By Saturday evening, I had become pretty nervous about the race day. I knew I could do it, after all I have completed a full marathon before, but this time was different. Eventhough it was a half marathon, 13.1 miles, my goal was not only to finish, but in under 3 hours. In addition I am running about half of the distance now, which is more challenging than walking.

After arriving at the race site and I found Nancy and her son, our honored hero. I was also excited to see Candance running the race since she had battled a leg injury this season and was unsure at one point whether she could run or not.

The weather was beautiful and the course was flat and well marked. The course followed the While Rock creek trails through parks and wooded areas. I kept a close eye on my watch and timed every mile. I was amazed to find that I was just over a 13 minute mile for the first 3 miles! I began to slow down a bit after mile 9, but just kept talking to myself and watching the time. I would watch someone ahead of me whose pace I knew was in my goal range, and I would keep up or catch up with them. This strategy worked really well.

I ran most of the last 3 miles, because I knew I had to make up a few minutes. Plus, I didn’t feel the muscle aches until I started walking, so it was easier to run!

I crossed the finish line in 3 hours and 5 minutes. This is about a 14.2 minute mile, a huge accomplishment since my training pace had been 15-16.

Overall this has been a great season. I have met so many great people on the team who are also working hard toward their goals. My final fundraising total for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is $914.24. Thanks to everyone who made this possible!

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I have talked with several people lately about what kinds of foods/drinks are good for long walks or runs. As I learned at a nutrition seminar a couple of months ago, proper nutrition on the trail is very important. About 100 calories for every 40 minutes of intense exercise is needed. Otherwise, you feel completely zapped, or even worse, dehydrated, dizzy or faint. Doesn’t sound like too much fun does it?

Let me just say what is not good for a pre-workout meal. Pizza and ice cream. I only had 3 small slices of a frozen pizza and some ice cream, then went for my walk an hour later. Eventhough I was doing 5 miles, I also didn’t bring any protein bars or powerade. Bad combination. I almost lost my lunch several times.

Huge post it note to self: bring the camelbak with powerade and a powerbar on Sunday!

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The race is now less than a week away. I’m getting pretty excited. My walking partner Nancy had to drop out of the race because of appendicitis a few weeks ago. (!) I found out that her cousin is running in her place. She her son, our honored hero Desi, will be cheering on the side lines.

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Pizza Fundraisers are fun and can raise money for your charity. There are several ways to set up the pizza fundraising programs including pizza dinner events and pizza sales.

1. Pizza Dinner at your Location - This is a twist on the usual fundraiser dinner. Decide if you would like to make this a pizza buffet, set a limit on the number of slices per person, or actually sell the pizza “by the slice.” You could also do a combination of set menu and “by the slice.”

For example, you could create an adult ticket that would include 3 slices, salad, and a drink for a set price. Additional slices of pizza could be purchased for $1 per slice. Purchase a roll of generic tickets to use as “buy the slice” coupons. Then sell those coupons at the door. Diners would then just give the coupon to the volunteers at the food line to show that they had purchased additional slices.

What makes this dinner fundraiser easier than the usual dinner is that you purchase the food already prepared instead of having to cook. This equals less hassle and fewer volunteers are needed.

You could purchase the pizzas from any of the popular pizza places including Pizza Hut, Domino’s Cici’s, Pappa John’s or other local restaurants. Negotiate with the restaurant for good price on the pizzas. Try to get large one topping pizzas for around $3-4 each.

If you are hosting a larger event, you may be able to get the pizzas donated. Ask if the restaurant will donate the pizzas (or reduce the price) in exchange for free advertising. Publicize that the event is sponsored by that particular restaurant on tickets, banners, newspaper articles, and all other advertising. For example, include a tagline such as “Sponsored by Pizza Hut on Main Street” on everything.

Just as with any event, especially dinners, create a budget well in advance. Monitor costs, set appropriate ticket prices and advertise well to bring in the desired funds.

2. Pizza booth at a Carnival or other event - Host a pizza “by the slice” booth at a local carnival, festival, or other special event. Sell drinks separately. This is similar to the pizza dinner, except you don’t have to worry about selling tickets or getting the people there. You are going to where the hungry people already are!

3. Dine out at a Local Restaurant - Many restaurants and fast food places now have special fundraising programs set up for non profit organizations.

Here’s how some of them work: your organization brings in customers to the restaurant on a certain night and time. Anyone from your group (or invited by your group) puts their receipt in a designated container. At the end of the evening, a percentage of these sales are given to your non-profit group.

This is an easy, no hassle fundraiser. There are no up front costs for your organization. This program is especially good for small groups that do not have a large volunteer base.

The only work on your part is advertising this event to your members and making sure they show up. Encourage people to announce the event to friends and family too.

I have been to fundraisers of this type at Cici’s pizza, Chick-fil-A and even McDonald’s. Check with your local locations for more information.

4. Sell Pre-made Pizzas or Pizza Kits - Finally, you can also sell pizza related merchandise through catalog sales. There are several companies that provide pizza as a fundraising program including Little Caesars and Joe Corbi’s.

No matter which program you choose, pizza can be a great fundraiser. Choose the option that compliments your organization’s size, budget, volunteer base and fundraising goals.

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Step By Step Fundraising Ideas Brought to you by
http://www.StepByStepFundraising.com

May 2004

In this issue -

- Pizza Fundraisers: 4 Ways to Raise Funds
- More New Articles: Car Washes, Donuts, Candy

This is a great time of year to be fundraising. Warm, pleasant weather creates a fun atmosphere for carnivals, dinners and arts and music festivals. I hope you are able to take advantage of this great season and enjoy all of your volunteer and leisure activities.

This month, I am featuring Pizza related fundraisers. There are several ways that the love of pizza can help you raise money for your cause!

Best wishes for your continued fundraising success!

Sandra Sims
Editor & Publisher,
Step By Step Fundraising

Read this aricle online:
Pizza Fundraisers

Looking for more fundraising ideas? The following new articles
have been posted on the site in the last few weeks.

World’s Finest Chocolate Candy Bar Fundraiser

Krispy Kreme Donut Fundraiser

Tips for a Great Car Wash

Fundraising Newsletter Archive

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Today I managed to get 8 miles in. Besides working toward a goal, one of the things that helps keep me motivated is the scenery along the walking trail. All the trees and flowers are in full bloom. The most fragrant flowers are the honeysuckle and there are bushes all along the trail. There is one spot where the whole hillside next to the trail is covered in honeysuckle.

Over the course of the training this spring I have also seen many wild animals. The most numerous have been birds — robins, bluejays, cardinals, and several others. There is a section of the trail that runs along side the lake, so I have seen many water fowl. I’ve also met squirrels, rabbits and one huge opossum. Guess you don’t have to go to the country to be on a nature hike.

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