Hide your kids! Run for the hills! Another charity walk is coming through your streets!

Charity walks, runs and rides are nothing new; in fact, the nation’s first walk took place more than 40 years ago. Yet, the latest trend in charity walks is disparaging them.

This month alone, op-eds in The Boston Globe and The New York Times have complained about the nuisance and ineffectiveness of charity walks and their run and ride counterparts. They argue that the funds raised are diminished by the high costs of security, permits and other event necessities. Although eight percent of proceeds do go to securing permits and security, the top 30 “thon” fundraising programs still generated over $1.62 billion in gross revenue in 2009, according to the Run Walk Ride Foundation. Cynics also argue that the time participants dedicate could be more effectively used supporting charities in other ways, say helping to build a home or clean up a beach. However, walks tap into new groups of people who wouldn’t otherwise support the cause, friends and family support their loved ones (not the cause) and many participants join both for the cause and for other, more personal or selfish reasons. Neither of these groups would be effectively reached through traditional donation or volunteerism opportunities.

Despite the growing criticism, there’s more than one reason walks have been going strong since 1969:

• They’re social – they bring together diverse participants, foster a sense of community, shared stories and a “we’re all in this together” feeling.
• They demand attention – they put charities on public display, and the minor disruption they cause is intentional; it’s hard to ignore a group of 50,000 people marching together for a cause.
• They mobilize en-masse – most organizations could never manage or maximize the volume and energy of people who turn out for walks, runs and rides through traditional volunteer opportunities alone.
• They fulfill and inspire – most people who participate in these events are seeking to help the cause, but also to achieve a personal accomplishment as well, whether completing a marathon, biking hundreds of miles or walking further than they’ve walked before.

Do you think charity runs, walks and rides still have a place in contemporary fundraising?

Comments

Kristen Elworthy	June 24, 2011 12:36 PM Charity walks are one of our big focus areas at GoodTwo and I have to agree with your points about why they're so important in the nonprofit fundraising sphere. I remember participating in the Walk For Hunger in Boston for the first time back in high school and being amazed at how many people cared. I have no idea how much that particular walk raised, but a few years later when it came time to pick a volunteer placement for a college course, I chose to spend 20 hours a week working the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline thanks to the impression the walks made on me. Events like walks and runs mobilize a group of people who are challenged by the athletic component but who, by virtue of raising money for the event, also become vocal mouthpieces for the cause. While some may worry that this is not the most authentic way for someone to come to the cause, I'd argue that it's a great way for organizations to bring new people into their fold. (As an aside, it's also tough to argue with events that have people out doing athletic things, being a part of the community, and spending time together!)
Chris Smith	June 27, 2011 5:14 PM The prominent (not to say inflationary) use of charity walks has probably added to the perception that they are somewhat over-stretched. Although it is generally a great idea and I agree to all the reasons stated in the article, it is also a showcase for the urgent need that charity initiatives should be well chosen. Having a walk on every second day in Central Park, ranging from "A breast cancer walk" to "A walk for the penguins in the Bronx zoo" has simply made people tired.
Dori Gehling	June 30, 2011 9:57 AM I still remember a walk-a-thon my friends and I did with my Mom....it was probably the one you referenced from 40 years ago...ouch! We had a great time together and felt like we were doing something to help. Anything that gets people engaged with an organization, with each other and raises awareness is a good thing in my book.
Lisa	September 10, 2011 12:41 PM Hi! There was a charity walk thru downtown Dallas today. It's necessary blockades actually blocked off every street to the building I live in. I could not get home to take my medicine, let my dog out, or eat. I had a massive migraine and needed my meds but I had to drive around the perimeter of my block for an hour! I saw other people who couldn't get to their homes, people who could not get to work, etc. I think these walks are a nuisance, they are rude, and disruptive to the people who live and work in already heavily populated areas! They could have had this walk in the burbs or around the local lake BUT instead they chose to have it smack in the middle of a downtown metropolis that's traffic was already burdened by construction. I found out the walk was held by the American heart association. End result = I have complained to the city, called the association and complained and they will never see a fundraising dollar or an ounce of support from this American.

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