Perhaps the breast cancer walks held around the country on Mother's Day may serve as an excellent fundraising idea to other event planners.
The Breast Cancer Network of Strength hosts an annual “Walk to Empower” in 17 cities across the U.S. to create awareness for this important cause. Tens of thousands are are expected to make this a family event before heading to their yearly favorite brunch.
What helps make this event successful? First, timing is everything, of course. So to own this type of event on such a high profile holiday has a lot to do with its success. But organizers and event planners behind these breast cancer walks also recognize the limited time that large crowds may have to invest in an awareness and fundraising idea program.
”It’s a very brief commitment,” says Liz Klug, director of special events for Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization in Chicago.”People spend just a few hours in the morning, and they leave inspired and with a real sense that they are making a difference in the lives of those who are touched by cancer.”
More than $7.2 million was raised from the walks around the country in 2007.
2008 marked the 30th anniversary for the Y-ME, whose mission is to ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone. This year, Los Angeles (CA), New Haven (CT) and Springfield (IL) chapters are holding an event for the first time, and Y-ME is projecting strong community support in each location.
Walk to Empower
Y-ME started this Mother’s Day tradition in 1991 when it organized its first walk in Chicago (which is known as “Race to Empower”). In 2008, nearly 50,000 walkers from the following cities will participate in this Mother’s Day morning program:
- Atlanta, GA
- Chicago, IL
- Cleveland, OH
- Sacramento, CA
- Chattanooga, TN
- Denver, CO
- Houston, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Miami, FL
- New Haven, CT
- Phoenix, AZ
- Sacramento, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- San Diego, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Springfield, IL
- Tulsa, OK
- Washington, DC
Mother’s Day Event Activities
The Walk to Empower events in each city may include either a one or three-mile walk and local entertainment.
Most events will include refreshments upon check-in, opening cerominies and a non-competitive walk. Those who raise $100 or more will receive a commemorative t-shirt, and fundraising prizes are also available to those $250 or more.
The Y-ME Mother’s Day Events are also support by members of the local and national business communities. And these sponsors provide free samples, coordinate activities and bring more value to the event, Klug explains.
Other ways that Y-ME encourages participation is by seeking corporate teams and family and friends teams. Prize drawings are incorporated to encourage maximum participation and fundraising. Y-ME also incorporates the use of an online fundraising system to increase awareness and communication.
In fact, in 2007, more than 2,100 corporate walking teams joined others to participate in the community events. Anyone who is interested in participating in the walk may register online or arrive with family member’s who are already signed up.
About Breast Cancer Network of Strength
Y-ME changed its name in May 2008 to Breast Cancer Network of Strength® to better reflect its mission. While the name changed, its mission remains the same – to ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone.
The Breast Cancer Network of Strength's mission is to ensure, through information, empowerment and peer support, that no one faces breast cancer alone. Y-ME has the only 24-hour hotline staffed entirely by trained breast cancer survivors. Additionally, 11 affiliates throughout the nation provide services such as support groups, early detection workshops, wigs and prostheses for women with limited resources, and advocacy on breast cancer related policies.
For breast cancer support or information including publications and newsletters, visit www.networkofstrength.org or call the Breast Cancer Support Hotline at 1-800-221-2141 (English, with interpreters in 150 languages) or 1-800-986-9505 (Spanish).
