Editor’s Note – The following Blog article was written by Heather Hargrave, Development Associate and Run/Walk for Autism Coordinator.
Lace up your running shoes and participate in the 2012 fall run/walks for autism and help us make a difference in the lives of over 60,000 individuals with autism in North Carolina. Regardless of the event you choose you will enjoy a beautiful fall day in support of the Autism Society of North Carolina, and help to provide support and promote opportunities for individuals with autism and the families who love them. This year our fall run/walks for autism will be held in Greensboro, Asheville & Raleigh. Click on the links below to register.
- Greensboro Run/Walk for Autism – September 22, 2012 – 5K – UNC-Greensboro: event website – www.greensbororunwalkforautism.com
- WNC Run/Walk for Autism – September 29, 2012 – 5K, 1K & Kid’s Dash- UNC-Asheville: event website – www.wncrunwalkforautism.com
- Triangle Run/Walk for Autism – October 13, 2012 – 5K, 1Mile & Kid’s Dash – Moore Square, Raleigh: event website – www.trianglerunwalkforautism.com
Once you have registered you can begin recruiting your team. Please help us make a difference by recruiting as many team members as possible and being creative fundraisers. Your first step is to spread the word, contact prospective team members and invite them to join your team. Then it’s time to start fundraising with your team. Donations can be made online, mailed to our local office, or handed in on race day.
Get a jump on your 2012 Run Walk for Autism Fundraising by reading the tips below:
- Start early! Once you are registered you can begin collecting donations.
- Set a goal before you start fundraising and share it with others. Let everyone you know that you are participating in the Run Walk to improve the lives of individuals with autism in our state.
- Lead by example, the easiest donation will come from you and will motivate others to donate.
- Learn about the Autism Society of North Carolina and where the money goes.
- Identify potential supporters such as your employer, family, friends, hair stylist, doctor, dentist, realtor, sorority/fraternity, car dealer, clients, colleagues, & neighbors. Ask others to help you spread the word and recruit additional support.
- Use a fundraising approach that reflects your style. Personal letters, emails, direct asks, Facebook, & telephone calls are all good examples. You will do the best with a style of fundraising that reflects your personality.
- Provide updates – let people know how much you’ve raised and how close you are to reaching your goal.
- Ask for a specific level of donation or ask that family members match your donation.
- Matching Gifts – see if your employer has a matching gifts program. If so, you can easily double your dollars raised. Companies can provide you with the simple paperwork needed to process.
- Get creative by hosting a garage sale, bake sale, car wash, or chili cook-off with proceeds going towards your team.
- Collection jar – place a jar for people to donate their spare change.
- Ask a local restaurant to donate a percentage of sales from one night to your team.
- Remember to thank every individual who helps you reach your goal. Let them know how they are making a difference and share personal stories.
Anyone can join our team and make a difference. Sign up today (by clicking on one of the event links) and begin fundraising. Thank you for your support and please contact Heather Hargrave at 919-865-5057 or hhargrave@autismsociety-nc.org if you have any questions.
