Media/Public Relations (PR)
The Media/PR Committee works to spread the news about the Walk by working with local media. Its goal is to increase exposure of the PKD Foundation’s signature fundraising event through relationships with local media outlets. The committee is responsible for identifying and recruiting media sponsors, sending pre-event and post-event news releases, coordinating letters to the editor, listing the Walk for PKD on community calendars and encouraging promotional events surrounding the Walk for PKD. Its members will seek out compelling “human interest” stories to pitch to the media for Walk day and pre-Walk coverage. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at 1-800-PKD-CURE or walk@pkdcure.org.
Corporate Partnerships
The Corporate Partnership Committee is responsible for identifying and selling sponsorship opportunities to potential and current corporate sponsors. Its members are encouraged to cultivate relationships with secured sponsors and ensure quality communication with the corporate partners throughout the Walk season. In addition to cultivating strong relationships with corporate partners, the goal of the committee is to raise enough corporate sponsorship dollars to offset the costs of the event. This committee will work to secure cash and in-kind sponsorships from local businesses. Working with the walk coordinator, its members will develop the sponsorship levels, proposals and contracts. The committee will identify possible sponsors through community networking. The volunteers should keep records of whom they have contacted and follow up to make sure all of the sponsor’s information has been received. Once a sponsor has been secured, they will work to maximize the partnership and build a relationship with the sponsor. After the event, committee members will follow up and send thank you letters. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at 1-800-PKD-CURE or walk@pkdcure.org.
Walker Recruitment
The Recruitment Committee is ultimately responsible for inviting individuals to join the Walk for PKD. Its members will oversee activities that help cultivate stronger relationships with participants – top fundraisers, in particular – that will increase fundraising. The committee’s goal is to ensure a large turn-out for the Walk and significant dollars raised by retaining last year’s participants and recruiting new walkers to the event. Committee members should seek to increase the overall funds raised by helping walkers become stronger fundraisers. This committee will oversee poster and brochure distribution, secures public speaking engagements (i.e. Lions or Elks Club, local churches, singles groups, professional clubs, etc.), and sets up booths or information tables at area events (Lawn & Garden Show, Fitness Expo, etc.). If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at 1-800-PKD-CURE or walk@pkdcure.org.
Team Cultivation
The Team Recruitment& Cultivation Committee focuses on recruiting team captains to participate in the Walk, helping them create their teams by assisting in establishing goals, building event excitement and ensuring team recognition on event day. It is imperative that members of the Team Recruitment & Cultivation Committee lead by example by starting a team with their own company, church or family. The committee’s goal is to recruit new teams and enhance results from registered teams. The Team Recruitment & Cultivation Committee is responsible for two areas of team development – recruitment and cultivation. First, committee members identify and recruit new teams to participate in the local Walk for PKD. They also work to enhance relationships with registered teams through personal visits, phone calls, and email. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at 1-800-PKD-CURE or walk@pkdcure.org.
Logistics/Day of Event
The Logistics/Day of Event Committee handles everything that happens on Walk day – from securing permits and port-a-potties, to hanging banners and making sure that the Walk route is safe and well marked. They also oversee the most critical part of Walk morning – registration. The committee’s goal is to manage all the plans and details that will ensure a fun, safe and well-executed Walk. The Logistics Committee is responsible for all the details that make Walk day possible. This committee will get the insurance, Walk permits, park permits, tents, tables, chairs, etc. They will work with the volunteer committee to find day of event volunteers and train them on registration, route set up, clean up, etc. They coordinate with the Festivities & Flair Committee to make sure the Walk is exciting and fun for all. This committee also works with the In-Kind Committee to ensure there are refreshments and prizes donated for Walk day activities. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at 1-800-PKD-CURE or walk@pkdcure.org.
Festivities & Flair
The Festivities & Flair Committee ensures that the Walk for PKD is exciting and festive for all. This entails planning, securing and executing decorations, balloons, sound system, music, morning send-off program, etc. This job is important because, if the event falls flat, the fundraising will, too. The committee’s goal is to manage all the plans and details that will take the Walk beyond a well –run fundraiser to an experience people will want to return for year after year. The Festivities & Flair Committee is responsible for all the extra details that make Walk day a truly exciting and fun experience. Its members work with the volunteer committee to find day of event volunteers for their festivity activities. This committee also works with the in-kind committee to ensure there is water, refreshments, prizes, etc. donated for Walk day activities. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at 1-800-PKD-CURE or walk@pkdcure.org.
Volunteer Committee
The Volunteer Committee oversees the recruitment and training of day-of-event volunteers. The individuals the committee recruits will help with set-up, registration, T-shirt distribution, route support (at rest stops, cross walks, etc.), cheerleading, and clean-up. Its goal is to ensure a well-run event by recruiting, managing and training all volunteers needed for Walk day. The committee must also ensure all volunteers are recorded/tracked and then thanked after the event. The Volunteer Committee is responsible for all the volunteers needed to make Walk day safe, smooth and well-run. Its members coordinate with the Festivities & Flair Committee to make sure the exciting and fun activities planned have enough volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at 1-800-PKD-CURE or walk@pkdcure.org.
In-Kind Committee
The In-Kind Committee calls local businesses and asks for smaller in-kind donations needed for a solid Walk-day experience: food, water, goody-bag items, a sound system, decorations, music, supplies (such as signs, banners, tape) etc. Committee members can also recruit items to give as prizes to the top team, top fundraiser and other specific awards for Walk day. These incentives add to the Walk experience. The committee’s goal is to find businesses to donate refreshments and supplies for Walk day to reduce expenses. Committee members should also find items for chance drawings, auctions, and goody bags, etc. The In-Kind Committee must work closely with the Logistics, Media/PR, and Corporate Sponsorship Committees to make sure they are coordinated in their item requests. This committee also works with the Festivities & Flair Committee to dress-up Walk day. This committee has the primary responsibility for getting snacks and drinks, especially water, donated for the Walk so participants are well nourished/hydrated. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at 1-800-PKD-CURE or walk@pkdcure.org.