Event Central is full of helpful tips, ideas and materials to ensure your success in the event in which you're participating. If you have any questions, please contact Trisha at 913.831.3888, 800.272.3900 or trisha.mcclanahan@alz.org.
Balloons
Purple Walk balloons are available to all walkers and can be used to highlight a poster, donation area, team party, etc. You may pick up the balloons at most all of our office locations or you can order them to be mailed to you by contacting Trisha at trisha.mcclanahan@alz.org or 913.831.3888 (include the quantity you want). Limit 25 per walker/team.
Collection Envelope
These are 6x9 envelopes you can use to hold and track your cash and check donations. You may pick up the envelopes at most all of our office locations or you can order them to be mailed to you by contacting Trisha at 913.831.3888 or trisha.mcclanahan@alz.org (include the quantity you want). No limit.
NEW! Printable Walker Fundraising Log
This form is a great way for you to track the contributions you receive throughout the fundraising season. On Bank Day or on the day of the event, turn in this form along with the donations to the Walk staff. Print the Walker Fundraising log here and feel free to make copies as needed.
Poster
The 8 x 10 color poster is a great way to help promote the Walk and can be hung at your workplace, relative/friend's workplace, faith community, school, fitness center, etc. Your help in spreading the word about the event in your community is greatly appreciated. You may pick up the posters at most all of our office locations or with the Walk Coordinator. Limit of 10.
Paper Registration Form
Only required if you do not register online
The paper registration form is only needed for those who do not wish to register online. We ask that every person attending the Walk complete the registration form, sign the waiver and bring it with you to bank day or on the day of the Walk.
Recruitment Tips
Recruitment is vital to the success of the Walk. We as a Chapter work very hard to publicize all the Walks, but the best marketing will always be word-of-mouth. Your team recruitment is essential in helping us reach more people in the community and therefore raise more funds to serve those in need. Hopefully these recruitment ideas will help you grow your team. Also, here's an example of a recruitment email/letter you can use.
NEW Walk Items
The National Walk to End Alzheimer's Team has developed several fun, new items to help you in your recruitment and fundraising efforts. All items can be printed by you and used wherever and whenever.
- Footprints. There are 4 to choose from: 1) It only takes one, 2) 5.4 M with Alzheimer's, 3) Join Us, 4) Blank..input your information
- Goal Tracking Poster
- Walk Poster with Tear-Offs
- Business Cards. Two options: 1) General Information, 2) Recruitment
- Creative sign for above you clock...Every 69 Seconds
Fundraise Like a Pro
Fundraising is personal and different for everyone. The most successful fundraisers take what they already like to do and turn it into a fundraiser. When you attach a personal story to your fundraiser, it's much more likely to connect with your supporters. In addition to the ideas on this page, here is a fundraising idea list and a fun website with some ideas to start the thinking process as well.
NEW! Cool Buttons
For only $1, you can let everyone know your passion for the Alzheimer's cause by wearing this button at work, on your coat, your purse or your hat...wherever and whenever! These are perfect for fundraising as well. Buy them from the Chapter office for $1 and then sell them for $2-$5.
Or, use the buttons as thank you gifts. Give them to your team members after they fundraise so much, give them to donors that donate $25 or more, etc. The ideas are endless....be creative! Stop by the office or contact carol.smith@alz.org or 913.831.3888 for more information.
Social Networking Fundraising - Facebook, Twitter & More
Social networking is a fast and easy way to raise dollars (and recruit team members) for your event and for the cause. It works if you use it correctly. Check out this Social Networking Fundraising Toolkit to help you be successful in your social networking fundraising effort. Even though this information is geared towards the Walk, all of the tips can be altered and used for any type of event.
Casual for a Cause or Go Purple Day
Ask your boss if those who donate to your fundraising efforts (maybe $2-$5) can dress casual or wear purple on a designated day. We even have free Casual for a Cause, STOP Alzheimer's NOW and now The End of Alzheimer's Starts With Me stickers available so you can recognize those who are supporting your efforts. Order (include quantity) by contacting Trisha at trisha.mcclanahan@alz.org, 913.831.3888 or 800.272.3900 or pick them up at the Main Chapter Office at 3846 W. 75th Street, Prairie Village. No limit.
Employer Matching Gift Website
This is the perfect way to double your money! This is not an opportunity to be missed! Check out this site to see if your (or your supporter's) company has a matching gift program.
Change Canister
Here's an easy way to fundraise without really asking. You can display these cans at your desk, in the lobby, at any business where you know the owner or in your own house. Take it to meetings, social gatherings, reunions, etc. Everyone has change! Order by contacting Trisha at 913.831.3888, 800.272.3900 or trisha.mcclanahan@alz.org or pick them up at the Main Chapter Office at 3846 W. 75th Street, Prairie Village. (Limit 5)
'The End of Alzheimer's Starts With Me' Bracelets
These official Alzheimer's Association purple bracelets can be bought from the Chapter for $1 and then sold for as much as you like. All the money raised will go towards your fundraising total. Order (include quantity) by contacting Carol at 913.831.3888, 800.272.3900 or mailto:trisha.mcclanahan@alz.org or pick them up at the Main Chapter Office at 3846 W. 75th Street, Prairie Village. No limit.
Sometimes fundraising is a daunting task and getting that first donation is the most challenging. But...once you receive the first one it instantly validates your efforts and motivates you to move forward with your quest. To help you make the 'first ask', check out these must-do tips.
Sometimes the hardest part about getting started is knowing the right wording to ask people for a donation. View this example you can use either for your letter or email campaign. When you register online, you also will automatically have access to these templates in the Walk website's email component. Visit the Walk page to find the Walk to End Alzheimer's websites.
Alzheimer's Quick Fact Sheet
View the 2013 Alzheimer's Facts & Figures. Use this information in your fundraising and recruitment emails/letters to inform others about the impact Alzheimer's has in the U.S. and in their local community. Pull out the stats you want or send the whole document....whatever helps get the point across that Alzheimer's needs to be addressed today!
It's important for you and your supporters to know how the money you raise will be used in your community. A majority of all money raised locally supports the programs and services of the Heart of America Chapter with a percentage also benefiting research efforts conducted through the National Alzheimer's Association.
Receipts are available for all cash donors. Anyone making a check donation of $75 or less can use their canceled check as a receipt (plus all donors of $25 or more will receive a receipt letter from the Association after the event). If you would like receipts for your cash donors, please contact Trisha at 913.831.3888, 800.272.3900 or trisha.mcclanahan@alz.org and I can either email or mail them to you.
Unique Personalized Items for Your Event
Important Note: All ordering is done through the companies/websites listed below and not through the Alzheimer's
- Races2remember.com. A KC-based company that has great items to help you personalize your connection to the cause and to the event.
- Vistaprint. This site is full of items you can order at very low cost...sometimes even for free! Order items to promote your team or your fundraisers, create shirts or hats for your team, etc. Be creative!
- E-Cards & Evites. This is the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to get in touch with someone (ask for donation, recruit, thank). Two sites for fun e-cards are hallmark.com and smilebox.com. Evite.com is a great way to send free invitations for your fundraising events. Remember too that Facebook offers you the option to create an event as well...which is always free.
- Chocolate that 'Works' for You. Put your words, team name and faces on M&M's candies. It's the perfect thank you gift, incentive prize or favor at your fundraising event...or, better yet, make it the fundraiser. Go to mymms.com to start you own creation.
