

Some schools choose to incorporate technology themselves. (Note: You’ll most likely increase donations by providing a pay-online option so there’s no cash collection by your readers simply have parents email the payment link to their child’s sponsors.) The other steps outlined in this article-timing, publicity, working with teachers and recruiting volunteers, and choosing themes and incentives-apply whether you’re working with a company or on your own. If you decide to organize the event yourself, the additional tasks you’ll need to do include providing classrooms with reading packets for tracking minutes and pledges, as well as collecting pledges. (You can find readathon companies in the PTO Today Vendor Directory.) Typically, these fundraising companies provide tools (electronic and print materials) for students to contact as many potential supporters as possible, provide daily tips and suggestions to participants, and manage donations electronically. There are benefits to using a company, especially if it’s your school’s first time holding this type of fundraiser. Last but not least, thank everyone who supported your event: volunteers, donors, school staff, the principal, and, business sponsors.One of the first things to decide is whether to work with a readathon company to organize the event or to do it yourself. Don’t forget to share your achievements with the entire school community! Spread the news about how much money your event raised and some of the ways it will be used to benefit the school. For a fun run-type event, both setups require volunteers to track laps, hand out water, and cheer on runners.Īfter the running is over, you’ll need to collect pledges, calculate final tallies for students, classes, and grades, and recognize students for their hard work. Other schools hold their athon event on the weekend to make it easier for the entire family to attend. At some schools, the event is held during the school day, with each grade participating during a set time.

After the event, students get prizes depending on their performance or level of financial support.
Run a thon fundraiser how to#
Information on planning your track, student safety, audiovisual equipment, and liability insurance-plus ways to keep excitement high on race day and how to track laps.įrom setting your fun run event date through thanking sponsors and volunteers when it’s over.įree flyers, lap cards, pledge sheets, race-day bibs, and Facebook graphics for four different popular event names.įun runs and other “athon” events follow a simple structure: Students are encouraged to collect donations or pledges, either as a lump sum or for each lap that’s run, each word that’s spelled, etc. The more students are motivated to collect pledges before the event, the more profitable your event will be. Students are key to the success of any fun run, athon, or pledge drive event. We'll walk you through it!Īdd excitement to your event with a theme (such as a zombie run or mud run) or a popular gimmick like a color run or glow run, and build the community spirit with a T-shirt specific to your event.īusiness sponsors can help reduce the cost of holding a fun run or other athon so your group has a higher profit. Whether your school missed its fun run due to coronavirus closures or you're concerned about restrictions in the future, you can hold a fun and successful virtual event.
Run a thon fundraiser plus#
Pros and cons of working with a service provider, plus information about volunteers, collecting pledges online, and following up after your event is over.
