Saturday May 10th, 2025
ALL Basket Donations DUE by Saturday April 19th, 2025
How to Build a Basket
Sharing Brain Buddie stories is the heart of our foundation. Each Raffle Basket represents a brain cancer patient or survivor - a Brain Buddie. Our Baskets are a chance for Brain Buddies and their families to share their stories by building a basket that represents themselves or a loved one. Baskets offer a tangible way for others to get to know those touched by brain cancer by showing who their are other than their diagnosis.
All of our baskets have a story and all are meaningful and full of love. 💜
1. Choose a Basket Theme (Share your Story!)
Your Basket Theme is a chance to share a Brain Buddie story. It might be your own story or that of someone you love.
Think about who you are building this basket for and what sort of things represent them. Are they a parent, grandparent, coworker, golf buddy? Are they a dog lover, artist, book worm, ice cream addict? What are some of their favorite things to do? Do they have any hobbies? A favorite cusine or candy? Anything that reminds you of this person can be used as a theme for your Basket.
Some baskets are celebrations for survivors and are themed around activities they enjoy, like "Hiking", "Sewing", “Movie Nights” or “Family Game Night”. Others are built around some of the favorite things of a loved one who has passed, such as Lanette’s “Grandma Kirk’s Donut Basket” or "How Does Your Garden Grow Basket".
Need help choosing a basket theme?
We've got you covered. You can also check out some examples of past Basket Themes here, to help you get more ideas.
2. Fill it up!
After you have decided on a Basket Theme, grab a basket, bucket, box, tote bag, cooler or other container (Think Outside of the Basket!) and fill it up! Fill your basket with NEW items that tell your story and reflect your theme.
3. Fill out a Basket Sheet
After you are done filling your basket with goodies, please fill our a Basket Info Sheet and attach it to the outside of your basket. If you are donating more than one basket, please fill out a separate Basket Info Sheet for EACH basket.
What is this used for?
A Basket Sheet is used to identify your basket during the raffle. It lets others know what goodies are waiting inside of your basket and provides a way for them to read your Brain Buddie story.
4. Wrap your Basket
Now that your basket is complete, it's time to wrap it up! Please secure all items and wrap up your basket in clear cellophane wrap, a clear gift basket bag or clear shrink wrap to get it ready for delivery.
Try to make sure that all items are visible and securely contained within the basket bag/wrapping so that nothing falls out of your basket during transit.
Check out some helpful Tips for Wrapping your Basket!
5. Drop off your Basket
Saturday April 19th, 2025
10AM - 2PM
Scott's Generations Deli
742 E. Glendale Ave. #142
Phoenix, AZ 85020
ALL baskets MUST be received by Saturday April 19th, 2025.
Drop off Day Details
Swing by our official Basket Drop Off location at Scott's Generations Deli anytime between 10AM - 2PM to drop off your baskets, say hello, and grab some lunch! 
Basket Collection Starts NOW
Contact Lanette to schedule a drop off or pick up of your complete basket BEFORE Saturday April 19th, 2024.
lanette@graymattersfoundation.org | 623-205-6446
Don't forget to fill out your Basket Info Sheet
To ensure that each basket is accounted for, please be sure that your completed Basket Info Sheet is ATTACHED to your Basket when dropping off.
Other ways to Help
Donate Non-Basket Items
We are also looking for donations of individual items for raffle (such as a piece of artwork, sporting events tickets, hotel getaway, spa packages, etc). Giftcard donations are also a great way to help us build baskets or purchase basket items. Contact Lanette for more information.
Sponsor a Basket
Help a Brain Buddie family create a basket by purchasing wishlist items or sponsoring a basket. Perfect for those who want to participate but aren’t sure where to begin.
Basket Assistance
For those families who are out of state, or need assistance building a basket to represent your special person - we would love to help. Please contact Lanette for more information about joining our Sponsor a Basket program. 
Need Inspiration? Check out some of these ideas!
Think outside of the basket. Your "basket" doesn't have to be a traditional basket. You can use a bucket, tote bag, serving bowl, ice chest, toolbox or just about any other container that suits your theme.
Build a basket in honor or memory of a loved one. Think about something that they really loved to do and share it with others!
Are you a business? Create a basket promoting your business or company. Include products or vouchers/giftcards for services.
* You are welcome to share your stories and promote your business/organization, but please do not include solicitation material or ask for donations in your baskets.
Some theme ideas are:
- Ice Cream Social
- Margarita Bar
- Taco Night
- Date Night
- Board Game/Family Game Night
- Dance the Night Away
- Spa Day
- Day at the Beach/Lake
- Rainy Day
- Movie Night
- Coffee Lover
- For the Baker
- For the Gardener
- For the Teacher
- For the Crafter
- For the Musician
- For the Fisherman/Outdoorsman
- Grill/BBQ
- Pet Basket
- Fitness Lover
- Sports Fan
- Book Worm
- Cake/Cookie/Dessert Making
- Girls Night In
- "Treat yo Self"
- Mani/Pedi
- Wine Lover
- Beer Lover/Homebrewer
- Seasonal/Holiday Theme
- "Fall"ing for You
- Halloween
- Christmas
Even more inspo!
Check out our Basket photo gallery for even more examples!
