How to Organize a Fundraiser Walk
A fundraiser walk is a great way to help support a local charity. This type of event will appeal to many exercisers because it involves a low-intensity activity that many people are comfortable with. The planning process may feel overwhelming at first, but by following a few simple steps, you can successfully organize your own event.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Create a planning committee made up of coworkers, local businesses, health agencies and community volunteers. Plan to meet at least once a month with your first meeting 6 months prior to the selected event date.
-
2
Decide with your committee what you will name the event, the distance you want the walk to be, and ideas of where you wish for it to be held within the community.
-
-
3
Choose a location that will work well for your event such as a local park or neighborhood. Check with local city government and law enforcement about use of these areas and the need to shut down streets on the day of the event.
-
4
Invite sponsors to help support your event. Ask planning committee members to call, write or visit local businesses to inquire about monetary donations or coupons and gift certificates. The money can be used for renting a facility, purchase of race shirts or equipment needed for the event day. Coupons and gift certificates can be used for goodie bags or for prizes.
-
5
Create a registration form and waiver to be filled out and signed by each participant. Decide how much you will charge for a registration fee and how much money you will ask each walker to raise for the event. Also, choose a registration deadline.
-
6
Advertise your event through local radio stations, lunchtime news shows on local television stations, in local newspapers, and by placing registration packets at popular businesses.
-
7
Gather refreshments for the event day such as water, sports drinks, energy bars, healthy bakery items and fruit. Use money gathered by donations to purchase these items, or ask local restaurants and companies to donate them.
-
8
Plan the event day by assigning committee members to different stations including the start line, on the course, finish line, refreshments and prizes. A few days or the night before the event, prepare any race packets that participants will pick up, organize registration forms and waivers, and add up current donations.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you are not planning a competitive event and do not wish to award prizes based on finishing place, provide prizes to participants by including everyone's name in a raffle. This leads to participant excitement, and advertising it beforehand can draw people to your event. If you want to keep track of your participant finishing times, be sure to give each participant a race bib. These can be purchased at local sporting good stores or online.
Be sure to alert local medical emergency personnel of the event in case of an unforeseen accident or emergency.
Resources
- Photo Credit Lori Rice
