Walk-A-Thon Mania!
May 4, 2012 by KathyG · Leave a Comment
2011 North Junior High Walk-A-Thon
In the coming weeks hundreds of kids from the area will be lacing up their shoes and hitting the pavement to raise money for their schools. Don’t worry, they’re not walking door-to-door selling products – they’re walking for better health.
Walk-a-thons are making a huge come-back! That’s right…the old-fashioned walk-a-thon! Schools and parent teacher groups are partnering with BLEND to bring this healthy and active fundraiser back to life. And, everyone is loving it!
Why do kids and parents like walk-A-thons?
- It’s easy and simple! No confusing forms to fill out.
- There is no delivering of goods.
- Kids are getting out of school to have fun and be active!
- Parents are only asked to donate/fundraise one time instead of multiple times per year.
- Large or small donations are welcomed! (kids are turning in pennies and nickels to support their school)
Why is this such a hit with local schools?
- There are no upfront costs or contracts.
- There is no more sorting and delivering of goods.
- Walk-a-thons generate profits without selling products.
- 100% of funds stay at the school.
- Increases student participation in fundraising efforts.
- Walk-a-thons promote physical activity.
- Schools may qualify for a $500 mini-grant.
THE EXCITEMENT BUILDS!
BLEND has been supporting healthy fundraising in local schools for a couple of years and the excitement continues to build. More and more schools are switching from fundraising practices that push kids to sell unhealthy food products to fundraising efforts that considers the overall health of the students. In fact, four St. Cloud Area School District schools are implementing their 1st annual walk-a-thon this spring – Clearview Elementary (May 11), Kennedy Community School (May 11), Westwood Elementary (May 25), and Talahi Elementary (May 25).
They’re in good company. Lincoln Elementary school is hosting their 4th annual walk-a-thon on May 24th and Stride Academy Schools has set their walk-a-thon date for June 21st. Seven other schools are planning their 2nd, 3rd, and even 7th annual healthy fundraisers in the fall 2012. We can’t wait to hear about their successes.
We know that 2011 walk-a-thons were wildly successful! South Junior High has planned their Walkin’ Wildcats walk-a-thon since 2006. Last year, South students raised over $33,000. Unbelievable, right! Even more incredible, in their first-ever attempts, Madison Elementary and North Junior High schools raised over $16,000 and $13,000!
Other schools are reaching beyond students and staff to raise money the healthy, active way. Several schools sought out the support of their greater community and planned a 1K and 5K run/walk. Sacred Heart School (Freeport) and Talahi Elementary School did just that – both raising nearly $1,500. Check out other success stories!
Sacred Heart School 1K/5K Walk and Run
This is no joke – schools are tipping the scales and exceeding their fundraising goals like never before. Walk-a-thons are a win-win for schools, kids and our community! They’ve proven to be enormously successful for Central MN schools – raising nearly $80,000 in 2011. Please support our students seeking donations for their school’s healthy fundraising efforts. Learn more about walk-a-thons and how your school could be the next to plan a walk-a-thon!
Be sure to watch all of the school walk-a-thon videos on the BLEND YouTube Channel.
