Race for Development 2004

Race for Development2004: 

Race for Development 2004 AID-Boston April 10, 2004

Topics: 

Topics Goal Why a Marathon ? Anyone can participate Training Picking a theme Fundraising Expenses Sponsors Pick our Marathon

Goal: 

Goal Raise a large $ amount Our friends from ASHA-MIT raised 20+K from 9 runners in 2003 ASHA-wide $250K(?) in 2003 Raise awareness about AID’s work Let us start a new AID fundraising tradition Start with Boston now and spread it across chapters

How does it work ?: 

How does it work ? AID provides the training and encouragement for runners AID-Boston is working with ASHA-MIT behind the scenes (ex: common training resources, sharing expertise) Discount cards from Marathon sports AID provides support and guidance for the fundraising Each runner raises a minimum of $2620 in about 6 months Fundraising deadline is November 30, 2004

Why a marathon ?: 

Why a marathon ? (almost) Anyone can run Long build-up, fundraising period Can do in small or large groups Plenty of races to choose from Plenty of resources for training Established fundraising model

Anyone can participate: 

Anyone can participate You don’t have to be an experienced runner 6 months of training Help from experienced coach Encouragement from fellow runners and friends What do you need Time for the training runs Adequate health insurance Running gear (2-3 pairs of shoes over 6 months, misc. training supplies)

Training: 

Training Start short runs now, as you find time Official training launch – May 1st (Saturday) Group training runs (longer) on Saturdays Around the Charles Minuteman trail,… See Trail maps You can do this on your own, but groups are more fun for longer distances Week-day runs (shorter) on your own or in your own smaller groups. Cross-training during week days ‘Long runs’ start with low mileage and increases gradually over many weeks (say, 10% per week) Sample training schedule http://www.runnersworld.com/home/0,1300,1-51-56-633,FF.html?site=RunnersWorld Our coach has one tailored for our schedule

Training: 

Training Coach (Jonathan Wyner) Will monitor your progress Will correct your running form Available for Q&A Some of the weekly track-training runs On-line Running logs http://xray.deas.harvard.edu/eLog Coach monitors the training logs I encourage you to meet Jonathan at the next ASHA-Marathon meeting (14th, Wednesday evening at MIT)

Picking an AID Project/theme: 

Picking an AID Project/theme A project that is in need of large funding Helps in spreading a focused message Helps in fundraising Motivates the runners Options Single project/theme Let each runner sponsor their favorite AID-Boston project

Fundraising: 

Fundraising Done Individually By Each Participant 100% of the money raised go to projects Most Common Method is by Letter Writing Friends Family Work Colleagues (& Corporate Matching Donations) Local Businesses Other Ideas Include Arranging a community fundraising event/dinner/party Food/Drink Sales AID Will Support the Fundraising Effort by Setting Up Your Online Donations Page, Encouraging Networking, Helping with Fundraising Ideas, Logistics, Etc. Online-sample from 2003 ASHA-MIT marathon The biggest obstacle to fundraising is overcoming the shyness to ask your friends & family for money… the rest is easy!

Sample Fundraising Letter*: 

Sample Fundraising Letter* Hello there !   “ …..26.2 miles across the sea….” Does it ring a bell …yes ! I am running a marathon organized by AID-Boston….   On October 31, 2004, I will be running 26.2 miles in the Marine Corps Marathon to raise funds for AID.   AID (Association for India’s Development) is a non-profit organization committed to promoting sustainable, equitable and just development in India. 100% of the funds raised by this marathon would go to development project XXX.   I will be a part of “Race for Development” team, a six month, endurance building and fundraising program that readies participants for a successful marathon with coaching, a training schedule, workout guidance, and lots of encouragement. For this marathon my goal is to raise a buck a mile for the entire 26.2 miles.   I know what you are thinking. “ How can I help?” It is easy : send money . I will do the work, I just need your support. I am seeking sponsorships from everyone I know, and even a few that I don’t. Anything you can give will be greatly appreciated and will be combined with funds raised by other volunteers and contributed for the AID education funding.   Please fill out the enclosed Sponsorship form, and give generously. I am hoping to reach my fundraising goal by September 1, 2004, so please respond soon. Keep in mind, however, that you can send your contribution any time, right up to November 30th. You can even donate more than once to atone for any moral or legal transgressions you should commit between your first contribution and October 1. Photocopy your sponsorship form, just in case.   In closing, I want to thank you for anything you can do to help this truly worthy cause. Brace yourself for the obligatory fund raising cliché’ (but remember that it’s true): Your contribution can and will make a difference.   Your partner in this worthy cause…. Remember… the personal touch always works best! * Sample based on ASHA’s fundraising letter template

Total Estimated Expenses Per Runner: 

Total Estimated Expenses Per Runner Estimates, based on ASHA Marathon, 2003 Marathon entry fee: $85 Travel to DC + Accommodation for 3 nights: $300 Coach fees: $240 For 24 weeks, assuming about 10 runners Total per runner: $625 How do we plan to cover this ? Sponsors ! How can we keep costs down ? Local marathons (no travel expenses) Problems: not enough support for new runners On-line coaching Problems: New runners need personal attention

Sponsorships: 

Sponsorships Target : $7000 Assuming about 10 runners Better to get fewer large sponsors Corporate sponsorships Local businesses What does a sponsor get ? Highly visible on-line advertisement for 6 months (the ad will stay online for life) References in the letters to AID mailing list Potential target audience : 1000s of educated, affluent donors interested in South Asian development We need your help in getting sponsors

Pick our Marathon: 

Pick our Marathon Marine Corps Marathon (Washington, DC) October 31, 2004 20,000+ Runners See All the Monuments in DC Excellent support for runners, especially good for new runners Entrance by lottery – (register under group: AID) Cape Cod Marathon (Falmouth, MA) October 31, 2004 ~1200 Runners Hilly, Scenic. Run through small towns, past cranberry bogs, and by the ocean. Other Marathons… Have another marathon in mind? Tell us. US race calendar at http://www.marathonguide.com/races/races.cfm April 19th, Boston Marathon !

Important Dates: 

Important Dates

Slide16: 

Questions ? Email: bkalissery@hotmail.com Tell your friends We welcome new potential runners Sign up for the marathon discussions Yahoo Group: http://groupsyahoo.com/group/race-for-development