Being a Team Captain
Team Captains play a key role in the success of all of the Buddy Walk. Your leadership is invaluable to the MDSC and your dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated.
In addition, you raise vital funds for the organization, which allows us to continue to reach new heights in providing accurate information, networking opportunities, and advocacy for and about Down syndrome.
A Team Captain…
- is the leader of a walk team
- recruits family, friends, and colleagues to join their team
- builds excitement and commitment
- maximizes the fundraising potential of all team walkers
- provides inspiration and motivation
- recognizes and acknowledges all efforts made by the team
Your leadership is invaluable to the MDSC and your dedication and hard work is greatly appreciated.
Build and Motivate Your Team
Whether it’s with family, friends, colleagues, or members of affiliated organizations you belong to, building a team can really boost camaraderie and morale. As a Team Captain, it’s important to find ways to build excitement and commitment with team members.
Here are a few tips:
- Host a kick-off party
- Email people a weekly fundraising tip, inspirational quote/story, etc.
- Make event posters for bulletin boards, doors, waiting rooms
- Post sponsor and walk sheets in high traffic areas at work where colleagues can make a pledge or join your team
- Create friendly competition between different departments or family members
Buddy Walk All Star Program
Buddy Walk All-Stars is a recognition program for people who go above and beyond in their individual fundraising efforts. Anyone who personally raises $500 or more will become a “Buddy Walk All-Star” for which they receive special recognition, all of which is highlighted below.
“Buddy Walk All-Stars” receive:
- Recognition in the MDSC e-newsletter and website
- An exclusive All-Star sign mailed to your home
It’s a wonderful way for team captains to motivate walkers on their team. All walkers are encouraged to raise a minimum of $250 by the walk.
Team Fundraising Incentives
In addition to the awards, we give out to top fundraising teams, we like to motivate all walkers to keep working hard so your team can have a greater impact in the lives of people with Down syndrome.
Key Tips on Achieving your Fundraising Goal
- Start now! There is no such thing as starting too early.
- Ask people who are likely to support you – past supporters are the best and easiest people to start with.
- Make it easy to donate – fully utilize your personal fundraising page and add the link to your email accounts and social media profiles.
- Personalize your materials as much as possible – although it can take extra time, it makes a big difference and will pay off in the end.
- Use multiple ways to reach out to people – online is very popular these days especially through social media sites like Facebook, but don’t forget about letters, emails, posters, and personal phone calls. Follow-up is important.
- Specify your ask– people like options, so come up with three levels of giving and add an “other” category (for example $100, $50, $25, other) for people to choose from. You can be real creative with this!
- Tell your story! – talk about why you participate in the walk for the MDSC. Your personal experience is what will inspire and gain support.
- THANK your supporters and update them on your progress as well as how successful the event was. This is a very important step and can be done through personal cards, letters, email blasts, etc.
Fundraising Ideas:
- Hold a yard sale, bake sale, car wash, meat raffle, etc.
- Get your workplace or your child’s school involved in fundraising.
- Check with your employer and ask people if their company will match their gift. Many companies have matching gift programs.
- Bring a pledge/sponsor sheet everywhere you go.
- Provide people with two easy giving options: donating online or by check. Inform people of a deadline for receiving gifts.