Marathon Charity Organizations

[marathonmommy]

I posted on Communities before I found this forum, but I see it doesn't seem to get as much "action" as the others. Hope someone can help:

Two years ago I "ran" in the Disney Marathon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In 2003 I did the Half for Team Diabetes. I am considering getting involved again - I would love to do another charity event, but can't commit to the fundraising amount that is usually involved with LLS. Does anyone know of any other charity organizations that get involved with the WDW Marathon? I like the bonding aspect of the organization staying together at the resorts, the pasta and celebration dinners, etc. I met one of my friends at the Half in 2003. I was looking for something similar. I saw on a website that Joints in Motion (arthritis foundation) has a "virtual" program that asks participants to raise $2500 and you pay your own airfare. That seems doable for me. Does anyone have any info or experience with JIM? Or, do you know any other charity organizations that require less than $3000 to raise?

 

[wtpclc]

NF was out there

Here's a link:http://www.ctf.org/marathon/

Team AT ran for a charity, but I don't know what the AT stood for or if it was set up like Team in Training or not. WIsh I could help more. That's all I remember.

 

[bekagain]

I want to sign up for the NF team -- but I am not sure about how exactly to go about it. I tend to be a gung-ho - sign up now and figure it out later, but I don't want to mess it up! Does anyone have any experience with doing the NF team?

NF is close to our hearts because of our son, born in Korea. He was a waiting child because of a family history of this disease. It is a great cause.

Thanks for the question, I have been wondering the same thing!

Bekah

 

[marathonmommy]

I want to sign up for the NF team -- but I am not sure about how exactly to go about it. I tend to be a gung-ho - sign up now and figure it out later, but I don't want to mess it up! Does anyone have any experience with doing the NF team?

NF is close to our hearts because of our son, born in Korea. He was a waiting child because of a family history of this disease. It is a great cause.

Thanks for the question, I have been wondering the same thing!

Bekah

Do you know what the fundraising requirement is for this one?

 

[wtpclc]

From teh about us section of their site:

Here's how it works: First, you select an event suitable to your interests and physical abilities, and register online both for the race event, and at our website with us. Then you ask for sponsorship donations from friends, family, and in your community. We help to make the fundraising part fun and meaningful by giving you the tools and the "training" to achieve success. We offer various fundraising incentives tied to your donation goals, which includes travel reimbursement. And of course every participant gets a distinctive race singlet exclusively designed to highlight our team colors. We will periodically keep-in-touch through e-cheers and e-notes about news and events.

Mile by mile, and step by step, you'll be enabling the life-saving mission of the Children's Tumor Foundation, while meeting new friends, and experiencing a weekend you'll remember the rest of your life.

Join us, and you need not run alone again - we are like family! Discover the power of running for love and money as we use our hearts and our legs to help solve the NF puzzle. This Team Rocks!

Mission:

In support of the Children's Tumor Foundation, the NF Marathon Team offers the opportunity for individuals to participate in team endurance sports, to raise money for research, promote awareness, and provide a network of caring support for those suffering with NF and their families
Values:

Develop meaningful fundraising opportunities that are fun and rewarding

Offer satisfying and challenging running / walking experiences for all levels

Provide the opportunity to "be the change you want to see"

Embrace a sense of family and community among the participants by cultivating a caring spirit and a devotion to each team member

Recognize we are running for love and money and fun . . . and the glory of it all!

Affirm our personal milestones, passion, and dignity, and celebrate the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity

 

[Kristi1357]

Team AT ran for a charity, but I don't know what the AT stood for or if it was set up like Team in Training or not. WIsh I could help more. That's all I remember.

http://www.atcp.org/Fundraising/MarathonHomePage.htm

I think this is the charity you probably saw. I am running for them in Disneyland. They have a $500 minimum.

 

[wtpclc]

That's the one Kristi. Thanks for finding it. It was starting to drive me nuts and I shared a plane with at least 20 people from that team.

 

[marathonmommy]

That's the one Kristi. Thanks for finding it. It was starting to drive me nuts and I shared a plane with at least 20 people from that team.

I really like the way the organization you mentioned, AT, (along with ctf.org) has it set up. A $500 minimum is much more welcoming than the $4500 one I had for TNT two years ago. I was hesitant to get involved again - but these fundraising goals seem more "do-able" for me at this point in my life. Loved TNT and Team Diabetes - but just can't do that much fundraising this time. I want to support a cause during my run though. It puts a little more meaning behind it for me - and it doesn't allow me to QUIT! You can't ask people to donate money, and then drop out! Talk about motivation!

 

[debm]

I'm doing Parent Project for Muscular Dysrophy and they require $1200. I'm even having a terrible time getting that. I have earned almost $200 so far and getting really worried. I thought all my friends and family would chip in 10 or 20 dollars and it is just not happening. So if anyone is feeling like donating to a charity this month---check out my Run for Your Sons link below! I made beautiful postcards from Vista Print with info about me and doing the race for MD and sent them out to over 50 people. Only 2 responded. And I have also handed out cards to lots of friends locally and asked personally for their donation. Anyone that has done this in the past---do you have hints?? I am explaining that I have paid for my hotel and my airfare, etc. I want them to understand they are not supporting ME but giving to this charity. And I agree, I am proud that I am running FOR someone, it does help me to stick it out, especially with this heat! Good luck in what you decide!

 

[marathonmommy]

I'm doing Parent Project for Muscular Dysrophy and they require $1200. I'm even having a terrible time getting that. I have earned almost $200 so far and getting really worried. I thought all my friends and family would chip in 10 or 20 dollars and it is just not happening. So if anyone is feeling like donating to a charity this month---check out my Run for Your Sons link below! I made beautiful postcards from Vista Print with info about me and doing the race for MD and sent them out to over 50 people. Only 2 responded. And I have also handed out cards to lots of friends locally and asked personally for their donation. Anyone that has done this in the past---do you have hints?? I am explaining that I have paid for my hotel and my airfare, etc. I want them to understand they are not supporting ME but giving to this charity. And I agree, I am proud that I am running FOR someone, it does help me to stick it out, especially with this heat! Good luck in what you decide!

I know this doesn't really sound pleasant . . . but one weekend toward the end of my fundraising attempts, I got very desperate. I got permisssion from a local Walmart and set up a table outside. I did not harrass people at all. I let them come to me and many did so without any request. I made about $400 for the weekend. I froze my @$$ of though, as it was December. I think people felt sorry for me. I also displayed a photo of the child I was running in honor of. I think that may have helped, too.

You might want to hit up some local business also!

 

[wtpclc]

debm - LisaLoves Pooh did Wal-Mart last year. NOtonly did they let her set up outside, tehy matched her donations (total donations, not just what she reasied there). You may want to look into it.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

When you consider that some organizations have you foot your own expenses, the fundraising tends to be roughly the same with LLS.

You could consider that your donation to LLS be your expenses. Then you can tell whom you ask for donations that 100% goes to the mission as you have opted to pay your own way.

Just a thought.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I know this doesn't really sound pleasant . . . but one weekend toward the end of my fundraising attempts, I got very desperate. I got permisssion from a local Walmart and set up a table outside. I did not harrass people at all. I let them come to me and many did so without any request. I made about $400 for the weekend. I froze my @$$ of though, as it was December. I think people felt sorry for me. I also displayed a photo of the child I was running in honor of. I think that may have helped, too.

You might want to hit up some local business also!

Hi--

I do want to point out and elaborate that Walmart does Community Matching grants. I had my grant before I even set up a table outside. I filled out the app, made my fundraising LOCAL in nature (explained what LLS Central Florida does and how it impacts my county in particular) with a letter.

I then listed all the fundraisers I had done in the recent past that pertained to my request. I also listed my upcoming fundraisers.

They gave me $1000. Be advised that EVERY walmart, EVERY super walmart, EVERY neighborhood store, EVERY sam's club--has this. Now some give it all to one organization--some split it so that it may only be $500.

What I did to raise my money 2 years in a row:

LETTER campaign

Standing in Front of Walmart (mardi gras beads--found a really really really cheap place to get these and they worked well)

LLS night at Texas Roadhouse--they contributed 10% off of the top. I also had a raffle and 50/50 drawing..I think I netted about $1100 or so. They will help any organization--mine was large enough that they did not make me hand out special flyers or anything. You can check with other restaurants. I also had a bone marrow drive at the same time to tie it further into the cause. Get creative and see how you can mutually benefit your community with your efforts. I can get that blood mobile at most any location and while they cannot raise money themselves--I sure can be nearby with whatever it is I am selling or just asking for donations.

I have sold water at a 4th of July festival. That was hard work--but with that and a raffle...we made about $700 or so and cleared about $400 or so after expenses (it has been over a year since I did that, and don't remember exactly). Since I was in "business" (utilizing LLS's 501(C)3 status)--they allowed us to get a company match for this as well as a personal donation from hubby's company.

I have also had a garage sale.

And in my particular circumstance--my hubby's company matches our personal donation. So any money we make off of the garage sale can and will be matched. (Walmart bucket drops do not count though).


I really like theming around the holidays--seems to work well for a lot of people.

You can also google fundraiser ideas--we actually had someoen attempt (and she was successfull) with flamingo flocking..where you get those flamingo lawn ornaments--put them at people's houses that you know and then leave a note offering your "removal services" for donations.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Anyone that has done this in the past---do you have hints??

I kept bugging people with an e-mail newsletter of my progress. I also had a separate deadline (set ahead of my deadline for LLS). I found that there are those who just "forget" and the consistent reminder---then those who will remember do.

I had one friend stop me in the parking lot and hand me $40 cash. She had kept on forgetting and wanted to get it taken care of before she forgot again.

And the other helpful hint--look past friends and family.

I got a $50 donation from my dentist.

And we also encourage (I was a team mentor for LLS and had to help others with their fundraising goals as part of my duties)--to actually hold fundraisers..as simple as a garage sale or as elaborate as a golf tourney.

I know a lot of people's pride and sense of embarassment keep them from Wal-mart or lows. But these are hot tickets. Usually works best if you make a valiant attempt at being outgoing (those who just sit and wait don't tend to do as well). YOu can't attack people with your solicitations...but you can certainly ask each and every person coming or going.

To be successful at fundraising, often times means stepping out of the comfort zone. That is why I like LLS so much. They are an organizaiton that strives to help its participants. They want them to make the goals (they even give you 2 months to bail if it isn't working out for you). They hold workshops and stuff...so all these suggestions and pep talks I have come straight from all that.

My letter campaigning didn't work so well either. That's why last year I committed to raising the money without "bugging" friends and family.