Charity Hikes. Need Donations. What will it take?

“As many of you have probably heard by now, several TTers will be participating in the Avon 3-Day Breast Cancer walk. We will be walking 20 miles a day for 3 days. (for those mathematically-challenged folks = 60 miles)

We (myself, Smiley Girl, Sassafras, and Reformed Lurker) will each need to raise at least $1,900 dollars in order to participate. So, you'd better believe we're coming to you fine people to get some cash!! :)

We have been tossing around the idea of creating a Michigan Calendar w/ our very own photos taken in this great state. But, before we invest time and money, we want to see if anyone would really want it (don't worry, it can begin w/ Feb and end w/ Jan!).

Here are our questions:

Would this calendar idea entice some of you to donate money?

For those who have already said they would donate, would this encourage you to donate more?

Does anyone really want a calendar full of amateur photos of Michigan?

Thanks!”

“I'd like to have the calendar, but it wouldn't be required to entice me to donate, not would it affect how much I donate.

What is the simplest way to sponsor the four of you in equal amounts? Do I need to write four checks?

Please post address and who to make payable to.

Have fun and good luck!”

“Thanks for you input!

We haven't decided the simpliest way to split the donations. Once we have figured it out, we'll let everyone know... I PROMISE!”

“I think that a calender would be neat. Now, neat to the point of generating funds? I don't know. I would purchase one because 1. I know you guys and 2. It's for a great cause. I will support any way I can.”

“How much are you all willing to pay/donate for a calendar?”

“I'd buy a calendar, but will donate in any case. Let us know the details.

My wife is an 8 year breast cancer survivor. Can't think of to many better causes.”

“The calendar would be cool, but not necessary. To me, posting photos would be just as good.

Last year somebody else I knew participated and there was a place to pledge on line, using a number for the walker. Anything like that would make it easier to contribute in all of your names. Maybe they can register you as a team?”

“COngrats to your wife! My 50-something year old aunt is a 2x breast cancer survivor, and is walking with us. I'm her tent mate. She's never slept in a tent. Should be interesting!”

“Yes, we have registered as a team, the Michigan Mountaineers, but we are each responsible for raising the $1900 on our own. You couldn't pledge our team. And Yes, you can donate on-line for this event.”

“Give us the info when appropriate. You might also post on OAN Backpacking Forum Tell 'em Pathman sent you.”

“Thanks, everyone, for giving us your input.

Pathman - once we have the details figured out, we'll start a new thread. We'll tell everyone where to send checks, etc. We'll also include online donation instructions. We'll be meeting on Saturday to discuss. Expect a thread next week.”

“But don't stop there! I still want to hear how many people would want a calendar and if it would change the amount you donate! Do you generally only donate if you get something in return? (Like Girl Scout cookies?) Remember, this is a tax deductable donation, and if your company matches donations, that also helps us!”

“I know this is a good cause, but why won't they let you participate with less than $1,900. It seems like they would let someone walk 60 miles holding a dollar bill in their hand. Every little bit counts you know. I just think that is stupid”

“I have plenty of calendars. I'd just like to see the pictures.

Be sure to remind everybody about corporate matching, I am almost sure my workplace will match.”

“Imahikerdotcom,

First, it takes some money to put on the event. They feed us for three days, provide stops every couple of miles, they have a volunteer crew that mans the stops and helps set up the "mobile city". They provide showers, tents, handle our luggage, provide medical service, etc. That's where some of the money goes.

Sure, you could do a half-day walk a thon, and pay your $25 dollar fee to participate. But this event is meant to be life changing for the participants. Many who participate in this event never thought they could do something so bold. Many have never walked as far as you and I do any given weekend, and this will be a life changing event for them.

Part of challenging yourself is to raise the $1900. Its a pretty daunting task. People in general don't like to ask others for money, but in learing to do so, you learn to ask for help from others in every day life.

Back to the 1/2 walk-a-thon. Sure, it raises some money. But this event will raise millions. Multiply that by 10 or so other breast cancer walks just like this around the country, and all of a sudden you're pumping a lot of money into research and treatment for millions of women.”

“Maybe we'll only e-mail the pics to donors... :) Non-donors loose out!”

“Private webshots album, you could sell invitations. ;-)”

“I would be willing to help out. As Pathman stated - the calendar would not affect my giving, but neat to see. As a matter of fact I would feel better if the dollars needed to produce the calendar just went toward the cause.

As an aside - I think it is a testament to the quality of this board that TT members are able to ask and receive support for these important causes.”