1. Why choose peer-to-peer fundraising, and how does it work?

Peer-to-peer fundraising is an excellent opportunity for our partners to be even more closely involved and bless the women and children at Shirley's House of Hope! As a Run for Hope participant, we encourage you to ask your friends, family, and coworkers to sponsor you for the event to help cover the operational costs of SHOH so we can continue to provide services for women and children affected by domestic abuse and addictions. 

We chose to host a peer-to-peer fundraising event for a couple of reasons! First, because historically our Spring Fundraiser has always been a peer-to-peer event. With the closing of the Rose Bowling Alley, we wanted to make a transition to a new event as easy as possible. We also do a Spring peer-to-peer fundraiser because your participation raises more awareness for SHOH! Many people do not realize the need for our services or that we even exist! But with your help, we can continue to grow and inform those in need that we are here for them.

 

2. What are peer-to-peer fundraising best practices?

First, get started immediately! Waiting to begin solicitation only shortens your time to reach your goal. Second, sponsor yourself! Others are more likely to donate to your cause if you demonstrate that you believe your own message. Third, share your personal fundraising page on social media to help get the word out! As a RfH participant, you get your very own personal fundraising page to share with others, and you can even create your own keyword for text fundraising!  Finally, make sure to thank your donors. Your gratitude lets them know that their contributions matter. For more help, see your "resources page" once you have completed your registration.

 

3. Who can I contact if I need help?

You can contact Jessica Baker at 864-414-8366 or jessica@shirleyshoh.org, or Julie Cravillion at 715-305-9782 or julie@shirelyshoh.org. Either of us would be happy to assist you!

 

4. Are there any prizes or perks to fundraising?

Yes! Our top fundraisers will get to pick a prize from the prize table at the event. There are usually about 40 prizes available, and all of them are awesome! Also, for every $100 you raise, you will receive one entry into the drawing for the Wilderness Resort Waterpark package! That's a two-night stay for up to 4 people, with no blackout dates. 

 

5. How can I raise $1,000? That seems like a LOT!

Raising money does not have to feel scary! If you find 20 people who are willing to donated $50 to you, thats your $1,000 goal right there. Other ways to break down your goal are to give $20 yourself, ask your spouse to donate $25, asking 3 close family members to give $40 each, asking a close friend to give $50 or two close friends to give $25 each, asking five coworkers to give $10 each, and so on! Smaller amounts add up quickly. 

 

6. What should I wear?

You can wear whatever you are most comfortable in! Keep in mind you will be running or walking outside, so make sure you are wearing comfortable sneakers with socks you will not get blisters in and weather-appropriate clothes. You will receive your event t-shirt in your loot bag and can use the Wildwood Pavilion bathrooms to change in, if you like.

 

7. Where can I park on the day of the event?

You may park in any of the Wildwood Parking lots open to the public, or the Vandehey Waters parking lot. Please do not park anywhere along either of the run/walk routes.

 

8. How do I check in at the event?

Please visit the check-in table to be signed in and collect your loot bag! You can also register to join the event at the check-in table if you had not registered prior.

 

9. What happens if the weather is bad?

If the weather is poor for running or walking on the day of the event but it is safe to drive, we will still meet together at Wildwood Station to do the drawing for the Wilderness Resort Waterpark Package, prize collection for fundraisers, and to celebrate raising funds for the women and children at Shirley's House of Hope. In the event of a snowstorm or blizzard, we will call the top fundraisers and have them select prizes individually, as well as the winner of the Waterpark package.

 

10. Can I bring my dog?

You absolutely can bring your furry friend! Just be sure to keep him or her on a leash, and follow the Wildwood Park animal guidelines (i.e., don't let them run up close to the animals at the zoo as this could cause them distress).

 

11. When is the event, again?

Run for Hope 2024 is on Saturday, April 20th, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. We can't wait to see you there!