| Fundraisers take a great deal of preparation and | | | | as breast cancer awareness or child abuse |
| planning to be successful. One of the hardest things | | | | prevention. To encourage them to return the |
| to coordinate is the large group of people | | | | following year, participants should be given something |
| participating. Particularly for outdoor events, like | | | | that says, "I was there." |
| walk-a-thons and sporting competitions, organization | | | | Comfort Station |
| is the key. Beyond publicizing the event and garnering | | | | Make sure that there is a place along the way for |
| support for the cause, make sure that all of the | | | | people to get water. Prevent dehydration by offering |
| background necessities are covered before the | | | | plenty of cold bottled water in well-stocked coolers. |
| event. | | | | Plan to ice the bottlers down a few hours in |
| Identification | | | | advance, so that they will be cold and refreshing |
| There should always be a check-in point with a | | | | when the time comes. There can never be too much |
| registration table. When each person registers, they | | | | ice, so plan accordingly. There should be more than |
| should be given something to denote that they are, | | | | one comfort station for mobile events, and for very |
| in fact, a participant. This can be done using a colorful | | | | large venues, have at least two areas equipped with |
| wristband that will stand out. | | | | ice, water and chairs. |
| For events that require physical movement or | | | | For particularly hot days, offer a misting tent and a |
| exertion, plastic wristbands are practical. They do not | | | | separate dry tent that will provide shade so that |
| come off during activity and are comfortable to | | | | people do not get overheated. Assign volunteers to |
| wear. Sweat and rain do not affect their durability. | | | | watch the crowd for anyone that seems distressed |
| Rubber wristbands are effective as well. | | | | or is wilting in the weather. |
| Try using different colors for different levels of | | | | Have a first aid tent nearby, so that anyone seeking |
| participation. For example, event volunteers who are | | | | medical attention will get it. Be sure to contact the |
| not participating in the activity should have one color, | | | | local emergency rescue squad to let them know |
| while those who are competing will wear another. | | | | about the event and see if they will send a stand-by |
| Use these to show special status of each group. | | | | ambulance, just in case their assistance is needed. |
| Use a heavier material, silicone wristbands, for | | | | Appreciation |
| example. They can also be used as keepsakes. It | | | | Don't forget to thank your volunteers. Thank them |
| helps people feel like they have something to show | | | | for coming when they arrive and again before they |
| for their effort. These should have a name of the | | | | leave. Be sure to give a big round of applause for the |
| beneficiary or carry the date of the event. For an | | | | participants as well. Without them, the event would |
| annual outing, use the theme behind the event, such | | | | not be possible. |