Everyone at some point in their lives are asked to raise money for things whether a high school baseball tournament trip or part of a campaign. There are some fundamental elements to successfully raise money for all types of causes. My seven keys to successful fundraising will help all those who want to effectively put a plan in place and meet the fundraising goal. I will use some of my NFL and fundraising experiences as examples of how to successfully fund raise. Bio- Rueben Mayes leverages his passion for people and philanthropy to deliver the necessary resources in support of the Pullman Regional Hospital Mission. His success as a college two-time consensus All-American, National College Hall of Fame Inductee, NFL Rookie of the Year and multi-year Pro Bowl selectee opens many doors and builds rapport beyond his 20 year fundraising career. He went on to earn an MBA in 2000 and recently the re-designation of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credentials. As Chief Development Officer, Rueben works closely with Department Medical Directors, physicians, hospital executive staff, foundation boards and committees to grow system-wide philanthropic/investment support for key priorities Rueben has been married for over 26 years to Marie Mayes (both WSU Alumnus) and they have two sons, Logan and Kellen. Volunteer community involvement activities include non profit fundraising consulting. His hobbies are fishing, reading, cooking, and is also an avid, golfer, skier and swimmer. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)