we're thinking of doing a run/walk to raise money to pave our walking trail.

What do you think works better a pledge sheet (have the kids run/walk for a specified time) or a flat fee (run/walk a specified distance) to enter?

This is my first year in PTO, so any help or comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

We are in our first year of planning for a fun run/walk as our fall fundraiser. We are charging a flat fee per participant, however, we are also seeking corporate sponsors from local businesses. I believe we have gotten about $5,000 already. Also, many school families have donated some money since they are happy not to be buying wrapping paper and chocolates this year.

Another thing we are doing with the family fees is charging $25 for the first participant, $20 for the second, $15 for the third, $10 for the fourth and then $5 for any additional family members after that. This way, it's not so daunting for a family of 4 or more to participate in the run/walk - they are only paying $60 instead of $100. Plus, all participants get a t-shirt and water bottle with our school logo.

Good luck!

Love this idea!

mconnery, do you have a sample letter you use to get corporate sponsers to donate?

Hi wildfroggy-
Sounds like you're getting some great ideas here. Also, have you seen this article?

www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/arti...organizing-a-fun-run

davisqi- our file exchange has a bunch of letters to donors that you can customize:
http://www.ptotoday.com/filesharing/cate...8-donations-a-grants

~ Lisa


follow me on twitter:
http://twitter.com/ptotoday

We held our first JogAThon 2 years ago. We sold advertising on the T-shirts that we gave to every teacher and student (at no charge).

Students could do either a flat fee or get pledges per lap. Worked great!

We had our first fun/walk last year. It was a huge success. We charged a flat fee and had sponsors. Sponsors names were listed in a flyer and on t-shirts. We actually had a 5K with winners in different categories win tropies. And kids could do the 5k or a 1K walk/run. The race started at the school, ran through the neigborhood and ended back at the school. Neighbors lined the streets cheering everyone on. The Gym teachers really pushed it by getting the kids in "training" during Gym. They helped out on the day of the walk/run by getting the crowd revved up. It was fantastic day and raised a lot of money.