Walker Tips & Tools
We’re all about creating an inclusion revolution here at Best Buddies, and you’re a part of it. Walking is how you show it, and fundraising is how you grow it. You, yes YOU, can move our mission forward, and we’re here to help – that’s what friends are for.
First step: get in on inclusion by raising $50 to earn the official Best Buddies Friendship Walk t-shirt.
$50
Walk Shirt
$150
Kai 28 oz. Tritan Water Bottle
OR
Purple Economy Fleece Blanket (50″x60″)
$250
Qi Wireless Charger
OR
Lightweight Terry Sweatshirt
$500
AirBuds Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
OR
Boost Wireless Charger Speaker
$750
Lightweight Bomber Jacket
OR
Field & Co. Campster Wool 15″ Computer Tote
$1,000
Vertex Carbon Computer Backpack
OR
Branded YETI Rambler Tumbler
$2,500
JBL Charge 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
OR
Weatherproof Vintage Hooded Rain Jacket
$5,000
Remote Control Drone with Camera and GPS
OR
TL 1600 6pc Compact Home Theater System
$7,500
Full Color YETI Cooler Tundra
OR
10.5″ Galaxy Tab A 32GB Black
$10,000
Apple IPad Wi-Fi 128GB
OR
JBL Link 300 Google Assistant Speaker
DISCLAIMER: Your redemption code will be sent 30-45 days after the Walk, and you’ll be able to select 1 item at or below your final fundraising level.
Personalize your fundraising page
Please note: Only donations made directly through your Best Buddies Friendship Walk donation page will count towards your fundraising goal. Donations received through 3rd party platforms such as facebook fundraising, gofundme.com, etc will not show in your fundraising totals.
- Upload a photo: don’t be the person that buys a frame and keeps the stock photo in there. Pick an image that means something to you.
- Find your connection: Why are you walking? Why does having friends matter? Who’s your best friend and why? Whether you’ve been involved in Best Buddies for 20 years or you found out about us yesterday, friendship means something to you. Find your story and tell it – people will listen.
Find your peeps
We’ll let you in on a little fundraising secret: no one can do it on their own. *mind blown*
Make a list of who you know, ask them to donate, and then ask them to ask their peeps to do the same. Did you follow that? Good.
Family & friends: Start with the people who love you – Mom, Dad and your BFF (you can call us Captain Obvious). Then move on to fun uncles and long-lost cousins.
Your circle: Classmates, teachers, co-workers, neighbors, PTA, church group, alumni group – essentially anyone you’ve talked to in the past year or two
Your locals: Doctor, dentist, insurance agent, realtor, hair stylist, barber – essentially anyone you’ve given money to in the past year
More pro tips
Use social media: Not a social media guru? Pop on over to the next tab, “Social Media Tips”
Send snail mail: Yes, that’s still a thing. Sending old-fashioned letters really works. Just make sure to include a link to your fundraising page or an address where your supporters can send a check.
Fire off some emails and texts: This whole technology thing is great – it’s the fastest way from Point A to Point B. Get your fundraising link to your network as easily as possible.
Tell people what you want: People aren’t mind-readers (probably), so be specific. Let them know exactly how much you want to raise and by when.
Be grateful: This should be a given. Every gift deserves a thank you. Be prompt and sincere with your appreciation.
Team fundraising
Get your crew together. Group fundraising can unite your team, bring awareness to Best Buddies, and raise some serious dough. Win, win, win. Here are just a few DIY fundraising event ideas to get your brain storming:
Karaoke night
Office jeans day
Game night
Bakesale
Bowling tournament
Wine and cheese party
Tailgate party
Cookout or cook-off challenge
Garage sale
Video game tournament
Raffle
Baby photo contest
Gift Matching
Ask your company about their matching gift policy. You could double your donations.
Team Captain Guide
Take a look for ideas on how to take your team to the top!
Social Media Tips
Social Media Tips
Have a hook: We’re all 4 year olds on social media – it’s hard to keep our attention, and we prefer picture books. Captivate your audience with an image, video, or even creative hashtags. Showing is greater than telling, and your words are far more valuable when your reader actually sees them.
Share your progress: Your supporters want to share the journey with you. Have “milestone posts” prepared to keep followers in the loop as you move closer to your goal (eg. ‘Halfway there’, ‘Only $100 to go’, etc.)
Appreciate…
Publicly: Saying thank you on social media can be a little different. Be sure to tag your friends as you appreciate them – not only does it feel good for your supporter to be recognized publicly, but you also have a chance to inspire other donors.
Consistently: $5 or $500, every donation matters. Recognize gifts as soon as possible, and always personalize each thank you.
Creatively: With social media, even your thank yous can be used to bring more attention to your campaign. Some successful fundraisers have thanked their donors with individualized GIFs, while others have promised to share personalized videos for every donation. Think about your network, and find what works for you.
Mission-focused: Remember why you’re raising money for Best Buddies, and remind your contributors why their gift matters.
Remember your link
You may have a great pitch, but it’s hard for people to donate without knowing where to do so. Send your potential donors directly to your fundraising page.