Charity Walks Blog

More than 4 feet of snow has fallen so far in my area this winter. That is more snow than any other winter since 1895!

The snow has shut down roads and contributed to traffic accidents. It has closed businesses and schools. Events were canceled due to the snow.

We can’t control the weather, but we need to be prepared for the unexpected when it happens.

When you are planning charity walks, you don’t expect bad weather to happen at the same time as you scheduled the charity event. You don’t expect volunteers to be late (or not show up at all) for setting up and conducting the charity walk. There are a multitude of things that can go wrong.

To ensure a successful charity walk, consider what can go wrong and have a plan to address it.

Here are some examples:

• If it rains on the day of your charity walk, will the event take place as scheduled or will there be a backup date planned? How will you communicate this to your walkers and the community?
• If some of your volunteers aren’t able to show up on the day of your event, what can be done ahead of time to cover the need? You might schedule additional volunteers or have a list of people who are “on call” who can respond quickly in case of this happening.
• If electrical power goes down during the walk, is there a backup plan that doesn’t require the electricity or are there generators available?

While you plan your charity walks, identify potential things that could go wrong. Then develop ways to help prevent it from happening and/or have a plan on what to do if it happens.

Have you had a crisis happen at one of your charity walks because something unexpected happened? What did you do? What could have been done? Leave a comment below.

Thanks,

Technorati Tags: Charity Event, charity walk, charity walks, Volunteers, Walkers, Winter Snow

Michael Gibbons, Founder of Buttons of Hope

Michael Gibbons, from Buttons of Hope, will be my next guest on the Charity Event Success radio show. The interview will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 2 p.m. Eastern. We will be discussing the 3 Simple Keys to Fundraising Success.

There are several ways to listen to the conversation:

• Call (347) 850-8340 to listen to the show live
• Listen to the streamed show from the host webpage at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/charity-event-success
• Listen to an archive of the interview will be available immediately following the show at same host webpage

I am excited about the interview and I hope you are too.

Thanks,

p.s. Be sure to leave a comment on the show page when you visit.

Technorati Tags: Charity Event, Fundraising, Fundraising Success, Michael Gibbons, Radio Show

One alternative to the traditional charity walk is a treadmill charity walk

Almost anyone can participate in a charity walk. That is one of the characteristics that is so appealing for this type of charity event. However, not everyone will be able to participate in your charity walk.

There are some people who aren’t physically able to walk the course you have planned. There are others who won’t be able to attend because it is not convenient.

Putting a twist on your charity walks by adding options can help include some of those who are unable to participate in your basic charity event.

Consider some of these add-on options to increase participation, awareness and fundraising:

Virtual Participation

The name virtual charity walk typically refers to a charity walk event being conducted in a virtual world via computer.  Second Life is one of the online virtual worlds where this is becoming popular. That is not the type of virtual participation I am referring to.

For some potential walkers, the location or the date/time of your charity walk will not allow them to participate.  Why not allow them to do their walk at a convenient location or date/time of their own choosing? Although they would not be a participant at the main event, they would fundraise and walk with the same passion and spirit. Each of these virtual participants would receive the great feeling that comes from supporting a great cause and the nonprofit organization would reap the benefits of reaping additional active volunteers and money to further the cause.

Treadmill Walk

Some participants are physically unable to participate in a traditional charity walk.  Westchester Square Physical Therapy (WSPT) of the Bronx is holding a Treadmill Walk-a-Thon as an alternative. Physical therapy patients and others in the community will be timed as they walk on treadmills.  WSPT’s treadmills to be used includes a therapy pool treadmill.

Aquatic Walk

An arthritis aquatics class conducts an aquatic walk each year in support of a charity walk in my local area. The aquatic walk is performed by participants “walking” laps around the pool.  Although it would be extremely difficult or impossible for them to participate in the traditional charity walk, the aquatic walk allows them to participate in a charity walk with a group of friends while benefiting the nonprofit organization.

Consider augmenting your charity walks with options that allow additional walkers  to participate. It can help those who have felt excluded from being able to participate in the past. It also can mean additional support and funding for your nonprofit organization.

Thanks,

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

photo credit: Mr. T in DC

Technorati Tags: Charity Event, charity walks, Fundraising, Nonprofit Organization, Physical Therapy Patients, Second Life, Treadmill, Treadmills, Walk A Thon, Walkers, Westchester Square, Wspt

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

Lee Garverick, author of The Walkathon Guide

Lee Garverick, author of The Walkathon Guide, will be joining me as my first guest on the Charity Event Success radio show. The interview will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at 2 p.m. Eastern. We will be discussing the topic of Planning for a Successful Walkathon.

There are several ways to listen to the conversation:

• Call (347) 850-8340 to listen to the show live
• Listen to the streamed show from the host webpage at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/charity-event-success
• Listen to an archive of the interview will be available immediately following the show at same host webpage

I am excited about the interview and I hope you are too.

Thanks,

p.s. Be sure to leave a comment on the show page when you visit.

Technorati Tags: Charity Event, charity walks, lee garverick, Radio Show, Success, the walkathon guide, Walkathon