Posted on February 10, 2016 by walkathonguide
How will you keep your walkers entertained, especially if most of them are kids? A few walkathon entertainment ideas:
- Do things ahead of time to get the walkers engaged in what’s to come. For example, if you will have special event T Shirts, get your principal, pastor or another beloved figure to show up wearing the shirt a few weeks before the event, then give a speech about the event.
- Have special awards for milestones reached during the walk. The kids can collect them. For example, we’ve used colored ribbons for each mile walked, and we’ve also used very thin, rubber band-like jelly bracelets. The kids love to compare collections.
- If your route isn’t a loop you could design something similar based on other milestones. The kids love to look at how many holes they have punched in their cards.
- Set up a PA system and have a DJ. Play music and use the system for announcements.
- Have Karaoke.
- Have an orange slice station – a table stocked with orange slices and water.
- Have little fun things to do along the route, like “kick a soccer goal”, etc.
- If it’s hot, have volunteers stationed with misting sprayers (about $1 from Target), who also help keep an eye on things
- Set up a “mist tent” right on the course, with misting hoses attached.
- Have a photographer.
- Have a raffle.
- Have a live band.
- Have a “pocket lady” – a nice mom or grandma figure who wears an apron covered with pockets. Each pocket holds a different trinket. Walkers can pay 25 cents to choose a pocket and get a surprise.
- Have concessions. You can often get food donations in exchange for publicity for the donor. Give away one free item per walker, such as a popsicle or hot dog.
Learn more about The Walkathon Guide book.
Filed under: concessions, counting laps, notes, useful stuff, volunteers, walkathon planning in general | Tagged: advanced preparation, benefits, lap cards, making friends, planning a walkathon, publicity, recognition, t shirts, tracking distance, useful stuff, volunteers, walkathon concessions, walkathon supplies | 1 Comment »
Posted on April 30, 2010 by walkathonguide
I had a really intriguing brainstorming session with Paul Rosenfeld, President of Fanminder. His software allows you to build an opt-in list of people’s cell phones so that you can send mass text messages and also get replies. It’s proving to have an immediate impact on bringing in repeat custoemrs for small local businesses. We think it could be great for walkathons too. Here are a few ideas on how you might use this cool tool.
- Allow people to opt-in for a training team, then send daily training tips via text.
- Send fund raising reminders and tips to your walkers.
- In the days just prior to your walkathon, send little reminders about event logistics, bringing sunscreen, drinking plenty of fluids in the days before.
Then it gets really fun during the event, especially if your walkers will be out of range for a loud speaker. Some ideas:
- Run your raffles via Fanminder. Allow walkers to text back that they want to purchase a raffle ticket (pay at end of event). Announce the winner via text.
- Send out event announcements of all kinds, such as auction updates, food updates, timing updates.
- Give your sponsors a little extra publicity. Include their names in text messages.
- Send out motivational and healthy tips, such as water reminders.
- Encourage community building via games that you launch with a text message. Text “Introduce yourself to the nearest walker” to everyone at once and watch the conversations get started.
You can sign up for the service here. Come back and let me know how it goes!
Filed under: publicity, technology, useful stuff | Tagged: publicity | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 12, 2009 by walkathonguide
Here is a friendly place to learn from other people walking the same path as you, called Charity Walks Network.
According to it’s founder, Roger Carr, “It’s a free social networking site for people who are passionate about charity walks.”
You can use the network to build friendships, find new ways to improve your walkathon, and help others.
See you there!
Filed under: Uncategorized, useful stuff, walkathon planning in general | Tagged: making friends, planning a walkathon, walkathon chairs, walkstars | 1 Comment »
Posted on August 4, 2009 by walkathonguide
If you’re just starting to organize a walk-a-thon, it may seem strange to think about how you will celebrate. But planning now lets you make the celebration more meaningful because you can easily cover the details if you’re aware of them.
Four Ways to Celebrate
- Have a slide show. Line up some photographers for the day of the event, and have them get shots of as many participants as possible. Check out the inspiring slide show put together as part of the Autism Awareness Walk-a-thon in North Central Indiana.
- Have awards for longest distance or most funds raised. Tell participants ahead of time to get their competitive juices going, and be sure to track the info you’ll need.
- Give every walker a certificate of participation that also denotes distance walked. Line up a volunteer to create the certificates and be sure your organizers have the records available. That way they will get started right away even if you personally are still recovering from walk-a-thon day.
- Publicy thank your volunteers.
Schedule your after -walkathon celebration up front to get it on everyone’s calendars right along with the walkathon itself. Then when it’s ready, send me a link to your slideshow! I’ll be celebrating too.
Filed under: advanced preparation, publicity, thank you, useful stuff, walkstars | Tagged: planning a walkathon, publicity, recognition, walkathon celebration, walkstars | Leave a comment »
Posted on May 28, 2009 by walkathonguide
A quick tip for volunteer leaders, is to thank, thank, and thank again. You’ll want to start the thank yous the day you start planning the event. The best form of recognition is direct and specific. If you’re doing a lot of organizing by email, be sure to end most notes with a thank you and a reminder of the impact the volunteer is making. If you are holding a series of meetings, take time to acknowledge milestones achieved and the people who acheived them. A well deserved thank you is never out of place.
Filed under: thank you, useful stuff, walkstars | Tagged: advanced preparation, planning a walkathon, recognition, thank you note, walkstars | Leave a comment »
How will you keep your walkers entertained, especially if most of them are kids? A few walkathon entertainment ideas:
Walkathon Guide 