Season 7 Episode 4: Thinking Bigger About the Potential of P2P with Project Purple's Dino Verrelli

Project Purple's founder and CEO Dino Verrelli joins the podcast to discuss thinking bigger about P2P fundraising, investing strategically in growth, and recognizing the true value of our programs.

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

Mentioned Links
Project Purple — Ways We Help

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Podcast Guest

Dino Verrelli is the visionary Founder and CEO of Project Purple. Driven by the loss of his father to pancreatic cancer, Verrelli established the organization to fund crucial research, support early detection initiatives, and provide financial aid to patients and families. Under his leadership, Project Purple has invested millions in research and helped thousands of families nationwide.

Podcast Host

Marcie Maxwell is the CEO of the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum. Marcie joined the P2PPF team in 2021 after 15+ years as a front-line fundraiser, national events & campaign director and fundraising consultant. In her role, Marcie serves as a primary thought leader and community builder for the peer-to-peer fundraising industry. She started her career in fundraising with 10+ years at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she ran local fundraising events, managed national volunteer partnerships and launched their national walk program. She then spent 5+ years as the Director of Chapter Fundraising Events with Make-A-Wish America, where she provided strategy, support & training to 60 chapters on the full event portfolio – walks, school fundraising, an endurance hiking program and galas & social events. In her most recent role at Charity Dynamics, she partnered with clients to provide strategic guidance and analysis to help them optimize and grow their peer-to-peer fundraising events & campaigns. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in Ethical Leadership from Christian Brothers University. She resides in Memphis, TN.