Building Your Event
Building your event can be easy; just follow these simple steps.
Set Your Goal
In addition to an individual goal, as the organizer/captain of this event you will want to set an overall event goal. This will help participants determine their individual goals. Set your goal high - but not impossible - and tell everyone. Have your goal posted at your event in a format that allows participants to see your progress toward your goal.
If you have a good sense of how many participants/teams you will have, you may want to layout some guidance around goal setting. Plan backwards from your event goal: if the goal for your event is $10,000 and you have 100 people participating, each person's goal should be $100.
Raffles and Prizes
As an incentive to participants, you are welcome and encouraged to solicit local vendors for prizes and giveaways. You may want to have a prize for the individual or team that raises the most money. Hosting raffle or tricky tray for spectators and participants is another way to raise funds during your event. Asking local cycling and running shops to donate gift cards is a great incentive for participants to purchase tickets. Recruit an individual who wants to help but isn't able to ride to help you set it up. You may also want to ask local restaurants about providing snacks and beverages for your event. If requested, use the receipt at the
back of this packet for vendors who make a donation.
Be a Warrior
A huge key to success is your knowledge and enthusiasm about the War on ALS. Be passionate, well spoken, and believe in what you say; others will follow suit. Be knowledgeable about the Blazeman Foundation for ALS and Team Blazeman. Share with your venue manager why it is important that allowing people to ride gives others an appreciation for life, and how their facility plays an integral role
in the process.
Our War is a celebration of life, and a determined effort to show the world how lucky we are to be moving forward. PALS (people with ALS) don't get that option. Using the War on ALS literature to back up your pitch is key. Make sure to have plenty of "What is ALS?" and "What is The Blazeman
Foundation for ALS?" fact sheets available to anyone who may be interested. You can also send the Blazeman Foundation information in an email to prospective participants and press to create a "buzz",
If you need help attracting participants to your event send emails to the local triathlon & cycling clubs to ask for their participation. You can also ask the facility to post the information about your event in the spin room and throughout their high traffic area. Local cycle, running and multisport stores are also a great place to advertise. Remember there are plenty of people out there that “spin” but never get on a bike and ride outside, make sure you include them in your participant recruiting.
Use Social Media
If you’re not already on Facebook, join! It’s a great way to get your information out and encourage people to invite their friends to help. Post information about your event and a link to your fundraising page to let people know if they can’t come and cycle with you they can still donate and help you reach your goal.
