Raising Money for Charity Hikes

“Some of the Michigan folks (and perhaps some Ohio friends) are looking into joining a 3 day, 60 mile hike for cancer. The hike would take us from Ann Arbor, MI to Detroit, MI. Each participant needs to get at least $1900 in donations/pledges in order to participate.

We are looking for suggestions on how to raise this kind of money. Have any of you out there done this before.

Running Girl? We're hoping to hear from you...

I've done charity walks before but the minimums were much lower (under $200). How does one talk a company into making a large donation?

Thanks for your help!”

“One way to get corporate sponsors is to create maybe 3 sponsorship levels - create a little flyer w/ info. re: where the proceeds go, how many people are involved, and what you will be doing. Then just go door-to-door/or contact larger companies professional relations dept. Most companies have a yearly budget for charities. You can also offer to get their logo and put it on a t-shirt that you would wear during the event - for advertising (this gives them a little incentive.)good luck!”

“I raised over $6,000 for the Leukemia Society during training for marathons. Yes, corporate sponsers would be nice...but you'll have more luck with friends and family. Most of my money came from a large mailing to people I personally know. Co-workers, relatives, old friends. And do NOT forget people who you do business with (your hairdresser, insurance agent, real estate agent, mechanic, etc). Go through your address book and your CHECKBOOK to find potential sponsers. Most of the money came in small increments--it adds up. You can have garage sales, sell doughnuts at soccer games (Krispy Kream has a program already set up--just ask your local dealer), have a car wash, or do a "dress down day" at work. Every Friday was dress down day at my office and everyone had to pay to "dress down". We raised about $250.00 this way (in 3 months). I also had games that could be played at work that brought in almost $300.00. This is getting long. If you want more info you can email me at mccracdb@msn.com and I can tell you more. Once the money starts coming in it is amazing how much you can collect. Yeeeee-ha. Good Luck.”

“OOOOHHH! And don't forget to send me one of those letters asking for a donation. I would be happy to help you reach your $1900 goal.”

“Thanks sunny and running girl.

running girl - I may email you after I get the info in the mail. I'm sure more questions will come up.”

“Tarabull, I'm pretty sure once you sign up the organization gives you ideas to fundraise as well. Probably along the same lines as running girl described.

I still haven't received the brochure they're supposed to send, if I ever get it I'll let you know if it has more info. I'm about 95% sure I'm going to do this, I just want to make sure I can commit the time to raise funds.”

“I sent for the brochure too. Not going to rule it out yet. I am very curious how much of the $1900 or more goes toward the charity. If I can find out that may very well decide if we participate or not.”

“I tried to find some info about how much of every dollar goes to the good stuff, not the overhead/admin costs. Didn't have much luck, but I'll keep looking, Sassy. It sounded like they fund a lot of low-income women.”

“Smiley - I sent for the brochure, too. I figured it may give some suggestions, but my guess is that the best suggestions will come from the people on this site who have done this type of thing before!”

“I talked to my 50-some-year old aunt last night, who has had two bouts with breast cancer. She's signed up to go. She's a good part of the reason I wanted to do this in the first place, so I'll be registering today. The only bummer about that is I was hoping to hit the rest of the family for donations, now we'll have to split them!”

“It takes 4 weeks for the brochure to show up in the mail.

I just signed up. Tarabull, Sassafrass, etc, there is an orientation in Novi on Dec. 4th.

Sassafras, I asked the lady about how much goes directly to the charity. She said it varies from event to event, and was about 64-68%. I didn't think that was very high, but now I'm also out to walk with my aunt. Supporting her is my main goal.”

“I have offically registered for this walk.

Smiley Girl - I registserd online and didn't get any orientation info. Can you get that to me? Location? Time? I kept Dec 4 open for it.”

“I sent you an e-mail with the info, Tarabull.”

“WOW...at least $1900.oo in donations in order to participate???”

“Yes, Buddur, $1900. How much are you sending me? :)”

“Tarabull - Please email me with details for donations. Being close to Christmas I won't be able to donate much, but I would like to help. Thanks!”

“Don't worry laqtis, you have until May of next year to save up enough money to sponsor tarabull AND me!!”

“Oh cool! Count me in, then. I thought this was something going on real soon.”

“Smiley Girl and I are both doing this walk(Sass may be doing it too!). She's the one that told me about it. So I can't monopolize all of the donations. But, we can definitely share.

I have to admit - I am a bit nervous about raising that much money. I just hope I can do it!

Smiley Girl - I have an idea that I think may work for both of us. Let's chat about it this weekend when we hike at Holly.”

“Hey guys.

I was all set to sign up for this thing until I realized the final day falls on graduation day at my school. I'm kind of torn. I'd really like to do it, but I'd hate to miss graduation - I do have classes with lots of graduating seniors. I wonder if I could start the last day at 3 or 4 AM. Anyway, I'll need to figure out something.”

“Reformed, call the -800 number and ask if you can still participate!

Tarabull, have you been getting all those e-mails for training events in the area? The one for this weekend is 2-4 miles. Think we can handle it?? :)”

“I have not been getting emails w/ specific info. I do have an email w/ links so I'll check it out.

2-4 miles? Is that a joke? We'll have to have our own "training" sessions. I would be happy to meet one night a week for some longer hikes on ashpalt. I just don't know many paths that are lit up at night. How about you? I could probably do something during the day this weekend. Kensington has an 8 mile loop that is paved.

I did just get an email about an event at The Walking Company in Twelve Oaks. Apparently they are having a "clinic" on Sunday night (8-9:30) where past participants and others will be there. Additionally, they are offering a 10% discount on shoes and socks.

It didn't occur to me that I will need to buy a new pair of shoes. I don't think my backpacking boots are the best choice for 60 miles of (potentially) concrete/asphalt hiking.

Guess I need to go shoe shopping!”

“I signed up for the hike. I don't think missing graduation will be that much of a problem.

BTW, the yahoo group greatlakeshikes is meeting in Chelsea this weekend. They are doing long dayhikes on Saturday and Sunday. I'll post more info. I'm going to try and make the Sunday hike.

The Metroparks have lots of nice paved paths with reasonably good security. There are 17 miles along the Huron River from Lower Huron through Oakwoods Metropark.

Oh, and the dikes at Pointe Mouillee SGA are really tough on the feet. We could set up a 12 mile loop there.”

“Yeah RL!! Let's start the TT fundraising....

Sounds like we need to start pounding the pavement! My aunt is in Rochester Hills, and she'd probably be interested in meeting up with us if we can find something in between all of us. I have to warn you, she walks darn fast, though! I can barely keep up with my little legs!”