We’re often contacted by volunteers who would like to host a large walk or run. Because these events can be complicated and sometimes expensive to set up, we encourage volunteers to participate in an established walk or run. The established events usually have a greater number of participants, meaning that you’ll have more people to share your awareness story with. It’s also easy to raise funds for CHASA in addition to raising awareness. You can set up a fundraising page to benefit CHASA.
If you are absolutely certain you want to host your own event, information relating to this is provided below under “Setting Up Your Own Walk or Run to Benefit CHASA”.
Raising Pediatric Stroke or Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Awareness – Helpful Hints for Participating in an Established Walk or Run
- Check with your physician to make sure you’re in great shape and can participate in an athletic event like a walk or run.
- Locate and register for a race in your area – we suggest you choose an event that is not associated with another awareness or fundraising campaign (it’s a little confusing if the event is raising awareness for something like diabetes and you show up in your pediatric stroke shirt)
- Order an awareness shirt from CHASA’s Kids Have Strokes Cafepress website
- Set up a Fundraising Page to Benefit CHASA – More information about how to set up your page and write your story
- Ask friends, neighbors, co-workers, and your community to donate and to attend the event to cheer you on
- Contact CHASA and give us the link to your fundraising page so we can share your story in our online community
- Take photos of your event and send to CHASA and we’ll blog about your efforts on our website
Examples of Volunteers who Have Run for CHASA Kids
NYC Marathoner Runs for Infant Stroke Survivors – Read about how Susie Dodge was inspired by her dance student’s younger brother, Adrian, an infant stroke survivor.
Dad Runs Marathon to Help Kids with Hemiplegia – David Sexton says CHASA has been invaluable in helping provide support, resources, and knowledge about hemiplegia.
Setting Up Your Own Walk or Run to Benefit CHASA
Runs and walks are exciting and complicated events and if you’re an experienced event planner, you may decide to set up your own walk or run. Unfortunately, CHASA does not have the staff to assist you in planning an event. In the CHASA Fundraising FAQ section, you can read more details about hosting an event to benefit CHASA, including questions about use of our logo and donations.
A few things to remember:
1. CHASA cannot reimburse you for expenses.
2. This is your event, not an official CHASA event. This means that you cannot set up any accounts, sign contracts, or represent yourself as a CHASA representative. You cannot use the CHASA tax ID number or solicit donations under the CHASA name.
3. Safety should be your number one concern. A walk or run is an athletic event and involves risks of injury. You are responsible for protecting yourself in case a lawsuit arises from an injury during the event. It is recommended that you secure event liability insurance and even then, realize that this does not prevent someone from bringing a lawsuit against you. You’ll also want to follow local government guidelines for races, have security and medical personnel including an ambulance on site, and follow other Walk/Run hosting recommendations found in reputable walk/run event sources.
We’ve gathered links to sites outside the CHASA site that have information on walks and runs. CHASA is not responsible for the content on these sites and we list them to provide you with examples of things you may want to think about as you plan your event.
Websites With Information on Hosting a Walk or Run
I Want To Put On A 5K, What Do I Do Now?
Forum with Feedback on Beginner Hosting a 5K Run
How to Plan a Community Run/Walk Event – University of KY
How to: Organize a 5K Charity Run
How to Organize a Charity Walk or Run
You may be able to gather additional information from your local runner’s store and running clubs. Your accountant can possibly advise you on how to handle funds, pay expenses, and if you are required to file any federal or state tax documents. Please let us know if you do plan to host a walk or run of your own by filling out the form on our Contact Us page. If you decide that a walk or run isn’t for you, we have many other Awareness and Fundraising ideas.
