF’s mission matters, she also shared an overview of the foundation’s impact. That personal touch helped connect her network to the cause in a meaningful way. Her efforts were met with encouragement and generosity—reminding her of the power of community. “It was incredibly rewarding,” Nakia said. “Seeing friends, family, and colleagues come together to support AVMF reminded me of the power of community and collective action.”
More than just raising funds, Nakia hoped her campaign would also raise awareness of the important work AVMF does.
“Veterinarians are some of the kindest people on the planet,” she said. “I think giving back is my way to show them my appreciation for what they do.” She encourages others—especially those within the AVMA community—to consider launching their own fundraisers.
For Nakia, supporting AVMF is about more than fundraising. It’s about showing gratitude and strengthening the AVMA family. “Veterinarians dedicate their lives to caring for animals, and AVMF helps ensure they have the resources and support they need, especially in times of need,” she said. “Being part of that is an honor.”
Inspired by Nakia’s story? Start your own Facebook fundraiser and be part of something bigger.
It only takes a few minutes to set up, and your fundraiser can help provide disaster relief, scholarships, and charitable care to animals and the veterinarians who care for them. Here’s a quick guide to setting up your Facebook fundraiser.
Whether you raise $50 or $500, every gift brings hope and help to those who need it most—and reminds the veterinary community that they are never alone.
Turn passion into action. Create your fundraiser today.