TeamWalk Tips

The TeamWalk is a pre-paid event and sponsorships are raised for your participation. 100% of funds raised will support Research Awards. The most effective way to get sponsorships is to ask people directly. The next-best way is a letter-writing campaign. All donations are appreciated and they add up!

Letter Writing Campaign

Make a list of everyone you know – friends, family, co-workers, businesses you frequent and groups you belong to. For regular mail, please enclose a pre-addressed envelope for them to use. For e-mail, we can prepare a personal TeamWalk webpage for you, allowing your family and friends to link right to it and make safe, online credit card donations.

Sample Letter:

“I am writing this letter to everyone I know because I hope you will support me in an annual event that is very important to me and my family. It’s the annual TeamWalk For Our Cures walkathon. I’m going to participate in this event in (location) on (date). (Or, I’m going to participate as a Walker by Proxy and a designated Walker will walk for me on August 29 in Massachusetts)

As you may know, I have (or family member has) a rare neurological disorder called (HSP or PLS). This disorder slowly damages the nerves that help me (walk, move my arms, speak). It is progressive, and will make it more difficult for me as time goes on. However, I hold on to a positive attitude and make the best of everything life places before me because there is so much to be grateful for (give a personal statement here).

Although there is currently no cure, I have a lot of hope because research is finally accelerating. Experts are hopeful that cures can be found in this generation. But that, of course, depends upon funding. The Spastic Paraplegia Foundation was formed in 2002 as a foundation dedicated to raising funds for research on this disease. The TeamWalk For Our Cures is our national fundraiser, and that’s why I’m participating in it.

I realize that there are many charities that vie for your attention but any contribution, large or small, will be greatly appreciated. I hope you’ll return the enclosed envelope to me by (date) or visit my online TeamWalk fundraising page to make your online contribution at (URL). If your company has a matching gift program, please include the form so that your gift can be matched. Thank you so much for your consideration!”

Email Campaign:

You can have your own TeamWalk Webpage with your photo and letter where people can make online credit card donations through PayPal, a secure site for online business. Email your friends and give them a link to your website.  See this Personal Page for an example.

Your own mini-event!

You can also organize a small Family and Friends Fundraiser! Hold a bake sale, car wash or a spaghetti supper! Check with your company or civic group to see if they can help! Or, ask your beauty salon or other service shop to hold a special day where proceeds support your cause!

Remember to inquire about company matches!

TeamWalk Forms

TeamWalk Newsletter:  This four-page newsletter gives an overview of the entire 2004 TeamWalk event.

Sponsorship Form:  This form is to log-in your sponsorships and submit with your donations. Please note the locations and deadlines necessary for your TeamWalk effort.  PDF format.  Word Document.

Mail-in Registration Form: Use this Form to register for a TeamWalk and the Research and Beyond Conference.

One-page flyer about the disorders and SPF that you can give out or enclose in your mail campaign.  PDF format.  Word Document.

Tips and Sample Letter: A copy of the sample letter above.  PDF format.  Word Document.