Walk-a-thons are a fundraising staple for many non-profit organizations. As people are living healthier lifestyles, some will call them run/walks. Either way, they are great events to gather large groups of people around the same cause. Walk-a-thons are big events to organize. In order to have a successful walk-a-thon, don’t think that you can tackle it all alone. It is important to have a separate committee to handle all of the tasks which include sponsorships, teams, location, entertainment, speakers, marketing and advertisement.
Recently I read a post in a group that I belong to on social media site about walk-a-thons. The person who posted the comment wanted to know if walk-a-thons were overused for fundraising campaigns. Many people that responded felt that they were and wished organizations would do something different. I don’t know how I would have felt about that comment say three years ago, but today I see walk-a-thons as a very important and beneficial way to raise not only money for an organization, but also awareness.
The first known walk-a-thon was held in 1953 and was organized by then popular comedian, actor and activist, Ramon Rivero. Ramon walked 80 miles from the capital city of Puerto Rico, San Juan to Ponce and raised $85,000 in four days for the Puerto Rican League Against Cancer.
I have participated in several walk-a-thons which benefitted several causes. I enjoyed the exercise for one, but I also appreciated the information that was provided on the particular disease that we were supporting. Walks are not just solely for donations, they are a great educational source that will drive public awareness. From the literature that you get to the signs along the walk, the general public can learn more and see the different ways that they can perhaps serve within the organization.
Up until three years ago, other than the breast cancer awareness walk (my mother-n-law is a 20 year breast cancer survivor), I didn’t have a huge connection with the walks cause. In 2008 my mother was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). As her primary caregiver, we were totally supported by the ALS Association DMV Chapter. They were a valuable resource that provided unlimited supplies, updated research information and compassionate support. In 2010 they asked my family to be the ambassador/lead for their Richmond walk-a-thon. We happily accepted. My mother was looking forward to participating in that walk, wheelchair, ventilator, trachea, catheter and all! But she passed away in August and the walk was in October. We decided to continue as the ambassador/lead family in her memory. Seeing all of those people living with ALS and their friends, family and caregivers was a beautiful sight. For me, it really put things into perspective; we participate in walk-a-thons for the support, to spread awareness, as a loving gathering and we especially walk…because we can.
So in honor of the first known walk-a-thon in 1953 by Ramon Rivero, support your local walks and see the different ways that you can participate.
Thank you for reading my blog! For more information on the Walk to Defeat ALS in Richmond, VA on October 29, 2011 click here. Feel free to join or donate to team Jessie’s Crusaders in memory of my mother, Jessie Barnes.
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