TeamRaiser Story + First Team Fundraising Deadline: January 31
By now, all runners should have taken the time to update their TeamRaiser fundraising page with a personal photo and story to tell donors why you are running the 2024 Boston Marathon with the Brigham Stepping Strong Team. This is the first step in helping you meet the first team fundraising deadline of $2,000 that must be raised by January 31. Check out this helpful video explaining how to log-in to your participant center, edit your fundraising page, and email your donors on TeamRaiser!
If you have not raised $2,000 by 11:59PM on January 31, the credit card we have on file will be charged for the incremental amount to meet the obligation per the runner contract. This charge will be applied to your TeamRaiser page and will not be refunded. If you are expecting a matching gift, check, Donor Advised Fund (DAF) gift, or have concerns or questions please email marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu ASAP.
Fundraising Check-In Calls
Our team is hosting fundraising check-in calls throughout the marathon season to support YOU! While not mandatory, these are a great chance to check-in with us and make sure you feel prepared for your marathon fundraising. CLICK HERE to sign up. Calls will start on Friday, January 12 and continue bi-weekly through Friday, April 5.
Fundraising Tip
Think about reaching out to a team alum! We have 34 amazing teammates from years past who would LOVE to support you. Click here to see the full list and their emails to make a connection and ask for their best fundraising tips and tricks.
Also, sending thank you notes is a simple yet powerful way to acknowledge your donors. Make sure to say thank you to everyone who has supported you since your journey to 26.2 began. Send emails, write personal notes, tag people on social media, and thank them in person. Your note might inspire donors to give again in the New Year!
Fundraising Challenges
We love a good challenge to get everyone involved! Starting on 1/1, we will begin the March Madness fundraising challenge. Each month, two teammates will win swag if they were the highest fundraiser or if they received the most donations. On 4/1, the individual who raises the most money and the individual who receives the most donations, will receive a custom Stepping Strong YETI! Please note that if you are fundraising with other runners on a ‘team’, the totals will be divided amongst the number of people you are fundraising with.
Team Training Runs and Weekly Newsletter
This Saturday’s run on 12/30 will be an eight– ten mile run that starts at Joint Venture Physical Therapy (533 Commonwealth Ave in Kenmore Square, Boston) at 8AM. Doors will open at 7:30AM. Our team will not be there this weekend, but we look forward to seeing you on 1/6!
Be sure to check out Coach John’s latest email or his website for more information and to keep up to date on the training schedule. Make sure you are signed up to receive weekly email updates from Coach John, which are separate from our emails, to keep you informed, educated, and motivated for this season’s Boston Marathon training. Click here to subscribe to his newsletter!
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!
Reminder: If for some reason your plans change and you are not able to participate on the team, please let us know by January 1, 2024. After January 1, 2024, you will be responsible for your fundraising commitment, regardless of if you are able to run or not in April.
Warm wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!
From start to finish,
Ali, Ally, and Caroline
P.S. A friendly reminder that we will not be accessible from 5pm Friday, December 29 until 8am on Tuesday, January 2. Make sure to check out the runner portal for all your needs. If you have an urgent question, please call/text Ally (857 523 8052), Ali (857 505 1225) or email marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu if you have any questions.