Run United at the Williams Route 66 Marathon!

To train for a race, it takes self-discipline and passion. Make the most of your marathon experience by joining our fundraising efforts for the Tulsa Area United Way. Participants can sign up for the Run United! campaign during registration.

Each participant who registers online and opts to become a fundraiser during registration will receive an e-mail prompting you to personalize your automatically created fundraising webpage. Participants can also login to Active.com to customize your page, upload photos, send e-mails and communicate with your supporters.  

Already registered? No problem! Registered runners, as well as volunteers and other supporters, can raise money for this great cause as well. If you are a volunteer, event attendee, or a participant who did not elect to fundraise during the registration process, follow these simple steps to set-up your fundraising page and start earning gear today.  Click here and select the option to “Create a Fundraising Page Only” to become a member of the Run United Team.

By raising funds, all participants will have the opportunity to help the Tulsa Area United Way’s 61 partner agencies provide much-needed services to more than 600,000 people in the Tulsa region. Learn more about the Tulsa Area United Way through their 2011 Annual Report.

The Run United! campaign aligns with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Corporate Challenge that is new in the 2012 Route 66 Marathon. Through the corporate challenge, companies can compete while fundraising for the Tulsa Area United Way.

Run United! Fundraising Incentives

All fundraising participants have the opportunity to earn signature gear, unique gifts and race day benefits while supporting the Tulsa Area United Way.

• Participants who raise between $100 and $249 will receive a Run United! Running Cap
• Participants who raise between $250 and $499will receive a Run United! Long Sleeve Technical Running Shirt
• Participants who raise $500 or more will receive a Run United! Running Jacket

Fundraising Tips & Tricks

• Start early, start now. The most important thing to remember with fundraising is that the sooner you get started, the sooner you will see donations come in.
   
• Set up your personal fundraising webpage. When participants opt to become a fundraiser during registration, they receive an email prompting the creation of a fundraising webpage. Participants can also login to myevents.active.com to access their headquarters, customize their webpage, upload photos, send emails and communicate with supporters. Already registered? No problem! You can follow these simple steps to set-up your fundraising page and start earning gear today. Visit www.route66marathon.com, click on “Register Now” and select the option to Create a Fundraising Page Only to become a fundraising participant. Be sure to personalize the page with photos, personal experiences or your reason for participating.
   
• Set your fundraising goal. After setting your goal you need to plan how to reach it. Every person you interact with during the day is a potential donor and somebody you can educate about how you are supporting the Tulsa area in November. There is no minimum fundraising level set – and participants earn gear as they secure donations.
   
• Distribute a fundraising letter and email. In order to fundraise, you have to communicate with potential donors. Be sure to explain why you are fundraising and don’t forget to ask for support. Be strategic and creative when and how you ask potential contributors for support. In lieu of birthday gifts, in honor of loved ones, to celebrate special events and holidays.
   
• Ask for matching gifts. Many companies support employee charitable giving by offering matching gift programs. Be sure to ask your donors if they are eligible for a company match and follow the process provided by company to ensure the match is received.
   
• Follow up with others. It is important that you stay in touch with potential donors as well as supporters who have already contributed toward your fundraising efforts. Keep your friends and family up-to-date on your fundraising and training milestones. Be sure to send thank you letters and gentle reminders.
   
• Be creative with technology. Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter can be used to promote your cause. Online donations are a convenient and effective method to fundraise. People generally donate more when donating online. The average online donation is $100, and participants who use online fundraising raise an average of 46% more than those who do not. About 65% of the donations made to online fundraising campaigns came through personal webpages. 

Sample messaging

Use the following language to send letters and emails to your Run United! supporters.

Donation request:

Dear __________,

November 17-18, 2012, I will participate in the seventh annual Route 66 Marathon events. I have chosen to Run United! at this event in support of the Tulsa Area United Way.

The Tulsa Area United Way is the only nonprofit organization in the six-county area that funds 61 partner agencies, whose critical services help local citizens build a better life. Please join my team of supporters by donating today.

Please note, the Tulsa Area United Way is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and your donation may be tax deductible. All contributions have a direct and profound impact on improving the lives of Tulsans – many of whom may be living in your neighborhood, attending your children’s school, working alongside you every day.

Please consider making a donation to the Tulsa Area United Way. Any amount is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this very important effort to improve lives and build a stronger community.

Sincerely,

John Doe

Thank you message:

Dear _________,

Thank you for your recent donation in support of my Run United! efforts as part of the Williams Route 66 Marathon. Your commitment makes a direct and profound impact on improving the lives of individuals living in the Tulsa area – many of whom may be living in your neighborhood, attending your children’s school, working alongside you every day. 

The Tulsa Area United Way’s 61 health and human services partner agencies serve Creek, Okmulgee, Osage, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner counties. Visit www.TAUW.org to view their financials, a list of partner agencies and examples of how your gift helps the Tulsa area.

Sincerely,

John Doe