Walk-a-thon

Click here for a FREE Walk-a-thon Pledge Sheet Sample and Instructions

Walk-a-thons are a terrific one-day event (usually less than a two hour one) that can raise significant dollars for your organization. Elementary schools and churches should consider this great idea!

These events build school and community spirit. Even if it rains (or is really cold or hot) the duration of the event is such that it will be bearable (and probably pretty fun) with the proper preparation.

How It Works

Start with an effective planning committee. Make sure that the key elements of the event: communication (with parents), logistics (the playground or school or church fields are ideal since they will keep the participants safe), volunteer coordination, and fundraising (acknowledgment and incentive prizes) are integrated and there is a clear communication plan to maximize your success.

The key to success for your event is 100% participation of your group. Make fundraising fun, competitive and interactive. Typically, you can expect to raise between $50-100 per participant if you plan and motivate your participants correctly. Remember to involve parents and grandparents in the actual “day of” event to help count laps, give out water and prizes and cheer on the kids!

Other Ideas

Create milestone incentives working up to the day of the event. For example, every class or group that turns in a certain amount of pledges will receive something. For instance, an extra recess, no homework pass, ice cream party, etc. You will know what works best for your school or group but make it something that the kids find value in.

A walk-a-thon can also have a theme which can inspire walkers. It could be a “turkey trot” or a “jingle bell” (where jingle bells are tied to shoelaces), etc. Another idea is to get a local business to sponsor t-shirts for the entire school or youth group participants. The shirts can be worn on the day of the event or perhaps leading up to the event as “free dress” if your school has a uniform policy.

Reporting back to your donors is critical to build on your success year after year. On your donor acknowledgment letters (which you must send out!) remember to recap the day and offer your donors the total of dollars raised. Describe to your donors what tangible and wonderful things were achieved with the dollars raised.

Happy walking!