Summer has arrived and that doesn't just mean warmer weather! Signs of summer are everywhere and include music and food festivals, baseball and softball games, eating outdoors either at restaurants or picnics, and, of course, numerous walkathons, marathons and bikeathons for charity!
It seems as if every weekend you can participate in an "-athon" type fundraiser for a nonprofit organization. Many of these endurance events are fundraisers to benefit health related organizations such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure that benefits breast cancer research, or Easter Seals' Walk With Me for Autism. Such contests raise both funds and awareness about their respective disease or illness.
The idea of people raising money for charity by walking, running or bicycling began in 1970 when the March of Dimes organized and launched its first WalkAmerica event. It was such a success that the idea was copied, adopted and adapted by many nonprofit organizations.
A quick search on the Internet produces hundreds of walkathons, marathons and bikeathons taking place in the months of June, July and August throughout the country. Here are some area nonprofits and their walking, running or biking fundraising events including websites so you can participate:
- Headquartered in Chicago, the Alzheimer's Association "Walk to End Alzheimer's". Since 1988 it's been the nation's largest event to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer's care, support and research.
The benefits of participating in a charity walk, run or biking event including:
- Charity Walks/Runs/Rides are good for health! When you get out and train, the exercise will improve your physical and mental well being!
Here are five recommendations and tips on easy ways to make a difference:
- Find a walk/run/ride for a cause you care about: utilize the Internet or call the nonprofit organization.
Support your favorite charitable cause by participating in their walkathon, marathon or bikeathon. These events are a way to honor a family member or friend who survived (or died) or who is living with an illness. These are easy ways to be involved in the philanthropic world!
Remember, by doing any of the recommendations in this blog, you will definitely be M.A.D. (Making A Difference)! Are you M.A.D. today?