Frequently Asked Questions

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❓ What is the White Cane Walk (WCW)?

This White Cane Walk is a community celebration and fundraiser hosted by Lighthouse of Pinellas, dedicated to raising awareness and support for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Family, friends, colleagues, and community members come together to honor and uplift those affected by vision loss.

Registration is free, and participants are encouraged to raise funds to support Lighthouse’s mission of providing free services to individuals of all ages with vision loss. The event features music, sensory activities, and empowering moments that celebrate our clients and the strength of our community.

National White Cane Day is 10/15 to learn more please visit: https://www.brailleinstitute.org/white-cane-day/

 

? Are clients and families expected to fundraise?

Clients and alumni are welcome to fundraise just like other participants. Those who raise $100 or more will receive a White Cane Walk t-shirt. However, clients will receive a t-shirt regardless of fundraising level. Families and team members are encouraged to participate and support, but t-shirts for non-clients are awarded only to those who raise $100 or more.

Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the event, whether fundraising or simply joining as a guest of Lighthouse.

 

? Will there be food at the White Cane Walk?

Yes! We’ll have complimentary refreshments, primarily breakfast items, and we may also have items available to purchase from Food Trucks.

 

? Will my team members receive a t-shirt?

Yes, any team member who raises or donates $100 or more will receive a White Cane Walk t-shirt.

Lighthouse staff are happy to support team captains with customized fundraising plans, including ideas for team events and strategies to help individuals reach the participant average of $250 or more through email outreach, personal asks, and online fundraising pages.

 

?‍♀️ How long is the walk?

The walk is designed to be leisurely and inclusive, taking place on the paved outer circle of Largo Central Park. The route is less than a mile and typically takes under an hour to complete.

 

? How is the money collected?

Participants are responsible for collecting donations from supporters through their walk page or the Team page. Donations made online are automatically credited to the participant’s fundraising total.

 

? When should we register?

The sooner, the better! Early registration helps maximize your recruitment and fundraising success. Our major recruitment phase begins in late summer, but many organizations prefer to plan earlier in the year.

 

? How is the money used?

Funds raised through the White Cane Walk directly support Lighthouse of Pinellas’ mission:
To advance the independence and quality of life for individuals in Pinellas County who are blind or visually impaired.

All programs are offered free of charge to clients. Learn more at www.lhpfl.org.

 

? Are pets, strollers, bicycles, and skates allowed?

  • Dogs on leashes are welcome!

  • Strollers and wheelchairs are encouraged.

  • For safety reasons, bicycles, inline skates, wheelie footwear, skateboards, and scooters are not permitted.

 

?️ What happens if it rains?

The White Cane Walk is held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather (e.g., hurricanes, high winds), updates will be communicated by Lighthouse staff.

 

♿ Are ADA accommodations available?

We strive to make the White Cane Walk accessible to all. While wheelchairs are welcome, please note that some grassy areas may be challenging to navigate. If you or someone in your group needs accommodations, please contact us in advance at 727-544-4433. We’re committed to ensuring a positive experience for every participant.

Fundraising Made Easy!

How does fundraising make a difference?

The WCW website explains all Lighthouse programs for all ages, babies, children, teens and adults/seniors. 

Where are fundraising tips and ideas?

When you register, you will receive your own fundraising page. This page will be filled with great fundraising tips, ideas, samples, and instructions on how to customize your personal fundraising page. You can use the page as is or add your own photos and personal message. Then, email your contacts a link to your site and watch the dollars start coming in!  It’s fun and simple to do. All of your fundraising dollars will be credited to your personal page, but also roll up to your Team Captain’s page to show where the team is with fundraising.

How To Start

Visit our participant resources for tools and tips!

I’m new to fundraising, how do I start?

We are here to support you every step of the way.  Get started with these few easy steps……

  1.  Register here.

  2. Make a personal donation.  Big or small, this shows your donors you are leading by example.

  3. Share your story!  Add photos and the story of why you are bringing hope to our clients. This will inspire more people to give to your fundraising efforts.

  4. Share your fundraising link on social media; Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and any other social media you utilize.  

What are the fundraising milestones to aim for?

We love setting goals and working to achieve it for our mission. Consider setting a goal of one of the levels below or a level that is meaningful to you!  Successful fundraisers often set a goal with a number that relates back to their story.  For example: “I have a goal to raise $650.00 because I was 65 when I lost my vision”.  Or “I have a goal to raise $720.00 in memory of my dad who was 72 years old when he passed.”

How Do Teams Work?

How can I/we organize a team?

It’s very simple! Once you appoint a team captain to act as a liaison between White Cane Walk and your organization, we will provide you with all the materials and guidelines to ensure success in building a successful walk team.  Interested in becoming a team captain?  Find more information here.

How many people do we need to form a team?

We recommend that a team consists of at least 10 people, with each individual participant raising funds.  Encourage your team members to reach their goal and then increase it!  You can have a team with fewer than 10 participants, and most teams have many more.  The more participants on a team, the more fun it is!

How can my company participate?

Companies participate by organizing teams of employees, including their friends, neighbors and family members, to raise money and walk in the event.  Create a corporate team here.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at the local levels.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Sherry Yagovane, 727-544-4433 ext. 227 for more information. The Sponsorship proposal is also on the website and has levels from $1,500 - $20,000 with many benefits for the Company.  

Is team membership limited to employees of the company?

No.  Team participation is encouraged among employees’ families, friends, and neighbors.  The magical and uplifting setting of the White Cane Walk creates a fun, wholesome event that brings co-workers and their families together outside the office for the purpose of helping others.  

Does having a team require some kind of corporate donation?

Corporate donations are encouraged but are not required. Many contributions will be generated by your individual team members.  However, corporate matching gifts can enhance employee fundraising efforts.  

Can we have more than one team captain?

Yes, your team can have multiple team captains. Your company can create friendly competition among departments or branch sites by recruiting a team captain from each department, branch or floor.  It is a great way to generate enthusiasm and friendly competition for a worthy cause.  

What can senior management at my company do to facilitate building a White Cane Walk team?

Management can encourage team participation in a number of ways:

  • Sign up for the team

  • Draft and distribute a company-wide memo or email endorsing the White Cane Walk

  • Authorize/host company-wide recruitment, information meetings and internal kickoff.

  • Purchase team T-shirts or other incentives to promote their company’s commitment to White Cane Walk.

  • Recognize and reward employees who achieve fundraising milestones, reaching a goal or holding a drawing. 

  • Solicit company vendors for contributions toward the team.

How are funds raised by a White Cane Walk team?

Individual team members are responsible for setting goals and raising funds from co-workers, friends, neighbors, and family members.  Each participant automatically receives an online fundraising page upon registration.  You can use this page to solicit donors and have them support you via online donations.  Teams can also conduct fundraisers such as bake sales, dress-down days, lemonade stands, golf tournaments-the sky is the limit!  Be creative and have fun!

Resources

Contact Us!

Can someone talk to our team about White Cane Walk?

Yes.  Lighthouse of Pinellas staff members who would be more than happy to meet with you and your team to talk about the White Cane Walk and help you build your team fundraising and recruitment plan.  Contact your local Lighthouse office at 727-544-4433 ext. 227 Sherry Yagovane.