Marathon Team Updates #14

Posted on by Ally Hickey

Congratulations for raising over $1,000,000 for the Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center, you are all INCREDIBLE and we are so thankful for your amazing efforts.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 26 – TWO BIG EVENTS!

First, our final team meeting is scheduled from 6:00pm to 7:30pm EST. During this meeting, we will cover all essential details to prepare for the Marathon race weekend. We strongly encourage your attendance, as we will be discussing crucial information. The meeting will not be recorded.

Click here to RSVP NOW and ask any questions you have about race weekend!

Second, the day for YOU and YOUR DONORS! On Support a Stepping Strong Runner Day, make sure to ask everyone you know to support your run and remember that all new $50+ donations will receive a Stepping Strong hat. You can find suggested language here for any emails or social posts you want to push out!

Cross Your Fundraising Finish Line!

As we get closer to the second team fundraising deadline of $5,000 by March 31st, here are some ways to increase your fundraising success:

  • Get your donations matched through a company – The result? You get twice as much money for your efforts.
  • Ask EVERYONE! And make sure to follow up! Remember, no response does not mean no. Send a follow-up email/text to those you sent your initial outreach to. Let them know how your training is going and tell them that there’s still time to donate.
  • Use social media as an advantage – Instagram, Twitter, and even LinkedIn are great platforms to showcase your efforts! Ever heard of Venmo? Post on your Instagram story asking if you can request those who like your story $5-10 on Venmo!
  • Host a dinner party or game night! Both are great ways to ask guests to donate for a delicious meal or fun night. Don’t forget to include your fundraising link in the invite. It will ensure that even those unable to attend can still contribute to your goal!
  • THANK your supporters! Remember to acknowledge all your donors and thank them for their generosity., regardless of the size of their donation. Each donor is important, and it’s important to recognize each gift.

A friendly reminder that our second team fundraising deadline is on March 31. By this date, a minimum of $5,000 must be raised. If you haven’t reached the $5,000 goal by 11:59 PM on March 31, the credit card we have on file will be charged for the incremental amount needed to fulfill the obligation as outlined in the runner contract. Please note that this charge will be applied to your TeamRaiser page and is non-refundable. If you are expecting a matching gift, check, cash, Donor Advised Fund (DAF) gift, or have concerns or questions please email marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu ASAP.

Marathon Madness Challenge

Don’t forget that the Marathon Madness Challenge for the month of February ends TODAY! The runner who raises the most money or receives the most donations in February will win custom Stepping Strong swag. Additionally, the top fundraiser and the runner who receives the most donations throughout the entire three-month challenge will win a custom Stepping Strong YETI. The February winners will be announced on March 1, and the March winners, along with the championship winners, will be announced on April 1. Please email marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu or click here to sign up for a fundraising check-in call if you need ANY help with your fundraising!

Fundraising Milestones

All runners who raise $9,000 by March 31 will receive a B.A.A. Celebration Finishers Jacket or any previous incentive for our second fundraising milestone!! Make sure to check out these great swag pieces that ALL teammates are eligible to receive if they reach the fundraising benchmarks listed under the swag!

MGB’s Center for Sport Performance and Research (CSPaR)

Check out MGB’s Center for Sport Performance in Foxborough, MA! The Mass General Brigham Center for Sports Performance and Research offers a science-based approach to the training of sport and tactical athletes. Our team conducts innovative research to enhance and sustain athletic performance and aid fast and effective athlete recovery, especially as you gear up for your longer runs. You can email the team at mgbsportsperformance@mgb.org to learn more about the benefits, cost of care, etc.

Don’t forget to send us your photos!

Stretching/preparing to run, training/running outside & inside, in your Stepping Strong gear, and selfies & “point-of-view” shots are encouraged! Email to marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu or text to 857 523 8052!

If you have any questions, please contact us at marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu.

From start to finish,

Ali, Ally, and Caroline