Charity Walks Blog

Charity walks come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. What makes an event a charity walk?

The terms charity walk, sponsored walk, and walkathon are typically used to describe the same kind of events. The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines a walkathon as:

“A walk covering a considerable distance organized especially to raise money for a cause.”

This definition is consistent with most of the other dictionaries I looked the term up in.

It is fun to watch how others are making their walks unique. It is great to read about how some have found creative ways to include those who could not otherwise participate. However, the creativity and purpose of some charity walks being implemented today are starting to push the envelope of the traditional definition for charity walks.

I propose a different definition for the term charity walk…

“A walk organized for the purpose of benefiting a cause.”

This definition doesn’t require the primary purpose of the walk to be fundraising. This opens the umbrella to include walks that have a different primary purpose, like raising awareness for a cause. The definition doesn’t refer to distance. This allows events like virtual walks to be included as well.

What do you think of this expanded definition for charity walks? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

Thanks,

p.s. In my next blog post I will describe the 5 types of charity walks.

Sources:

Photo credit: Daniel Cubillas

walkathon. (2010). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved June 12, 2010, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/walkathon

Technorati Tags: charity walk, charity walks, Fundraising, Raise Money, Sponsored Walk, Walkathon

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

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

Charity walks, also known as walkathons, can boost a nonprofit organization’s financial position and bring it positive exposure to the community. The opposite can occur if the walk is not planned and executed properly.

What is one of the key areas to consider when planning for a successful charity walk? It is location.

In real estate, location is critical. It is no different for a walkathon. A properly selected location can make planning and setting up for a walk easier. It can also improve the participants’ experience, encouraging them to volunteer more support and return to your event every year.

The following are a few questions to ask when evaluating a charity walk location:

• Is the walk path level? Steep hills on the walk can make the event difficult for participants to complete. They may not say anything to you when they complete the walk, but they will think twice before joining next year.
• Is the location convenient? The location should be centrally located to your perspective walkers. It should also be a known location that is easy to find.
• Is there available parking? If parking is not close to the event area or not large enough to accommodate all of the walkers, they will drive away on the day of the event without stopping.
• Is there adequate space to support the activities and expected number of people? Make sure you have plenty of space for all of the activities planned on-site.
• Are restrooms available? If they are available for use at the walk, it can save both time and money that would be required to arrange for portable units to be brought in.
• Are tables and chairs available at the site? Just like the restrooms, if there are tables and chairs available on-site, it will be one less thing to make arrangements for and potentially have to pay for.
• Is the area safe? Safety should be the #1 concern regarding the walk. Assess the local area and route to be walked. Ensure that all aspects of the event can be done in a safe manner.
• Is the area clean and well maintained? The area needs to be clean. The grass and landscaping needs to be maintained. The walk path needs to be free from obstacles.
• Is there an indoor facility available? An indoor facility will be extremely useful if it rains and there is no plan for a makeup date. Indoor activities can encourage participants to show up on a rainy day.

Select a terrific location for your charity walks and put them on a path to success.

Thanks,

photo credit: jasonippolito

Technorati Tags: charity walks, Nonprofit Organization, Participants, Steep Hills, Tables And Chairs, Time And Money, Volunteer, Walkathon, Walkers

If you were not able to attend the Fredericksburg Arthritis Walk this year, check out the below slideshow. Walking events can be fun and provide support to your favorite cause.

If you are not involved in a charity walk, go to http://www.LetsMoveTogether.org to find an Arthritis Walk in your area or contact your favorite nonprofit organizations to discover if they host charity walks you can join.

Thanks,

Technorati Tags: Arthritis, charity walks, Fredericksburg, Nonprofit Organizations, walk events, Walkathon