Team Captain's Guide

Take the first step to making our goal of reaching $1,000,000 a reality by taking on the role of a Team Captain!

When you walk or run you help us provide warm, friendly treatment centers close to the families’ homes, plenty of emotional support for the patient and the family throughout treatment, and access to top-notch medical care, but most of all, you show some really brave kids and their families that they are not fighting alone.
If this is your first year as a Team Captain or if you have done this before, this Team Captain’s Guide can provide you with tips on being a captain and ways you can encourage your teammates.
Together, we can fight childhood cancer and blood disorders… one step at a time.

Be sure to contact:
Jackie Callandrello,
Assistant to the Director of Communications and Special Events
or
Sierra Spriggs,
Team Captain Coordinator

for help on planning fundraisers, writing letters to potential donors and sponsors, and with any question you may have.

Thank you!

Primary Responsibilities

Register
You can register online and take full advantage of the NEW features on our website or submit forms to The Valerie Fund.

Create a Team Name and Theme 
Every team has an identity, whether you walk to honor someone currently in treatment, previously in treatment or just to support all the kids in general.  Be sure to decorate your Team Banner in time to have on the day of the walk.  Some teams enjoy designing their own t-shirts and/or writing a team cheer. 

Fundraising

Create your page!
Create you team page by setting your goal, uploading pictures, writing blogs and keeping your team motivated by tracking your team’s fundraising progress!

Ask and Tell!
Tell the potential sponsor, donor and team members what you are doing and why you are doing it.  People are inclined to give when asked by someone they know.  Your asking gives them the chance to feel good about helping others, so do not be afraid to ask. 

Double your money with Matching Gifts!
Ask your donors to ask their companies for matching gift forms.  Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions made by their employees.  Some companies even match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses! 

Recruit everyone you know
You may be surprised how cancer has affected someone you know.

Make a list of:
Family
Friends
Co-workers
Facebook friends
Local Businesses
Your doctor, dentist or lawyer
Your teammates or gym buddies
Your hairdresser or barber
People at your place of worship

Every team member must register online or complete a registration form and send it to The Valerie Fund.  Include your team name on all letters and emails you send out.

Collect and Thank
Donors can make secure online gifts, send checks to The Valerie Fund office or bring donations on the day of the Walk. For any cash you receive, please write a check or bring to The Valerie Fund office. Always thank your donors promptly for their gift with a thank you note, letter or email.

Raise Funds as a Team!
Organize creative FUNdraising events and encourage your team members to “paper their towns.”  The Valerie Fund can provide brochure stands, brochures and posters for them to hang in stores, schools, work, and coffee shops.   See Back of Guide for creative Fundraising Ideas.

Fundraising Ideas

  • Host a fundraising party at your house or another location.  Show them a Valerie Fund video as a fun way for them to learn more about the walk and organization.
  • Create a buddy system.  Those who cannot join you the day of the walk may be able to help you collect donations
  • Host a garage sale and ask your team members to donate items to be sold.
  • Promote yourselves- call your local newspaper and let them know what your team is doing.  Offer to send a photo.  Publicity generates donations.
  • Many businesses hold fundraisers for organizations.  Try holding a Dine-in-Donate at a local restaurant or asking your favorite store to hold a fundraiser.  Some restaurants or stores donate a percentage of a total purchase when presented with a flyer from your supporters at check out.
  • Ask people to donate their pocket change.  Set up change jars or bottles at home, the office or a local business and watch the change add up.  Every penny counts!
  • Plan a Casual Dress-Down day at work.

Day of Walk

  • Be sure to get all of the walk details from the website.
  • Bring your banner.
  • Let your team know what time and place to meet at the park.  Make sure you have contact info for all of the team members.
  • Take a team picture.
  • Let your team members know that there will be amusements, food and music at the park.