Events

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Host An Event

A-thons

Skip, bowl, read or walk for a great cause! A-thons are well known, popular events that can involve many people in your community. Friends, family and the public can sponsor participants based on how long they perform the activity or for reaching a specified goal/score. The more participants you get, the more money you can raise. This event can involve people of all ages and can be a lot of fun!

Event Ideas for an A-thon:

Walk/run, skip, read, bowl, swim, bike, dance, skateboard, exercise

What is Great About an A-thon?

  • The idea is easy to explain and familiar to people.
  • There are a lot of different ideas to make it creative, fun, and appropriate for your group.
  • There is an option for individual or team participation.
  • It is a good annual event that people become committed to.
  • Participants typically "a-thon" together, so there is a chance to talk about why money is being raised for SickKids.
  • There can be a sense of community working towards a common goal - great event where a community already exists e.g., school, business, organization, association.

What is Challenging About Organizing an A-thon?

  • You need promotion to get participants and sponsors.
  • Getting pledges and collecting money is time consuming and can be difficult.
  • You must take into account children's safety when getting sponsors - e.g., ask only people they know, do not go door to door.
  • The event may require special facilities/accommodations - e.g., large spaces, road closures, pools, special equipment, etc.
  • Typically all participants are "a-thoning" at once, so you will likely be dealing with large numbers.
  • Tax receipting issues can be complicated. Talk to your development coordinator about your tax receipting issues.

How Long Does It Take to Organize an A-thon?

Usually a minimum of six months to promote and plan the event, get participants, and gather pledges.

Planning Considerations to Make it a Great A-thon.

  • What other a-thons are already happening in your community? Will your event be unique? At a different time than other a-thons?
  • Be sure to encourage participants to collect cash/donation at the time pledges are made rather than having to go back and collect after the event.
  • Pay special attention to registration process as you may be dealing with many participants all at once.
  • Keep in mind large numbers at your venue, e.g.; access to parking, washrooms, food/drinks.
  • Create a standardized pledge form and ensure it includes necessary information for tax receipts for sponsors.
  • Get sponsors to cover the cost of materials: printing, facility, t-shirts, food, etc.
  • Consider an annual event to develop awareness and make subsequent events easier to plan and promote.