How To Plan A Walk-a-thon For Breast Cancer

Walking, one step at a time raises money for charities. If you are searching for ideas to fight breast cancer or other causes, planning a walk-a-thon reaches beyond a simple donation. According to the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council, walk-a-thons and other athletic events earned $1.6 billion dollars in 2009. Walk-a-thons also encourage physical activity, and community involvement. Organizing a walk-a-thon can be challenging. However with a solid plan, and dedicated volunteers, you can gain personal satisfaction and meet fundraising goals.

Step 1

Choose a credible organization to donate proceeds. The American Institute of Philanthropy suggests researching an organization before donating money. Ask the charity for written information explaining their mission and how much of your donation will be used for the programs you support. If the charity refuses to give detailed information, choose another charity.

Step 2

Form a planning committee. Recruit dependable volunteers to plan, organize, and implement the walk-a-thon successfully. Look for people who have experience in event planning, fundraising, marketing, public relations, or project management. Business owners, administrators or community leaders may help find sponsors. Target individuals and organizations who are vested in the charity's cause. For example, breast cancer survivors or people affected by the cause may inspire others to join the event.

Step 3

Make a plan. Record all the details of the walk. Distribute and review it with the planning committee. It will keep the committee on track through the planning stages of the walk-a-thon..

Step 4

Schedule the date, time and location. Allow at least five weeks to plan the event. Check the local community calendar for events that may compete with the walk-a-thon. Choose a date with few activities or events and avoid holidays. Mornings are great for walk-a-thons, especially in warm weather. Many community parks and recreation areas provide space and scenery. Be sure it also has plenty of parking, and restrooms.

Step 5

Define logistics. Walk-a-thons involve physical activity and may put walkers at risk for injury. Preparing for medical emergencies and injuries may prevent serious health consequences. Inspect the walk route and clear it of potential hazards. Include a first aid station; ask a local hospital or medical clinic to provide volunteers. Consent and waiver forms advise participants of potential risks of participating in a walk-a-thon. Have participants complete a waiver form before the event. Waivers and liability insurance may be provided by the charity organization, confirm their availability with the charity.

Step 6

Set a fundraising goal. Clarify what the proceeds will be used for, such as purchasing recliners for the chemotherapy room, or a new van for transporting patients to doctor's appointments.

Step 7

Establish the budget. Estimate the cost of the event.Identify and confirm sponsors. Local businesses and organizations may donate money, goods or services for the event. Determine participant fees.

Step 8

Order event materials. Include participant t-shirts, waivers, breast cancer education, and other giveaways.

Step 9

Publicize the walk. Use a variety of communication channels to promote the event. Distribute fliers and posters to local businesses, schools and community organizations. Submit press releases to local newspapers, radio and television stations. Request the walk to be promoted on sponsors' websites. Encourage walkers and volunteers to add the event to their social network sites.

Step 10

Recruit walkers and volunteers. Invite local high schools, middle schools, and community colleges to participate. Many students are required to perform community service. Walk sponsors may also be a source of walkers and manpower. Volunteers can help with set-up, traffic flow, registration, monitoring the walk route, and clean-up.

Step 11

Finalize details. Confirm location, verify required permits are filed and fees paid. Remind committee members and volunteers of start time and duties.

Step 12

Ask for feedback. Have walkers, volunteers and sponsors complete and evaluation of the walk-a-thon. Comments, good or bad can provide guidance for future events.

Tips and Warnings

Choose a location that is open, can accommodate hundreds of people, and has access to parking. Give walkers information for the day of the walk. Include a map of the walk location, directions to the walk, parking instructions, walk route, and schedule. Ask sponsors to donate water and snacks for walkers and volunteers.
Individual locations, cities or counties may have guidelines for special events. Follow the specific recommendations and requirements of the location, city or county where the walk is held.

Things You'll Need

Volunteers
Business sponsors
Community park or recreation area
Participant waivers
Marketing and education materials
First aid station

How to Plan a Walk-a-Thon for Breast Cancer