Thank you for participating in The Autism CARE Walk at Heartspring. We invite you to join our Fundraising Challenge to raise additional dollars to support children and families with autism by asking friends, family and others to support your walk with pledges.

One of the best ways to fundraise is to ask for online donations from your personalized My CARE Walk fundraising page. We provide the tools for setting a fundraising goal, collecting online pledges and sharing your page with friends.  Contact us if you want to learn more. 

Another way to fundraise is to send an email to your friends, family and co-workers asking them to come to this site, click the MAKE A PLEDGE menu, and choose your name from all registered walkers.  You can also print this poster to share. 

The top 3 individual fundraising walkers will receive CARE Walk medals to celebrate their accomplishment and the top three fundraising teams will receive CARE Walk plaques engraved with the names of everyone on their team. With your help and support, we can make a real difference in the lives of children on the autism spectrum! Here’s how to get started.

How do I start fundraising?

1. Start by creating your personal My CARE Walk fundraising page. Learn more.
2. Invite your family and friends to pledge either online or by downlading this printable pledge form. (Online donations will appear on your custom "My Care Walk" web page.
3. Ask your employer if they have a company matching program

My CARE Walk personalized fundraising pages.
If you have registered as an Individual, Team or Virtual Walker, create your personalized My CARE Walk fundraising page.  As a registered walker, you should have received instructions by email. Your My CARE Walk page provides tools to set a fundraising goal, collect and monitor pledges, TELL A FRIEND and more.   If have registered for the CARE Walk but not received information on creating your personalized My CARE Walk fundraising page, contact us and we'll get you started! 

Raise $1,000 in nine days

It’s very helpful to set a fundraising goal and break target amounts into smaller more manageable increments. To get you started, here is a simple yet eye-opening strategy for raising $1,000 in just nine days.

• Day 1:  Start by sponsoring yourself for $50
• Day 2:  Ask two family members to sponsor you for $50
• Day 3: Ask 10 friends to each contribute $20
• Day 4: Ask five co-workers to each contribute $20
• Day 5: Ask five neighbors to each contribute $20
• Day 6: Ask 10 people from your place of worship to each donate $10
• Day7: Ask your boss for a company contribution of $50 (or find out if your company will match what you raise)
• Day 8: Ask five businesses with which your company works to sponsor you for $40
• Day 9: Ask four businesses you frequent (for example your barber/hair stylist, dry cleaner, veterinarian, restaurants, etc.) to contribute $25
• Day 10: Share your success with a friend

Have Any Great Fundraising Ideas?

The Autism CARE Walk at Heartspring is more than just a walk—it is a walk with a mission.  Money raised through The Autism CARE Walk is allocated towards helping children with autism become the very best that they can be.  Here are some tips and tricks of the trade to help you reach your goals:

Be Optimistic

Excitement is contagious.  It is important for potential sponsors to feel how enthusiastic you are about their sponsorship.

Be Committed

When you raise funds for the CARE program, you are directly helping children with special needs throughout your community.  Make the first pledge yourself.  When your friends and family members see that you are committed, they will see how serious you are.

Ask Everyone and Anyone

Ask family and friends first.  Once you have tackled “the easy ones,” branching out is as simple as your asking clients, co-workers, clubs, anyone and everyone for pledges.  Change your answering machine message to mention your participation in The Autism CARE Walk.  In lieu of a gift on your birthday or other occasion, ask family and friends to make a pledge to Heartspring on your behalf.  Following up is a critical aspect of fundraising.  Call all potential donors today.

Ask for a Specific Amount

Tell sponsors what your average pledge is and ask them to beat it.

Ask for Donations on Pay Day

Timing is very important--it is just as important as who you ask.

Make a List of Places You or Your Business Spend Money

Great places to solicit pledges are at the doctor’s office, dry cleaners, dentists, mechanics, and your favorite restaurants.  At work, ask your coffee and paper vendors, delivery services, copier technician, and everyone who wants to maintain that friendly “business relationship.”

Send Letters and Emails

Send an announcement of your participation in the Autism CARE Walk to friends, business associates, church members, family and old acquaintances.  Don’t forget company, organization and school newsletters.  Ask for their support in writing.  Create a web site and encourage friends and family to visit it for updates. 

Double Your Pledges

Contact your Human Resource Department to find out if your company has a corporate matching gift program.  If they do, secure and complete a form to turn in with your pledges.  This is an easy way to double your total.  Encourage your sponsors to ask their companies for matching gift forms too.

Are You A Member of a Civic Organization?

Ask to be placed on the agenda at the next meeting and ask the group to sponsor you.  Or ask your national office of your fraternity or sorority.

Save Your Spare Change Everyday

You will be surprised how quickly this spare change adds up and makes a terrific pledge to yourself.

Stay Motivated

Keep in mind that pledges can help you earn fabulous prizes for going above and beyond.  More importantly, you’ll feel good knowing that you made a difference in the life of a child with special needs.

Learn As Much As You Can About Heartspring

Visit www.Heartspring.org to find out more about Heartspring and the services we provide.