2017 Walker Resource Handbook
Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 3 GETTING STARTED – THE BASICS ......................................................................... 3 ENGAGEMENT 101 – WAYS TO MAKE THE ASK .............................................. 4– 5 DONATION FORM OFFLINE GIVING ..................................................................... 6 FUNDRAISING REQUEST LETTER SAMPLE ............................................................ 7 ABC’S OF FUNDRAISING ................................................................................. 8– 9 FUNDRAISING PLAN.......................................................................................... 10 CAPTAIN’S CORNER .................................................................................... 10– 12 VIRTUAL WALKER ...................................................................................... 13 – 14 SOCIAL MEDIA ........................................................................................... 15 – 16 INCENTIVE PROGRAM AND PRIZES ................................................................... 17 WALK DAY INFORMATION ................................................................................ 18 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS / FAQs .................................................... 19 ‐ 20 Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 Dear Walker, Thank you for supporting the 11th Annual National Walk for Epilepsy. We are grateful for your time and dedication to the 3 million people in the United States living with epilepsy. Over the past ten years, thousands of people have participated in our National Walk, raising over $10 million! Whether you are a team captain, a member of a team, virtual walker or walking on your own, we want to encourage you to have fun and enjoy the event! The success of the National Walk for Epilepsy is based on passionate participation, building awareness and raising funds. We rely on you as participants and leaders in your community to help make this annual event a success. To show our appreciation for your hard work and efforts we will once again host a reward program that gained its popularity at the 2016 Walk. You are much more than a fundraiser! Remember that while you are raising funds, you will be talking to people who might not know much about epilepsy, the foundation or our mission. You are a spokesperson for the Epilepsy Foundation. Your participation puts you in a unique position to advocate for us and the 3 million people in the U.S. living with epilepsy. You will raise awareness by sharing your story and passion to make a difference with others. We are here to help you succeed. This handbook is a comprehensive guide with tips and tools to ensure success of your fundraising goals and team building efforts. Should you need additional resources or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. On behalf of everyone at the Epilepsy Foundation, thank you for being a part of the 11th Annual National Walk for Epilepsy! Important topics covered in this handbook are: 







First Step… Make the Ask Get Started: Set a Fundraising Goal, Customize Your Page, Identify Your Donors! Who to Ask? Writing your letter/email requesting support (sample enclosed) Social Media Tips The ABC’s of Fundraising / Ideas Fundraising Plan of Action FAQs
Walk Day Info
First Step…ASK! The first priority in fundraising to reach your goal is to make the ASK! Ask people to join your team. Ask them to donate to the cause. Start by soliciting the people you know well. Your inner circle will most likely be eager to support your efforts. Then ASK casual acquaintances, work or school associates, church members, local companies and civic organizations. The truth is, many people you ask will support you… simply because you ASK! Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 Getting Started – The Basics Register online!  Log onto walkforepilepsy.org. Click Register and follow the new streamlined registration form to set up your customized Walk webpage. Set a personal fundraising goal!  Why it’s important: You have to know what you’re working towards in order to reach it. Knowing your goal will help motivate others to help you reach it. Customize your fundraising webpage!  Why it’s important: Tell Your Story! People give to people. Your story is the sole reason people will be compelled to donate to you! Just by adding photos and/or a short story inspires and compels others to donate to your cause. Terrified of technology? Call our office at 866‐4EF‐WALK to set up your team’s page. It takes about 15 minutes—we are here to help! Identify your donors. Begin with those most likely to give a donation!  Why it’s important: Get your network involved! Consider who you know and how much they could give you if asked in the right way. Send emails from your customized Walk webpage (already set up for you once registered) to ask for support. Use our “Who to Ask” worksheet to jog your memory and get started. Make a personal donation to your fundraising webpage!  Why it’s important: Lead by example! Your donation request is so much more compelling when you can point to your personal donation as proof of your commitment to the Epilepsy Foundation.
How To Ask?
There are 3 ways to ask! 1. Ask through email Use our sample pre‐written email in this handbook. Copy, paste, personalize, add the Walk logo and send! It’s that easy! Include a link to your webpage in your email signature: “I’m participating in this year’s National Walk for Epilepsy. Visit my page to learn more and support my efforts <insert your hyperlink here>.” 2. Ask in person Asking for larger gifts should be done in person whenever possible. You always have a better chance of getting a donation when you ask this way. Check out the ABC’s of Fundraising section for fun ideas and ways to ask people around you. 3. Ask on Social Media Giving through Facebook or social media is more popular than ever. Posting regularly with a link to your fundraising page is key to success. Use our sample Facebook and Twitter fundraising posts. Don’t forget to include our hashtag, #walkforepilepsy Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 Who to Ask? – Make the Ask Worksheet
The most successful fundraisers are those who aren’t afraid to ask their friends and family for support—they will want to help you because this cause matters to you! Creating a list of whom you want to ask and how much you think they could give is a great place to start. To raise money, it is important to break down your overall goal into smaller, more attainable steps. So the first step is to determine what you are comfortable asking for. Filling out this worksheet will help jog your memory. Make a Phone Call to: Make a Phone Call to: 28. Bartender ________________________ 1. Parents ___________________________ 29. Gym/Yoga Studio __________________ 2. Sisters ____________________________ 30. Pharmacist________________________ 3. Sisters‐in‐law ______________________ 4. Brothers __________________________ Others you might call or email: 5. Brothers‐in‐law_____________________ 31. College friends_____________________ 6. Aunts/Uncles ______________________ 32. Fraternity friends __________________ 7. Cousins ___________________________ 33. High school friends_________________ 8. Children __________________________ 34. Facebook friends __________________ 9. Nieces/Nephews ___________________ 35. Children’s friends __________________ 10.Grandparents _____________________ 36. Children’s teachers_________________ 37. Neighbors ________________________ Send an Email to: 38. Parents’ friends____________________ 11. Accountant _______________________ 39. Former Co‐workers_________________ 12. Attorney _________________________ 40. Coach(es) ________________________ 13. Babysitter ________________________ 14. Dentist___________________________ 15. Chiropractor ______________________ Consider people from: 41. Work ____________________________ 16. Landlord/Manager _________________ 42. Bowling League ___________________ 17. Real estate agent __________________ 18. Physical therapist __________________ 43. Gym or Yoga ______________________ 19. Physician _________________________ 44. Childcare _________________________ 20. Wedding planner __________________ 45. Place of Worship___________________ 46. Coffee house _____________________ Drop Off a Letter to: 47. Neighborhood Café ________________ 21. Pet Groomer/Vet___________________ 48. Camp ____________________________ 22. Drycleaner________________________ 49. Golf Course _______________________ 23. Florist ___________________________ 50. Favorite Restaurant ________________ 24. Barber/Stylist _____________________ 25. School ___________________________ Don’t forget…. 26. Supermarket ______________________ 51. YOU can make a Personal Donation 27. Manicurist________________________ Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 ` Ways to Engage Your Community

Write a Letter or Email. Use the contact list of supporters you developed and add more to it. Do not hesitate to include casual acquaintances, as they will understand you are seeking donations for a worthy cause. The more people you reach out to, the more likely you are to get donations. Don’t assume someone can’t or won’t support. Send them the letter or email and let them decide. Make the Ask! 
Make it personal. If mailing, hand address the outside envelope and hand sign each letter. For emails, don’t send a mass email with everyone’s address showing. It may take more time, but sending individual emails will make potential donors feel special. Write a short personal note to those you don’t see regularly, i.e., “Mary, John I hope this (letter/email) finds you doing well!”  Put your HEART into it. Let them know why you’re fundraising. Epilepsy is important to you ‐ share why. Don’t include too many facts and figures; instead include your personal story of why you have taken on this meaningful effort. Someone will donate to you because they know you, and want to support your efforts. 
Make your ask POWERFUL; include a “Call to Action.” Don’t just tell them what you are doing, include a call to action. Include your personal fundraising goal in the text, and suggest giving levels. 
Make it easy to donate. Include a link to your personal fundraising page and encourage online donations. If mailing, include a return envelope for them to send their donation to you. Label the envelopes with your address. It’s also nice to include a stamp on the return envelope. If they will be attending the walk, instruct them to complete the offline donation form and bring a check payable to: National Walk for Epilepsy. 
Set a deadline. People are always motivated by deadlines. We recommend that you set a deadline earlier than the event date. This way you can assess your fundraising and revise your plan if needed before the actual deadline. The 11th Annual National Walk for Epilepsy takes place on March 25, 2017. 
Send a reminder. Keep a list of those who send in donations. Send a reminder to those who have not yet donated. Include fundraising updates in your reminder. Let them know that fundraising is going well, but you still have a bit farther to go. Sometimes, reminder letters are more successful than original letters for bringing in the money. 
Send a “thank you” card. “Thank You” are powerful words. It is nice to receive a note acknowledging the importance of a donation, no matter the amount. Staying in communication develops a rapport that will have many added benefits, from closer bonds of friendship to continued support for future efforts. Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 ` National Walk for Epilepsy Offline Donation Form For funds collected by check or cash please fill out this form and send back to the Epilepsy Foundation. Please do not
send cash! For cash donations, please write a personal check for the amount and list the donor’s name on the form for
credit. Donor Information: Name: Title
First
M.I.
Last
Email: Company Name: Address City State Zip Country Phone:
My gift is eligible for a matching donation from my employer My gift is: For Walk Participant:_______________________________ 

For Team:________________________________________ Credit Card Charge my credit card $____________________ VISA
MasterCard
AMEX
Discover Card Number:________________________________________________Exp. date____________ Name on card:______________________________________________________________
CVV #_______________
Signature:____________________________________________________________
Check(s) enclosed $_________________
Check Number_______ Please make checks payable to: National Walk for Epilepsy Mail your completed form to: National Walk for Epilepsy Epilepsy Foundation 8301 Professional Place-East, Suite 200 Landover, MD 20785 Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 ` Sample Letter These days most fundraising happens online, but many people still enjoy receiving a letter in the mail. Cards and letters are a great way to reach people you want to give, but do not have email or send tweets or use Facebook. Dear____________________ : I will be participating in the 11th Annual National Walk for Epilepsy on Saturday, March 25th in Washington, DC. The purpose of the walk is to raise funds and awareness toward the Epilepsy Foundation’s mission to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy, accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. Your tax‐deductible donation will make a difference in the lives of 150,000 people who will develop epilepsy each year in the United States. Your gift will support awareness so that everyone understands what epilepsy is, and what it isn’t. It will support by funding research into new therapies and a finding cures for epilepsy. It will also support advocacy and services so that people living with epilepsy are able to participate in all life experiences. My personal goal is to raise <insert goal> and your support of a donation will help me achieve my goal! You can donate to my online fundraising page <INSERT LINK>. The process is fast, easy, and secure. If you prefer, you can send your gift directly to me with your check made payable to the National Walk for Epilepsy. Thank you in advance for your generosity and help. We greatly appreciate it! Together we will make a difference. [YOUR NAME] Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 ` Fundraising – ABC’s Fundraising can be a lot of fun and there are many easy ways to raise money. We want you to enjoy your experience so we’ve provided a few great ideas to jump start your efforts! Some of these ideas are quick and easy, and some might take more time, but they will all be worth the investment you make! Feel free to get creative. Auctions Ask for donations from local businesses and set up a live or silent auction. Auctions can be held at work, during a party or even a family reunion! Get creative – auction off the boss as your personal assistant for the day, auction off that close parking spot, auction off your centerpieces. Ask everyone to bring their favorite bottle of wine and auction them all off! Birthday Party Instead of gifts, hold a purple themed birthday party and ask for donations for the National Walk for Epilepsy. Cook off Who makes the tastiest chili in your office? Which team member bakes the best cupcakes? Tasting judges are charged for each voting ballot. Whoever gets the most votes is crowned “Chopped Champion” for Epilepsy. Dress Down Day At your office, ask colleagues to donate $5 to your fundraising efforts and then as a reward work with your HR department to ensure that everyone who donates can dress casually on the designated day! Errand Service Life is so hectic, who has time to run errands these days? Spend the day running their errands for a fee. Fashion Show Put a spin on the old fashion show! Have local college students design the clothes, hold a pet fashion show, Halloween contests, clean out your closet and have an old school fashion show and charge an admission fee. Get creative and have fun! Go Greek Contact your local sorority/fraternity chapter and tell them that you are an alum. Ask them if they would coordinate one of their philanthropy/charity events to benefit your cause. Or just ask them for help doing volunteer work for your event (have them bake cookies for your bake sale, for example.) Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 ` More Fundraising Ideas Here are more creative ideas Corporate Matching Gifts Corporations will often match gifts given to you by employees. This is a great way to double or triple your fundraising efforts. Contact your HR Department for more information. Ask each donor if their company matches charitable donations. Concession Stand Take‐Over Many sports venues and high school stadiums allow groups to work the concession stand to raise funds for charity. Look into the arenas near you. Or, if your child’s little league does not have a concession stand, ask if you can sell water and treats! Restaurant Night Contact your local restaurant or bar to host an Epilepsy Night, bartending night, or special entrée or signature drink where a donation of a certain percentage of those sales or tips can go towards your fundraising efforts. Use your passion! Host a clothing or book swap. Baby sit. Pet sit. Proofread and edit resumes. Make cakes or cupcakes. Anything goes and can be turned into a powerful fundraiser! Jeans Day! Have coworkers donate $5 to wear jeans for the day. Spice it up – Hat Day, Team Spirit Day, Purple Day, etc. Karaoke Night Hold this event at a popular neighborhood spot and charge entrance or rent a karaoke machine and hold a tournament at your house. Voting is done in dollars! Lunch with the CEO/Celebrity Auction off a special lunch with the CEO of your company or a local celebrity. Office Olympics Have a fun day at work. Hold events like typing competitions, swivel chair races, staple pull contests, stress ball toss, water cooler drinking game, etc. Ask all coworkers to pay an entry fee. Raffles Raffle off fun prizes. YOU GET THE IDEA… GET CREATIVE…HAVE FUN…RAISE MONEY FOR A GREAT CAUSE! Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 ` Fundraising Plan Set a fundraising goal and then create a plan to help get you there. Here are a few suggestions! Raise $250 Ask 4 relatives for $25 Ask 5 friends for $10 each Ask 3 co‐workers or neighbors for $10 each
Sponsor yourself! $100
$50
$30
$20
$250
Raise $500 Email Campaign: Recruit 5 team members who will commit to sending out 25 emails asking for a donation of $25. Even with a return rate of 25% you will raise more than $100 per team member. $500 $500
Raise $1000 Email Campaign: Recruit 5 team members who will commit to sending out 25 emails asking for a donation of $25. Even with a return rate of 25% you will raise more than $100 per team member. Partner with a Vendor: Work with a vendor (i.e. Mary Kay, Stella & Dot Jewelry, Tastefully Simple) to set up shop in your office lobby for the day or host a party at your home. Ask for 20% of the sales to come back to the Epilepsy Foundation. $300
Casual for a Cause: Host a dress down day at your office – charge $5 to participate $100
Game Watch: Invite 10 friends over to watch the Super Bowl, March Madness, Stanley Cup (or whatever sport you love) and ask for a $10 donation. Provide snacks and drinks and it will be a party everyone will remember for a great cause! $100
$500
Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 $1000
` Captain’s Corner HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL TEAM CAPTAIN A team captain’s goal is to recruit walkers to raise funds for the Epilepsy Foundation’s mission. The Team captains are responsible for all team communications and organization. Once you have registered and formed your team, let your friends and family know! When your friends and family register, they can register through the “join an existing team” button and will be automatically linked and added to your roster. Step 1: Set a Goal Use the chart below to create your team fundraising goal. $ $ $ $ Number of walkers: ___. Each walker is encouraged to beat the national fundraising average of $250. (Include neighbors, co‐
workers, family, friends of employees, etc., on your team.) Team X will raise at least $_____ (In order for Team X to raise a min of $1,000, each walker is encouraged to raise at least x dollars) Your personal fundraising goal (Lead by example and show your team members how easy it is to raise funds for a great cause) Corporate matching (Does your company match donations?) $ Corporate sponsorship (Would your company like community publicity?) $ Business Partners (Can your company’s vendors support your team efforts?) $ Team fundraising events/activities (Create some FUNdraising activities to spur excitement and raise funds.) $ Total Team Goal Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 ` Captain’s Corner Step 2: Recruit Walkers Start recruiting your team today! Ask today and then mark your calendar to ask again. People get busy and often need a reminder. Plan an internal kickoff to sign up walkers and get them excited. - Share your experience. - Discuss goals and incentives. - Use the sample “join my team letter/email” provided to send a message to potential team members. Send it to EVERYONE in your address book. Encourage them to forward it to their contacts. Don’t forget to include the link to your fundraising page. Join My Team Letter/Email Sample [First Name], I am forming a team for the 11th Annual National Walk for Epilepsy and we hope you'll join us. The Epilepsy Foundation is the premier national voluntary health agency dedicated solely to the welfare of the 3 million people living with epilepsy in the U.S. and their families. We work to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; to improve how people with epilepsy are perceived, accepted and valued in society; and to promote research for a cure. The National Walk is our annual gathering to bring people together to raise awareness and to celebrate our successes. As you may know, [insert your personal reason for walking here—if you are affected by epilepsy or have a family member affected, please share about the diagnosis, treatment and why this walk is important to you]. By joining our team and raising funds for this important cause, you'll be making a real impact on the fight against Epilepsy. It only takes 3 easy steps to make a huge impact! 1) Visit our Team Page at [INSERT TEAM PAGE URL]. 2) Click the "Join" button next to our team at the bottom of the page. 3) Follow the prompts to register. Once you've joined the team, we'll need your help to reach our team fundraising goal. Don't worry ‐ fundraising is easier than you think. The Epilepsy Foundation provides all the tools you need, including your own personal fundraising page. Plus, I'll be here to support and encourage you along the way. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions! Thank you, [NAME] My Team Page URL: [TEAM PAGE URL] Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 ` Captain’s Corner Step 3: Create Excitement Share the incentive program to build excitement. -
Create excitement with updates on your team's progress and incentives through internal emails to all walkers. -
Provide fundraising suggestions to all walkers and share your team’s fundraising success via email. -
Post National Walk posters and distribute Save the Date cards at your office, school or place of worship. Step 4: FUNdraise Ask every walker on your team to raise at least $250 to beat the national fundraising average. Who doesn’t love a challenge? Step 5: Sharing is Caring Share your fundraising progress on social media, your walk webpage and in follow up texts and emails to inform people of your progress and goals. Make it personal, however you are affected by epilepsy and why this is important to you, share your story! Step 6: Say Thank You Send thank you letters to all members of your team and everyone that participated in your fundraising goals. Make people happier than before they gave to you. Make them excited to give next time. Make the world a more generous place by starting with two little words “thank you.” Step 7: Celebrate Your Team’s Success at the 11th Annual National Walk Attend the Walk. Take a team photo, eat, drink and celebrate your hard work! Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 ` Virtual Walker BE A VIRTUAL WALKER! Let’s become tied to change! If you can’t make it to DC on March 25th to participate in‐person at the National Walk for Epilepsy but still want to get involved by fundraising and/or being part of a team? Register today as a Virtual Walker! Join the movement toward a world free of seizures by fundraising through our Virtual Walker program. Virtual Walkers are online participants who virtually participate in our Walk by registering and fundraising for our cause anywhere and at any time prior to or on March 25, 2017. Virtual Walkers are vital to the success of the Walk. We’ll send you an official Walk t‐shirt and laces. Let’s cover the world purple and unite the world to our cause, tied to change. Download the toolkits and take a picture of yourself in your official walk t‐shirt and a shoefie of your purple laces. We want to hear from you! Tell us your story of how you increased awareness in your community via email at [email protected] so we can add it to our walk gallery. Being a Virtual Walker is an excellent opportunity for you, your friends, and your family to raise money and awareness for a good cause with global impact. Virtual Walkers support our cause and are a part of the walk from anywhere in the United States! You’ll be with us in spirit and show appreciation for people living with epilepsy everywhere! Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 ` Virtual Walker Make Your Virtual Walk a success with these easy steps: Step 1: Register Virtual Walker (all ages) Registration thru March 2, 2017 $40 (includes cost of shipping t‐shirt and laces) Note, cutoff date for t‐shirts and laces being mailed prior to the walk: 2/24/17 Late Registration Begins March 3, 2017 $45 (includes cost of shipping t‐shirt and laces) Note, t‐shirts and laces will be mailed 3 weeks after the walk 4/17/17 Step 2: Fundraise and Spread the Word Once registered as a virtual walker, your own personal walk page will be automatically created. Virtual Walkers can be team captains, members of teams, participate in fundraising contests and become top fundraisers. Customize your walk page with pictures and add your personal story about why you’re participating in the National Walk for Epilepsy. Send your webpage to family and friends around the world, asking them to sponsor you as a virtual walker. Family, friends and colleagues can easily donate to your walk webpage using a credit card. You may also raise money the “old fashioned” way – asking people, face‐to‐face! Step 4: Share Your Story Use the toolkits to take pictures of your events in your local communities. We want to highlight you and create a purple map of awareness. We would love to hear about your Virtual Walk experiences. Send us your story to [email protected]. Step 5: Take a Walk (Optional) Although not required, many virtual walkers want to fulfill the “walking” obligation. If so, after you have completed fundraising, choose a day, time and place to “walk” at whatever distance works best for you. All virtual walkers must complete their fundraising and all checks must be received by March 25, 2017 in order for donations to count toward the participant’s incentive prize.* Please convert any cash donations to a check or money order – please do not mail cash! Use the offline donation form found within this guide. Step 6: Say Thank You – You Became the Change You Wanted to See In The World Make the world a more generous place by starting with two little words “thank you.” Send thank you letters to all members of your team and everyone that participated in your fundraising goals. Make people happy they supported you and the Epilepsy Foundation. Make them excited to give next time. *Any contributions received after that date will not be eligible for incentive prizes Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 ` Social Media As we all know social media has become one of the most powerful outlets in today’s world. We encourage you to utilize it to help you succeed in your fundraising efforts. We have included some sample messages you can post to your Facebook profile, Twitter page, or LinkedIn profile. Social media networks reach a far greater audience than a phone call or emails, we know you can make a difference reaching out to yours! Message One, after registration: I’ve registered for the 11th Annual National Walk for Epilepsy. I hope you’ll join me as I walk to raise awareness. I walk because <insert your reason for walking> and I’m asking for your support. Visit my webpage to learn more <insert hyperlink to your personal page here>. Message Two, throughout campaign: Did you know that epilepsy is the 4th common neurological disorder in the U.S. after migraines, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease? I’m raising funds to do something about that! Visit my webpage <insert hyperlink to your personal page here> to learn more and support my efforts! Message Three, throughout campaign: I’m halfway to my goal, and only need $x more to reach it! Will you help me? Visit my page and make your donation today <insert hyperlink here>. Message Four, throughout campaign: It’s only two weeks before this year’s National Walk for Epilepsy and I am so excited to participate and make a difference in the lives of those who live with epilepsy. <Share your personal reason for walking here>. Please support my efforts by donating and visit my personal webpage to learn more! <insert hyperlink here>. Message Five, after walk: Thank you so much to everyone who supported my efforts to raise money for the National Walk for Epilepsy. The walk was this past weekend and we had a fabulous time! I was able to raise <$> and be a part of <#of walkers> who raised a total of <$total of walk>! Thank you for your help and check out my page if you want to learn more about the Epilepsy Foundation. <insert hyperlink here>. Key Points to remember when utilizing Social Media: o Always include a link to your personal fundraising page. o Don’t be afraid to post frequently. Remember how quickly messages end up on the next page with everyone sharing their own statuses. o Publicly thank your donors on your page: “Thank You to Jane Doe for her donation. Your support is so appreciated!” Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 ` Sample Tweets Want to tweet your participation for the 11th Annual National Walk for Epilepsy, but you are not sure what to say? No problem. Use the following messages. Thank you for helping us to spread the word.
1 in 26 will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. Support the search for a cure w/ @EpilepsyFDN walkforepilepsy.org #EpilepsyWalk @EpilepsyFDN is helping fund research to lead to cure, help support their work walkforepilepsy.org #EpilepsyWalk @EpilepsyFDN has trained school nurses & law enforcement on epilepsy & seizures. Support their work walkforepilepsy.org #EpilepsyWalk Your support of my #EpilepsyWalk team can help @epilepsyfdn find a cure for epilepsy! Support my team walkforepilepsy.org The @epilepsyfdn #EpilepsyWalk raises money for research & new therapies. Support my walk team to help! walkforepilepsy.org Join the fight against epilepsy w/ @epilepsyfdn by supporting my #EpilepsyWalk team. Help us find a cure! walkforepilepsy.org @epilepsyfdn helps support the 3mill Americans w/ epilepsy. Support their work for new therapies walkforepilepsy.org #EpilepsyWalk 2/3rds of people w/ epilepsy do not have control of their seizures. Support @epilepsyfdn’s walkforepilepsy.org #EpilepsyWalk Check out our Facebook and Twitter feeds for more ideas: Facebook.com/EpilepsyFoundationofAmerica Twitter.com/EpilepsyFdn Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 ` Incentive Program and Prizes
We believe in celebrating your accomplishments! That’s why the National Walk for Epilepsy participants get recognized and rewarded at different fundraising levels. These exclusive National Walk recognition items are offered as a thank you for efforts. Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 ` Walk Day Information Walk Day Walkers Village opens at 7:00 am. We encourage all teams to get there as early as possible so that you will have plenty of time to park, meet your team, and enjoy the festivities. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 7:00am 8:15am 9:00am 10:30am 10:45am 11:00am 12:00pm Walkers Village Opens Stage Program Begins Walk Starts (both 5k and Family Fun 1k) Anticipated time for Walkers to return to Walkers Village Post Walk Program Top Teams Announced Ask the Experts Event Ends Getting to The Walk Public Transportation is the best option for reaching the National Mall easily and conveniently. The closest station is the Smithsonian Metro Station. Visit www.wmata.com for schedule and train information. Parking can be difficult near the Washington Monument Grounds, so please plan accordingly. The nearest parking lot is at the Ronald Reagan Building (entrance on 14th Street, NW). Parking is open 24hrs. Visit http://itcdc.com/parking/ for additional information. What do I need to bring with me to check‐in? Your completed registration information page. How do I pick up my T‐Shirt? There are 2 opportunities for you to pick up your official Walk t‐shirt:  Friday, March 24th The Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City, VA 250 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 22202 From 9:30am‐4:30pm  Saturday, March 25th Within Walkers Village at the T‐shirt Tent ‐ Washington Monument Grounds From 7:00am‐9:00am Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 ` Frequently Asked Questions ‐ FAQs
What is the National Walk for Epilepsy? The National Walk for Epilepsy is a community and family‐oriented, non‐competitive walk in our nation’s capital. The goal of the National Walk is to raise awareness about epilepsy and seizures, while also providing funds to support our mission to improve lives and stop seizures. Crowds of over 5,000 people attend the event. A popular feature at the Walk is the “Ask the Expert” session staffed with leading epileptologists and other supportive care professionals who answer questions about living with and managing epilepsy. When and where is the Walk? The 11th Annual National Walk for Epilepsy will take place on Saturday, March 25, 2017, on the Washington Monument Grounds in Washington, DC. Walkers Village opens at 7:00am. Where can I send a donation? Donations can be sent to the Epilepsy Foundation 8301 Professional Place‐East, Suite 200, Landover, MD 20785. Please make all checks payable to: "National Walk for Epilepsy" along with an Offline Donation form attached above (also found at WalkforEpilepsy.org). Can I still raise money if I cannot attend the Walk? Yes! While we’d love to see you there, as a Virtual Walker you can still raise money if you’re not able to attend (see Virtual Walker section). What if I raise additional money after March 25th? If attending the walk, please bring additional donations to the Walk and drop them off along with a completed Offline Donation form at the Donation Tent. Or feel free to mail the donations along with a completed Offline Donation Form to our National Office at 8301 Professional Place East Suite 200 Landover, MD 20785. How are funds raised from the Walk used? Funds raised support national and local initiatives that help support those living with epilepsy and seizures, including school‐based training programs, cutting edge research and advocacy at the highest levels of government. Is there some minimum amount participants must raise in order to walk? The Epilepsy Foundation does not require individuals to raise a minimum amount to participate in the walk. We ask individuals to register early for the walk ($35 for adults, $20 for children 12 and under, and $40 for Virtual Walkers) and set a goal to raise additional funds from friends and family. Registration after February 24, 2017 will have higher registration fees. How will my donors get tax receipts for their donations? All donors who include their full name and mailing address with their donation will receive a thank you letter from the Epilepsy Foundation. This receipt includes donation information and can be used for tax purposes. Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255 ` ABOUT EPILEPSY 65 MILLION: Number of people around the world who have epilepsy. 3 MILLION: Number of people in the United States who have epilepsy. 1 IN 26 people in the United States will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime. BETWEEN 4 AND 10 OUT OF 1,000: Number of people on earth who live with active seizures at any one time. 150,000: Number of new cases of epilepsy in the United States each year ONE‐THIRD: Number of people with epilepsy who live with uncontrollable seizures because no available treatment works for them. 6 OUT OF 10: Number of people with epilepsy where the cause is unknown. For more information on how to get involved please call 1‐866‐4EF‐WALK or visit us at walkforepilepsy.org. Epilepsy Foundation | 8301 Professional Place‐East, Landover, MD 20785 WalkForEpilepsy.org | [email protected] | 1.866.433.9255