Updated 6/27/2011 - by Sue Tolle
Parent Advocates Down Syndrome
Create a Registered Buddy Walk Team - It Is Easy! And Fun!
HOW TO FORM A TEAM – Step by Step
1 - Register - your Team - Call 205-988-0810 or email PADS at downsyndromealabama@gmail.com and request a team packet.
2 - Decide - How your team will operate – 3 choices:
#1 – Use a letter writing campaign. Have team members turn their forms and donations into you.
#2 – Ask team members to register individually online at downsyndromealabama.org
#3 – Use Firstgiving.com to create a personal page for team members to register and donate and forward
to others in their address book. Need help with Firstgiving? Contact: Michelle Shunnarah –
michelleandscottshunnarah@yahoo.com
3 - Prepare - postcard, letter or email campaign and send out as soon as possible
4 - Collect and Notate no later than Oct. 12th _ Use the team envelope to gather team member information, registration forms and donations. For Firstgiving.com, print out report from your page.
5 -Deliver -Team forms & donations between Oct. 7th through Oct 12th to the new T-shirt Pick Up location and pick up T-shirts for your team.
6 -Notify – Team where to gather at Region’s Park on Oct. 16th. Plan to take a group photo and share any other messages you have for them. Celebrate the day! Celebrate your honoree!
New *T-Shirt Pick Up Pick up location TBA Teams will be able to turn in registration forms & donations to pick up T-shirts from Oct 7th through Oct 12th - T-shirts will not be mailed –
TEAM AWARDS – Will be determined by registrations/donations turned in by October 12th
Grand Marshal Award - Top Fundraiser - Photo in a PADS brochure - Tent & Signage at 2011 Buddy Walk
PADS Award - 2nd Place Top Fundraiser - Photo in a PADS brochure - Tent & Signage at 2011 Buddy Walk
Spirit Award - Largest Team - Photo in a PADS brochure - Tent & Signage at 2011 Buddy Walk
Forming a Team is a great opportunity to…
Raise Awareness - Promote Acceptance - Be an Advocate
Make the Buddy Walk meaningful, memorable and enjoyable
Additional information for Team Coordinators
If you are collecting Team forms/donations:
· Use Team envelope (to track and contain any form/donations that team members turn in personally to you)
· Remind all Team members to notate their honoree’s name on their check or online registration
· Have Team members mail or turn in their registration forms/donations directly to you or they may register online at downsyndromealabama.org - PADS will notify you of their commitment at downsyndromealabama.org
· Place all registration forms, fees and donations in the Team envelope. Write Team member information on the front of the envelope. Avoid missing the Oct 12th deadline - We recommend that you collect all registration forms, fees and donations by October 7th. · Deliver your Team envelope between October 7th and October 12th to the new T-shirt pick up location TBA At that time, pick up t-shirts for each registered Team Member.
· The T-shirt is the receipt of their $10 registration fee and the ticket to enter the Buddy Walk. All donations in addition to the $10 registration fee as well as any independent contributions made will be credited to the Team’s overall fundraising total.
If you are creating a Firstgiving Page:
- Go to Firstgiving.com
- Create a Personalized Fundraising Team Page - Follow their step-by-step instructions
- Contact Michelle Shunnarah if you need assistance michelleandscottshunnarah@yahoo.com
· IMPORTANT – registrations will not show up in fundraising totals – HOWEVER – those totals are reported to PADS and WILL BE calculated into your overall fundraising total!
· Print Out or Record – Team information from Firstgiving
· Pick up T-Shirts for your registered Team members between October 7th through October 12th at the New T-shirt pick up location TBA. The T-shirt they receive is the receipt of their $10 registration fee and the ticket to enter the Buddy Walk. All donations in addition to the $10 registration fee as well as any independent contributions made will be credited to the Team’s overall fundraising total.
Want PADS to Print Your Personalized Team Materials?
Order your materials on July 29th or 30th at the Buddy Walk Kick Off at the Baron's Baseball Game. 4-8pm at Regions Park.
Prices:
· Personalized letter or brochure - $.15 ea. 2 side/color
· Personalized school poster - $.50 ea. 1 side/color
· Personalized post card - $.10 ea. 2 side/color
· Buddy Walk signs - $1 ea. , 1 side /color
· Personalized Thank You card - $.10 ea. 2 side/color
Deadline: ABSOLUTE deadline for picture submissions and orders is Saturday, October 1, 2011
PADS is here to help you and your Team reach its fund raising potential.
Call Sue Tolle at 205-980-0180 if you need assistance.
Buddy Walk FAQs
· What is The Buddy Walk? The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to bring together a wide range of concerned individuals to reach out to friends, family and co-workers to promote awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for education, research and advocacy programs. The Buddy Walk is one of the main fundraising events for Parent Advocates Down Syndrome (PADS).
· What is a Buddy Walk Team? A Team is a registered group of recruited family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers and community contacts who walk in celebration of an individual with Down syndrome. They walk to promote awareness, acceptance and advocacy for those with Down syndrome, their families, caretakers and community. Team members raise funds to support the programs and activities offered by PADS, including the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB.
· Why Create a Buddy Walk Team?
A Team is Unifying - By recruiting walkers and supporters from your family, friends, acquaintances and business contacts, you allow people who know and love your honoree to stand unified for a person and a cause.
A Team is Inspiring - Teams are encouraged to carry signs or banners with their group name on them and a picture of the individual with Down syndrome they are honoring. The size of the team does not matter; its significance is in the demonstration of love, dedication and devotion that is being displayed for the individual with Down syndrome being honored.
A Team Makes a Difference - Team members help spread the message of awareness, acceptance and advocacy for all individuals, of all ages with Down syndrome on the day of the Buddy Walk and for many months, if not years to come.
A Team Advances Action - Teams become major fundraising giants when they supplement registrations with personal or solicited donations When Team members take it upon themselves to reach out to their circle of contacts to walk or contribute thus broadening participation and escalating funds raised.
· Who Receives Team Funds?
Parent Advocates Down Syndrome…
…is a not for profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness about Down syndrome in Alabama
…is tireless in promoting the acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome
…is dedicated to providing resources, support and education to the families, caregivers, service providers and the general community where individuals with Down syndrome live.
…is an enduring advocate that champions quality of life issues and the rights of every individual with Down syndrome.
· What does PADS do with the Money Raised?
Funds raised at the Buddy Walk remain in Central Alabama to support local programming and events, such as our annual Zoo Day and PADS’ Night at the Baron’s. We support monthly small group meetings and provide informational and inspiring books to new parents. We held our first D.A.D.S. meeting recently and had Moms Night Out – all important opportunities to share information and make new friends and be part of our community.
PADS provides information to the community through our website and traditional mailings.
PADS affiliates with the National Down Syndrome Society and the National Down Syndrome Congress to support national efforts in research, education and advocacy initiatives.
Locally, PADS hosts an annual conference, providing the latest information from nationally recognized experts for members and their service providers.
PADS is instrumental in establishing and providing funding and support to the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB. The ADSC exists to serve the unique medical needs of adults with Down syndrome in Alabama and surrounding states. In addition to participating in outcomes based research, the clinic will serve as a resource for physicians in the Southeast. At its inception, this pioneering effort was only the second of its kind in the United States.
· What if someone I invite cannot participate as walker? If they make a donation will it count toward the Team Total?
Yes! They may mail the registration form or return it to you [make checks payable to PADS] or use PADS online registration or Firstgiving [with a check/credit or debit card] to make a donation. All donations must be received by midnight on October 12th to count toward the Team’s overall fundraising total. [Donations received after this date will be credited to individual fundraising totals] Instruct your team member to write in the Team Name or their Honorees name on the check or online form. Instruct them to mark memo line or the online box: Donation
· Can Team members register after October 12th or on the Day of the Buddy Walk?
Yes! They may register on the day of the Buddy Walk from 12:30-1:45pm to walk with your team. T-shirts will be available only while supplies last. Funds raised by these registering team members will not count toward the overall Team fundraising total BUT these funds will be added to individual fundraising totals after the day of the walk.
Planning a Letter or Email Campaign?
Step by step…
One of the most effective (and easiest) ways to raise money for the Buddy Walk is to launch a letter writing campaign.
You can reach the largest amount of contacts by drafting a personalized letter to explain why you, your company, and/or family are participating in the Buddy Walk. Some team coordinators write more than one version of a letter to address different audiences [i.e. family, work place, grandparent contacts].
This year, PADS is offering to print personalized materials for you. If you are interested, see prices and deadlines above.
Step 1: Develop Your Mailing List - Remember the longer your list, the larger your results.
Start with lists you already have:
Address Book, Rolodex, Holiday Card List, Team/League Rosters, Church/Club Directories, Vendors, E-mail List
Don’t forget people from your past:
Classmates, Roommates, Teachers, Neighbors, Co-workers, Teammates, Fraternal/Alumni Groups
Then add: Businesses you frequent, business colleagues, families of your child’s current and past schoolmates
Step 2: Write Your Letter - Here are a few tips:
Include your fund-raising goal and the Oct. 7th deadline to turn in registrations/donations – to qualify for Team Awards
Speak from the heart and tell people why awareness, acceptance and advocacy for children and adults with Down syndrome are important to you.
Share how education, research and community support brings hope to everyone associated with Down syndrome.
Express - why we celebrate
- why PADS is worthy of financial support
- why the establishment of the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic offers comfort and hope to the future.
Tell of the honoree’s activities, into your honoree’s life. Inform them that their donation is tax deductible as allowed by law. Checks should be made out to PADS [Parent Advocates Down Syndrome]
Find a photo of your child or family that you can insert into the letter using your computer or include a picture with the letter if you’d prefer.
Enclose a self addressed envelope with each letter [stamped if possible].
Sample Letters are included in this packet and are on the website at downsyndromealabama.org.
Consider putting PADS on your list so we can see and celebrate your creative efforts!
Our mailing address is 1919 Oxmoor Road #416, Birmingham, Alabama 35209.
Step 3: Mail your Letters
Ideally, your letters should go out about three to four weeks before the Buddy Walk – although successful results have been achieved “in a pinch”.
Team coordinators have also been successful with e-mail blasts or hand outs. (See a sample below - also available online)
Spontaneous invitations are fun and surprising when someone you meet shows interest in your loved one and then signs up or you bump into an old acquaintance who is ready to jump on board.
Step 6: Write Thank You Notes
Be sure to send out thank you notes to all of your supporters announcing your success. Acknowledging your contributors’ generosity will ensure their future support! Include pictures if you can – they are yearlong keepsakes. (see Sample Thank You letter below)
One last word of encouragement:
Be Brave – Thinking about asking others to participate or asking for contributions can feel risky – BUT…
Sharing your love and lifelong commitment to the individual with Down syndrome can be educational, inspiring and motivating to others.
Boldly invite those on the list you’ve created and try not to be bashful with those you spontaneously meet who show interest in your loved one.
The least you will have done is promoted awareness about Down syndrome and the Buddy Walk, You’ll have encouraged acceptance and made your advocacy known.
SOMETIMES - Your risk may cultivate a fellow champion whose immediate focus will be upon your intended honoree for the Buddy Walk and because of this experience will surely take notice of others with Down syndrome in the course of their daily lives.
SAMPLE LETTERS
SAMPLE TEAM LETTER (fictitious names & situations for sample letter)
On behalf of Drew, I would like to invite you to our 12th Annual Buddy Walk on Sunday, October 16th from 2-4pm at Regions Park Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. Our family will be participating in the 2011 Buddy Walk hosted by Parent Advocates Down Syndrome (PADS).
As many of you know, Drew was born with Down syndrome and since that wonderful occasion our family and families like us throughout Alabama have directly benefitted from the programs offered by PADS. We have access, from Drew’s infancy through adulthood, to quarterly newsletters, support groups, educational conferences, social opportunities, advocacy assistance in our local schools and communities and much more. We also are encouraged and take pride in PADS’ ground-breaking role in establishing the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB, only the second of its kind, right here in Birmingham, Alabama.
The goal of the Buddy Walk is to raise $100,000 to support PADS and aid the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB. Physicians and a clinic coordinator are already on board and families are coming in from all over the Southeast, and beyond for comprehensive, compassionate care. With support such as this, you can see why we are hopeful about Drew’s future.
We've formed a team to walk for Drew – Drew’s Crew. Drew’s team goal is to raise $3000 and have a team of 30 walkers. PADS is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization so your gift is tax deductible, and will help raise much needed funds. All proceeds from the Buddy Walk will go toward continuing the programs of PADS and the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic. There are Awards for Teams that raises the most money or who have the most Team members by October 12th another create way to celebrate with Drew!
There are several ways to join Drew’s Crew, You can:
1. Walk with us at the Buddy Walk. Complete your Registration form and pay the $10 registration fee, and if desired add a donation, online [at downsyndromealabama.org or Firstgiving.com/honorees name] OR you can mail your registration form, fee and donation to our home at 5555 Possibilities Place, Birmingham, AL 35000 by October [9], 2010. Make checks payable to PADS and write Drew on the memo line. Online enter Drew’s Crew as the Team Name. Team member registrations must be received by October [9]th in order to receive the Buddy Walk T-shirt (your ticket into the Buddy Walk) and have total dollars raised credited to Drew’s Crew overall Team Total.
2. Sponsor the Team at the Buddy Walk. Help us reach our fundraising goal even if you are unable to attend the Buddy Walk by making a donation in honor of Drew’s Crew. Donations may be made online at [downsyndromealabama.org or Firstgiving.com/honorees name] or can be mailed to our home at the address listed above by October [9], 2010, the deadline to be credited toward Drew’s Crew overall Team total. Make checks payable to PADS and write Drew on the memo line.
3. Strengthen the team - Invite others. Send out your own personalized version of this letter to your circle of contacts and invite them to participate or support the 2010 Buddy Walk. Follow the same registration procedures by having them send their registration forms and fees to our home at the address listed above or register online at [downsyndromealabama.org or Firstgiving.com/honorees name]
If you have any questions, please contact us via email xxxx@xxxxx.com or phone 555-555-5555. Also, please feel free to share this information with any business or person you know who might consider supporting Drew through a corporate contact.
Drew and I will look forward to hearing from you and hope that you can come to the event on October 17th for a fun-filled day that is truly inspirational.
Dana
Drew’s Mom
SAMPLE Team Email Blast or Handout –
TEMPLATE
Join [Insert company, group, church name here] and become a team member of [Insert Team name here] – Support individuals with Down syndrome here in Alabama!
[Insert individual with Down syndrome name here] is the [Insert relation here] of [Insert name of contact person here] in the [Insert group or department name here].
To become a team member [Insert Team name here] come and walk on Sunday, October 16th at Regions Park from 2-4pm for the 12th Annual Buddy Walk hosted by Parent Advocates Down Syndrome (PADS). You’ll be uniting with [him/her], [his/her] family and friends along with hundreds of others to bring awareness and acceptance of and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome.
If you’re interested in becoming a part of [Insert Team name here], or would like more information, please contact [his/her] Team Coordinator by phone or e-mail:
[Insert Coordinators name – phone # & email address]
Your registration of $10 received by October [7]th will add your name to the Team Roster and provide your Buddy Walk T-shirt, which is your entry ticket to the Buddy Walk. You may also give an additional donation, introduce us to a Corporate Sponsor or recruit others you know to join the walk. This will help us reach our goal to significantly support the programs PADS offers and the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB. We hope you’ll join us – as one of [Insert Team name].
You can learn more about PADS by visiting their website at downsyndromealabama.org.
SAMPLE #1 (fictitious)
Join Star Bank and become a team member of Angela’s Angels – Support individuals with Down syndrome here in Alabama!
Angela is the daughter of Larry Long in the Marketing Department.
To become a member of Angela’s Angels come and walk on Sunday, October 16th at Regions Park from 2-4pm for the 12th Annual Buddy Walk hosted by Parent Advocates Down Syndrome (PADS). You’ll be uniting with us, Larry’s family and friends along with hundreds of others to bring awareness and acceptance of and advocacy for individuals like Angela with Down syndrome.
If you’re interested in becoming a part of Angela’s Team, or would like more information, please contact her Team Coordinator by phone or e-mail:
Sara Jones 777-7777 oooo@ooooo.com
Your registration of $10 by October [7]th will add your name to the Team Roster and provide your Buddy Walk T-shirt, which is your entry ticket to the Buddy Walk. You may also give an additional donation, introduce us to a Corporate Sponsor or recruit others you know to join the walk. This will help us reach our goal to significantly support the programs PADS offers and the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB. We hope you’ll join us – as one of Angela’s Angels.
You can learn more about PADS by visiting their website at downsyndromealabama.org.
SAMPLE THANK YOU LETTER or EMAIL (dates, numbers and figures need to reflect post Buddy Walk counts)
Dear Friends & Family,
Thank you for your continued support of Taylor, our family, PADS - Parent Advocates Down Syndrome, and the Buddy Walk. October 16th was a beautiful day and Regions Park was a wonderful location. Our team consisted of 40 walkers. This was the best turn out we’ve ever had and we reached our fundraising goal of $3000.
The Buddy Walk raised over $100,000 this year (and money is continuing to be collected)
The estimated headcount for the entire Buddy Walk was over 1200. Isn’t that awesome to know how special the day was for all those who walked in celebration of individuals of all ages with Down syndrome. We want our donors to realize the inspiration and far reaching impact the Buddy Walk will have upon Central Alabama.
We are so excited to be a part of PADS and we are so thankful to have the love, support, and acceptance of our family, friends, and our community for Taylor!
Thank you so much!!
Sincerely,
Anne
Updated 8/30/2009 - by Sue Tolle
Parent Advocates Down Syndrome
Form A Buddy Walk Teams - Click links below for packets, forms and sample letters
What is a Buddy Walk Team? A Group (any size) willing to walk to promote awareness, acceptance of & advocacy for those with Down syndrome, their families, professionals & community. The team raises funds to support PADS programs & the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB through the John Mark Stallings Endowed Support Fund.
Why Create a Buddy Walk Team? A Team is Unifying - By recruiting and gathering walkers and donors to celebrate and support your honoree, you are bring together many willing to stand unified for a person & a cause.
A Team is Inspiring - Teams are encouraged to carry signs or banners with their group name on them & a picture of the individual with Down syndrome they are honoring. The size of the team does not matter; its significance is in the demonstration of love, dedication & devotion that is being displayed for the individual with Down syndrome being honored.
A Team Makes a Difference - Team members help spread the message of awareness, acceptance & advocacy for all individuals, of all ages with Down syndrome on the day of the Buddy Walk & for many months, if not years to come.
A Team Advances Action - Teams can become major fundraising giants when they supplement registrations with personal or solicited donations & when Team members take it upon themselves to reach out to their circle of contacts to walk or contribute thus broadening participation & escalating funds raised.
Forming a Team is a great opportunity to...
• Raise awareness, acceptance of and advocacy for individuals of all ages with Down syndrome
• Honor someone with Down syndrome and Build Team Spirit. Employers and activity groups, churches or company sponsors may like to display the sign at their establishment. PADS' website has sample sign designs and words for slogans that might give you ideas when creating your Team Sign.
• Make the Buddy Walk meaningful, memorable and enjoyable. A Team picture will be taken at the Buddy Walk.
What is the Team's Purpose? • To heighten awarness of, give support to and raise funds for individuals with Down syndrome through the programs offered and the clinic supported by Parent Advocates Down Syndrome.
Parent Advocates Down Syndrome...
...is a not for profit organization.
...was established to raise awareness about Down syndrome in Alabama
...is tireless in promoting the acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome
...is dedicated to the provision of resources, support and education to the families, caregivers, teachers and community of individuals with Down syndrome
...is an enduring advocate, campaigner for advocacy and recruiter of advocates to champion the causes, quality of life and rights of every individual with Down syndrome.
... provides funding and support to the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB. The ADSC exists to serve the unique medical needs, both acute and comprehensive, of adults with Down syndrome in Alabama and surrounding states. In addition to participating in outcomes based research, the clinic will serve as a resource for physicians in the South East. This pioneering effort is only the second of its kind in the United States.
What is The Buddy Walk? The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to bring together a wide range of concerned individuals to reach out to friends, family and co-workers to promote awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for education, research and advocacy programs. The Buddy Walk is one of the main fundraising events for Parent Advocates Down Syndrome (PADS).
What is a Buddy Walk Team? Families members or Friends of an individual with Down syndrome form teams of recruited family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers and community contacts to walk for the cause of awareness, acceptance of and advocacy for those with Down syndrome, their families, caretakers and community. The team raises money that furthers these causes in the programs and activities offered by PADS as well as the funding and support PADS provides to the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB.
What does PADS do with the Money Raised? • PADS is always looking for ways to have the expenses of the Buddy Walk underwritten by in-kind donations and Corporate Sponsor so that very little of the funds raised at the Buddy Walk go toward expenditures.
• Funds raised at the Buddy Walk stay here in Central Alabama to further the causes of awareness, acceptance of and advocacy for those with Down syndrome, their families, caretakers and community through the programs and activities offered by PADS as well as the funding and support PADS provides to the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB.
• PADS is a member of National Down Syndrome Society and the National Down Syndrome Congress to signify our unity with National efforts, in support of the National Cause on behalf of more than 350,000 individuals with Down syndrome in America and to support research, education and advocacy initiatives at the national level.
How to Form a Team? (In 10 Easy Steps!)
1. Name your Team
2. Decide:
A. If you want to collect registration forms (your team members may also sign up online at downsyndromealabama.org)
B. OR if you want to create a personal fundraising page on http://www.firstgiving.com/ParentAdvocatesDS
3. Create a invitation (mailing) list
4. Compose and Send a personalized letter to your list to invite as many walkers & donors as possible.
5. Recruit Team Members and donors with a follow up note or a phone call
6. Collect registration forms, fees and donations from your Team members by October 10th.
7. Turn in the registration forms, fees and donations you've collected on October 10th at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church - and pick up your T-shirts. Your Buddy Walk Team are those who respond to your invitation by registering to walk or those who send a donation.
8. Distribute t-shirts to your team members & Tell your team to meet you at the Team Check-in sign at Regions Park
9. Enjoy! Have a wonderful, inspirational and memorable day at the 10th Annual Buddy Walk on Oct 18th!
10. Thank your team participants and donors.
Letter Campaign: (Easy Steps for Team Fundraisers)One of the most effective (& easiest) ways to raise money for the Buddy Walk is to launch a letter writing campaign. You can reach many contacts by simply drafting a personalized letter to explain why you, your company, &/or family are participating in the Buddy Walk. This is done from the comfort of your home & it can be your ticket to fund raising success! Some team coordinators write more than one version of a letter to address different audiences (i.e. family, work place, grandparent contacts).
Step 1: Develop Your Mailing List - Determine who you will send it to. The longer your list, the larger your results.
- Start with lists you already have - Address Book, Rolodex, Holiday Card List, Team/League Rosters, Church/Club Directories, Vendors, E-mail List
- Don't forget people from your past-Classmates, Roommates, Teachers, Neighbors, Co-workers, Teammates, Fraternal/Alumni Groups
- Then add: - Businesses You Frequent, Colleagues, Families of Your Child's current & past Schoolmates
Step 2: Compose Your Letter - Here are a few tips:
¨ Include your fund-raising goal.
¨ Mark the October 10th deadline for registrations/donations (in order to be counted toward the overall Team total)
¨ Speak from the heart & tell people why awareness & acceptance of & advocacy for children & adults with Down syndrome is important to you. Share the hope that research & community support brings to everyone associated with Down syndrome. Tell of the comfort that the establishment of the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic gives to the future.
¨ Note that all donations are tax deductible as allowed by law & that checks should be made out to PADS or Parent Advocates Down Syndrome.
¨ Give the reader a peak into your honoree's life by sharing their achievements and telling of their activities and interests. Express your commitment to individuals with Down syndrome and tell why PADS is worthy of time and financial support.
¨ Find a photo of your honoree. If you have the capability, insert the picture into the body of your letter on a computer or include a printed picture within the letter if you'd prefer.
¨ Remember you can have 2 or 3 different versions of the letter drafted to send to different contacts.
¨ Sample Letters are available online at downsyndromealabama.org.
¨ Enclose a self addressed envelope with each letter (stamped if possible).
Step 3: Mail (email) your Letters-Ideally, your letters should go out about four weeks before the Buddy Walk - although successful results have been achieved "in a pinch". Team coordinators have also been successful with e-mail blasts or handouts. Spontaneous invitations are fun and surprising when someone you meet shows interest in the Buddy Walk or you bump into an old acquaintance who is ready to jump on board.
Follow up Be Brave - Asking someone to participate or contribute can feel risky - BUT...sharing your love and commitment to an individual with Down syndrome can be educational, inspiring and motivating to others.
Boldly invite those on your list and try not to be bashful with those you spontaneously meet who show interest in the Buddy Walk. Sharing promotes awareness about Down syndrome and the Buddy Walk, encourages acceptance & will make your advocacy known.
HOWEVER - Your risk may cultivate a fellow champion through this experience.
Step 4: Write Thank You Notes - Send thank you notes to all your supporters announcing your success. Acknowledging your contributors' generosity will encourage their future support! For a special touch include a picture from of the event - they are yearlong keepsakes.
Steps for Team Registration & Donations: 1. Request a Team envelope (to track and contain your team member's registration forms, fees and donations) from the PADS office by calling Sue Tolle at 205-988-0810 or email your request to downsydromealabama@gmail.com.
2. We recommend that you ask each Team Member to Register on or before October 10th.
They may register either by:
A. Completing a Registration Form - have them mail or give the forms, fees and donations to you
B. OR by registering online downsyndromealabama.org - PADS will notify you of their commitment.
C. OR register if you chose a personal fundraising page - they may register online at http://www.firstgiving.com/ParentAdvocatesDS
3. Place all registration forms, fees and donations in the Team envelope. Write Team member information on the front of the envelope. We recommend that you collect all registration forms, fees and donations by October 10th.
4. On October 10th between10am -1pm deliver your Team Roster Envelope with Team Member registration forms, fees and donations to the Lighthouse Lobby at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. At that time pick up t-shirts for each registered Team Members
The T-shirt they receive is the receipt of their $10 registration fee and the ticket to enter the Buddy Walk. All donations in addition to the $10 registration fee as well as any independent contributions made will be credited to the Team's overall fundraising total.
What if someone I invite cannot participate as walker? If they make a donation will it count toward the Team Total?
Yes! They may use the registration form (make checks payable to PADS) or the online registration (with a credit or debit card) to make a donation. All donations must be received by October 10th to count toward the Team's overall fundraising total. (Donations received after this date will only be credited to individual fundraising totals)
Instruct your contact to write in the Team or Individual's name of the person they are honoring on the line that reads:
I'm walking/making a donation for Team
Instruct them to mark the box that states: Donor Only
I cannot attend the Buddy Walk but have enclosed a donation to support individuals with Down syndrome:
The Team that raises the most money by October 10th:
· Act as the Grand Marshall for the Buddy Walk.
· Have their team photo in next year's brochure.
· Present Buddy Walk keepsake to their Honored Individual with Down syndrome.
Can Team members register after October 10th or on the Day of the Buddy Walk?
Yes! They may register on the day of the Buddy Walk from 12:30-1:45pm. T-shirts will be available while supplies last. New Team members may walk with the team. Funds raised by New Team members will not count toward the overall Team fundraising total BUT these funds will be eligible for individual fundraising prizes.
SAMPLE THANK YOU LETTER (dates, numbers and figures need to reflect post Buddy Walk counts)
Dear Friends & Family,
Thank you for your continued support of Taylor, our family, PADS - Parent Advocates Down Syndrome, and the Buddy Walk. October 18th was a beautiful day and Regions Park was a wonderful location. Our team consisted of 40 walkers. This was the best turn out we've ever had and we reached our fundraising goal of $6000.
The Buddy Walk raised over $100,000 this year (and money is continuing to be collected)
The estimated headcount for the entire Buddy Walk was over 1200. Isn't that awesome to know how special the day was for all those who walked in celebration of individuals of all ages with Down syndrome and for donors to realize the inspiration and far reaching impact the Buddy Walk will have upon Central Alabama.
We are so excited to be a part of PADS and we are so thankful to have the love, support, and acceptance of our family, friends, and our community for Taylor!
Thank you so much!!
Sincerely,
Anne
SAMPLE TEAM LETTER (fictitious names & situations for sample letter)
On behalf of Drew, I would like to invite you to the 10th Annual Alabama Buddy Walk on Sunday, October 18th from 2-4pm at Regions Park Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. Our family will be participating in the 2009 Buddy Walk hosted by Parent Advocates Down Syndrome (PADS).
As many of you know, Drew was born with Down syndrome and since that wonderful occasion our family and families like us throughout Alabama have directly benefitted from the programs offered by PADS. We have access, from Drew's infancy through adulthood, to quarterly newsletters, support groups, educational conferences, social opportunities, advocacy assistance in our local schools and communities and much more. We also are encouraged and take pride in PADS' ground-breaking role in establishing the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB, only the second of its kind, right here in Birmingham, Alabama.
The goal of the Buddy Walk is to raise $100,000 to support PADS and aid the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB. Physicians and a clinic coordinator are already on board and families are coming in from all over the Southeast, and beyond for comprehensive, compassionate care. With support such as this, you can see why we are hopeful about Drew's future.
We've formed a team to walk for Drew - Drew's Crew. Drew's team goal is to raise $3000 and have a team of 30 walkers. PADS is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization so your gift is tax deductible, and will help raise much needed funds. All proceeds from the Buddy Walk will go toward continuing the programs of PADS and the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic. The Team that raises the most money by October 10th will act as the Grand Marshall for the Buddy Walk, have their team photo in next year's brochure, and present a Buddy Walk keepsake to their Honored Individual with Down syndrome; which would be Drew!
There are numerous ways to join Drew's Crew, you can:
•1. Walk with us at the Buddy Walk. Complete your Registration form and pay the $10 registration fee online at downsyndromealabama.org, or you can mail your registration form and fee to our home at 5555 Never Road, Birmingham, AL 35000 by October 10, 2009. Make checks payable to PADS and write Drew on the memo line. Team member registrations must be received by October 10th in order to receive the Buddy Walk T-shirt (your ticket into the Buddy Walk) and have total dollars raised credited to Drew's Crew overall Team Total.
•2. Sponsor the Team at the Buddy Walk. Help us reach our fundraising goal even if you are unable to attend the Buddy Walk by making a donation in honor of Drew's Crew. Donation may be made online at downsyndromealabama.org, or can be mailed to our home at the address listed above by October 10, 2009 in order to be credited toward Drew's Crew overall Team total. Make checks payable to PADS and write Drew on the memo line.
•3. Strengthen the team - Invite others. Send out personalized version of this letter to your circle of contacts and invite them to participate or support the 2009 Buddy Walk. Follow the same registration procedures by having them send their registration forms and fees to our home at the address listed above or register online at downsydromealabama.org
If you have any questions, please contact us via email xxxx@xxxxx.com or phone 555-555-5555. Also, please feel free to share this information with any business or person you know who might consider supporting Drew.
Drew and I will look forward to hearing from you and hope that you can come to the event on October 18th for a fun-filled day that is truly inspirational.
Dana
Drew's Mom
SAMPLE Team Email Blast or Handout
TEMPLATE
Join [Insert company, group, church name here] and become a team member of [Insert Team name here] - Support individuals with Down syndrome here in Alabama!
[Insert individual with Down syndrome name here] is the [Insert relation here] of [Insert name of contact person here] in the [Insert group or department name here].
To become a team member [Insert Team name here] come and walk on Sunday, October 18th at Regions Park from 2-4pm for the 10th Annual Alabama Buddy Walk hosted by Parent Advocates Down Syndrome (PADS). You'll be uniting with [him/her], [his/her] family and friends along with hundreds of others to bring awareness and acceptance of and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome.
If you're interested in becoming a part of [Insert Team name here], or would like more information, please contact [his/her] Team Coordinator by phone or e-mail:
[Insert Coordinators name - phone # & email address]
Your registration of $10 by October 10th will add your name to the Team Roster and provide your Buddy Walk T-shirt, which is your entry ticket to the Buddy Walk. You may also give an additional donation, introduce us to a Corporate Sponsor or recruit others you know to join the walk. This will help us reach our goal to significantly support the programs PADS offers and the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB. We hope you'll join us - as one of [Insert Team name].
You can learn more about PADS by visiting their website at downsyndromealabama.org.
SAMPLE #1 (fictitious)
Join Star Bank and become a team member of Angela's Angels - Support individuals with Down syndrome here in Alabama!
Angela is the daughter of Larry Long in the Marketing Department.
To become a member of Angela's Angels come and walk on Sunday, October 18th at Regions Park from 2-4pm for the 10th Annual Alabama Buddy Walk hosted by Parent Advocates Down Syndrome (PADS). You'll be uniting with us, Larry's family and friends along with hundreds of others to bring awareness and acceptance of and advocacy for individuals like Angela with Down syndrome.
If you're interested in becoming a part of Angela's Team, or would like more information, please contact her Team Coordinator by phone or e-mail:
Sara Jones 777-7777 oooo@ooooo.com
Your registration of $10 by October 10th will add your name to the Team Roster and provide your Buddy Walk T-shirt, which is your entry ticket to the Buddy Walk. You may also give an additional donation, introduce us to a Corporate Sponsor or recruit others you know to join the walk. This will help us reach our goal to significantly support the programs PADS offers and the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB. We hope you'll join us - as one of Angela's Angels.
You can learn more about PADS by visiting their website at downsyndromealabama.org.
SAMPLE #2 (fictitious)
Join Troup 64 and become a team member of Drew's Crew - Support individuals with Down syndrome here in Alabama!
Drew is Casey Smith's brother.
To become a member of Drew's Crew come and walk on Sunday, October 18th at Regions Park from 2-4pm for the 10th Annual Alabama Buddy Walk hosted by Parent Advocates Down Syndrome (PADS). You'll be uniting with Casey, his family and friends along with hundreds of others to bring awareness and acceptance of and advocacy for individuals like Drew with Down syndrome.
If you're interested in becoming a part of Drew' Team, or would like more information, please contact his Team Coordinator by phone or e-mail:
Julie Smith 888-8888 ssssssss@sss.com
Your registration of $10 by October 10th will add your name to the Team Roster and provide your Buddy Walk T-shirt, which is your entry ticket to the Buddy Walk. You may also give an additional donation, introduce us to a Corporate Sponsor or recruit others you know to join the walk. This will help us reach our goal to significantly support the programs PADS offers and the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB. We hope you'll join us - Be one of Drew's Crew!
You can learn more about PADS by visiting their website at downsyndromealabama.org.