Charity Walks Blog

Family participating in the 2009 Richmond Jingle Bell Run/Walk

It was a beautiful day on Saturday. It was the morning of the 2009 Richmond Jingle Bell Run/Walk.

Everyone was having a fun time. There was music. There was food. There was a crowd of people. Several of the participants dressed up in holiday-themed costumes, including many dogs.

One thing that I noticed at this charity event was that there were people of all ages participating. There were many runners and walkers over the age of 60. There were several youngsters making the trek with family members via stroller.

One exciting thing about charity walks is that almost anyone can participate. It is a low-impact sports event. Walkers aren’t racing against a clock. Participants can walk and talk with family and friends throughout the event.

Make sure your charity walks appeal to all ages.

Thanks,

p.s. Go to http://CharityWalks.ning.com and take advantage of the free signup at the Charity Walks Network. Learn ways to make your next charity walk event more successful.

Technorati Tags: Charity Event, charity walks, Family And Friends, Jingle Bell Run, Low Impact, Participants, Richmond, Runners, Sports Event, Walkers

Enjoy these photos I captured at the 2009 Richmond Jingle Bell Run/Walk held on Saturday, November 21 at the Stony Pointe Fashion Park in Richmond, Virginia. Funds raised from this walk event benefited the Arthritis Foundation. To learn more about the Jingle Bell Run/Walk, go to http://www.arthritis.org/jingle-bell-run.php.

Technorati Tags: arthritis foundation, Jingle Bell Run, Richmond, Richmond Virginia, walk events

The Charity Walks Network launched today.  It is a free social networking site for people who are  passionate about charity walks. I am excited about the impact this network of do-gooders can have on the world of charity walks.

At the Charity Walks Network there is a forum to ask and answer questions.  There is a blog where each member can post personal thoughts and experiences.  There is even a section to promote charity walk events.

“Now walkathon leaders have a place to go to connect with each other, share ideas, and benefit from the accumulated wisdom of the crowd,” said Lee Garverick, author of www.walkathonguide.com. “This will be a wonderful asset for everyone.”

Those who are passionate about charity walks can include:

• Committee members
• Nonprofit staff
• Company sponsors
• Volunteers
• Walkers/fundraisers
• Donors
• Consultants
• Product/service providers

What are you waiting for? Go to http://CharityWalks.ning.com and get your free membership now. Start using the network to build friendships, find new ways to improve your charity walks, and help others.

Thanks,

Technorati Tags: charity events, charity walks, charity walks network, Committee Members, Company Sponsors, Donors, Free Membership, Fundraisers, Nonprofit Staff, Service Providers, Share Ideas, Social Networking Site, Volunteers, Walkers

Themes can be a great way to bring an additional element of fun to your charity walks. It can also help bring the attention of the local media to your charity event.

Be creative when considering a theme for your walk. The theme should instill excitement in your community. The theme should support contests (like costume contests) and entertainment.

Most charity walks don’t have a theme beyond the cause they are supporting. However, there are some that do. Themes focused around holidays are popular. Here are examples of walks using a holiday theme:

• Halloween – Richmond Zombie Walk
• Winter Holidays – Jingle Bell Run/Walk
• St. Patricks Day – Shamrock Run & Walk

There are many possibilities for a theme. Have the charity walk planning committee brainstorm some ideas. Use the following list of potential themes to get you started:

Can you think of other themes that could be used for charity walks? What themes have you used for charity walks in the past that have been successful? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

Thanks,

Technorati Tags: charity events, charity fund raising, charity fundraising, charity walk, Walkathon