Take the 2008 Corporate Challenge!
SIGN UP NOW!
Click here to view or print the 2008 Corporate Challenge brochure.
Charities
2008 PORTLAND MARATHON CHARITY PROGRAM
Programs:
The Portland Marathon works with a flexible charitable program to meet the unique needs of each charity chosen by the Event as an Official Charity. Flexibility is determined within a tiered structure. Charities may qualify for components of one or all four tiers:
Tier One: The Constituent Team Program
Official Charities with existing training programs
Constituent charities with existing self-administered programs for training and fundraising that utilize the promotional opportunity to participate in a high profile event.
The Portland Marathon encourages charities to bring runners and walkers to Portland to participate in the Portland Marathon or one of its related events. In doing so the charity selects the activities that it wishes to engage in to help raise the money. The Portland Marathon guarantees an entry for these programs, which is then paid for by those charities
.
The Portland Marathon can also provide other forms of assistance for those charities when they come to town, offering additional benefits to these programs through recognition, media support, advertising opportunities and exposure through attendance at the Sports Expo and the Event (see Premium Package, page 7).
In 2007 it is estimated that between 2 and 3 million dollars was raised by charities using this program format.
Tier Two: The Charity Connect Program
Official Charities participating in the Charity Connect Program
A non-constituent program can be selected as an official charity. These programs will be listed on the official event website as opportunities for race registrants to donate during the registration process.
Once selected, the charity will be listed on the website so that those that sign up to participate in the marathon or one of its related events can make a decision as to which one of the charities they wish to support. In other words, it is not a program where constituents of the actual charity are the heart of the program. Instead the charities appeal to the mass of the participants in order to gain donations and new supporters. The charities get a chance to explain who they are and what their cause is about in a special section provided on the Portland Marathon's website.
Various amounts are raised and contributed to the charities in each year. However, the general range of the total amount collected by all of these charities has been between $125,000 and $150,000. In 2007, one charity raised nearly $30,000 using this program.
These charity programs can remain pure Tier Two or be combined with Tier One and Tier Three opportunities. While the opportunity to receive a predictable dollar amount is provided at this level, the increased opportunity provided by becoming a Tier One or Three Charity has far greater potential.
Tier Three: The Corporate Challenge Programs
Official Charities and/or Corporations provided with an Event sanctioned and administered training program, such as:
1. Corporate Challenge Team Program
A program for charities, non-profits and corporations of all kinds to run for a cause, while implementing a corporate wellness program to benefit their organization.
- Team Competition (corporate, open, masters and family divisions for male, female and co-ed)
- Men and Women Wheelchair
- Race Walker (send letter with form)
- Masters Competition (over 40)
- Clydesdale & Bonnydale Competition (for the larger framed runner-- sign up at Expo - $5.00 fee)
- Pump and Run Muscle Division (sign up at Expo - $5.00 fee)
2. Flexible Corporate Challenge Team Program:
- Program as above, but designed for smaller contingencies. May have fewer benefits, but will not have the dollar or participant requirements.
FACT: Corporate fundraising events benefit your company's well being as well as your cause.
FACT: Obesity and overweight employees cost US employers more than $13 billion annually.
FACT: 72% of Americans want to work for companies that support charitable causes.
FACT: 8 out of every 10 Americans say corporate support of causes wins their trust in that company.
FACT: Only 3 out of every 10 adults report getting the recommended amount of physical activity.
3. Marafun Kids Run For Charity Program
A bilingual non-competitive fully administered program that is fun for kids while providing physical activity, leadership advice and support, nutritional and health education, incentives and awards. Children are encouraged to increase personal mileage while accumulating points for good citizenship. Fundraising opportunities are available for a chosen charity or to raise money for their school or group. The program celebrates the kids who join the 2-mile Marafun Kids Run on the day of the Event. Additional information on the Marafun Kids Run for Charity Program can be located on the website at (to be announced).
- Choose a leader for your group
- Assemble your participants
- Choose a charity or cause
- Plug into the program!
FACT: 96% of participating students say they would like to participate again in the following year.
FACT: 89% of students indicate they will continue regular running during the summer months
FACT: 70% say they have influenced their families to become more involved in running and physical activity.
FACT: 93% say they are making healthier food choices.
Tier 4: Marathon Direct Giving: “Pay it Forward”
The Portland Marathon has a history of giving to selected charity groups, volunteers, and entertainment groups who assist with the event and are a part of the official Volunteer program, administered by Malea, Portland Marathon Committee Volunteer Coordinator.
Marathon committee members assess groups by numbers of volunteers, where and how they work, youth group supervision and support and the nature of the commitment to their goal and objective. Money is then gifted to these organizations from the heart of the Marathon, the Event Director, Les Smith and the Marathon committee members.
Opportunities for Charity in Association with the Portland Marathon:
Include, but are not limited to:
- Team with a successful event that has a long track record of charity involvement and successful fundraising support.
- Limited overhead and administrative expense with existing event support programs in place to assist you.
- Media, advertising, recruitment and fundraising opportunities and exposure through print and website ads, signage, on-site presence at expo and Event.
- Use of Event logo for charity print advertising, promotion or in-house publications and out-reach fundraising for term of the agreement
- Exposure of charity to a new group of potential donors in a high demographic group whose lifestyle and general social economic views fit into the climate of connections with charities.
- Direct exposure to marathon event participants (12-13,000) and volunteers (4,500).
- Potential to evolve and add Event supported charity outreach, team in training, and corporate programs to existing charity constituents.
- Direct website support through a designated Charity page on one of the best websites presented by a marathon, (one of the highest ranked by Yahoo and Google) See: http://ww.portlandmarathon.org.
- Opportunity to purchase a bundle of Event premiums at a reduced price in a flexible Premium Package, to be outlined in this agreement.
- The Portland Marathon and its related events are held at the ideal time of year weather wise and draw participants and volunteers into an atmosphere of support and fun where the spirit of giving is encouraged.
