Take the 2008 Corporate Challenge!
SIGN UP NOW!
Click here to view or print the 2008 Corporate Challenge brochure.
A Short History
The Portland Marathon is an Oregon non profit corporation that is proud of its long tradition of helping charities raise money through the event or by one of its other charitable programs offered through the event. The Portland Marathon is likewise a charitable organization under the law and is registered as a 501(c)(3) non profit organization with the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, the Portland Marathon has a long tradition of making direct contributions designed to help local charities, non-profits, services clubs, athletic teams and other worthy causes.
When the Portland Marathon was reorganized in 1982 after its 10th year the event started the tradition of giving all of the proceeds from its Pasta Party to the charity or charities which helped with that event. It also began to look for other ways to help the community and charitable groups. By 1986 the Portland Marathon had selected three charities (MS, Easter Seals, and Oregon Special Olympics) and actually solicited those individuals who signed up to run the marathon to contribute or pledge to one or all of those charities.
The idea of becoming charity involved was the result of Event Director Les Smith running the London Marathon where he saw extensive programs that charities used in conjunction with that event to raise money. In the mid 80's the Portland Marathon actually helped the charities with the collection of the countless pledges that were made by those who ran or walked and those that, in turn supported them. “This was a time consuming and difficult process. There were no examples to look to at that time. We were a small event. We even offered some very nice premiums to those that raised substantial amounts of money for the charities”, said Smith.
In the late 1980's and the early 1990's the Portland Marathon tried other charitable connections to help with the raising of funds. In particular the Marathon tried an umbrella program where charity events were asked to become part of the marathon weekend. For example Megan's Run, a 24 hour individual run around the Lincoln High School track, was designed to raise money for the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) charity. Enthusiastic runners would start the 24 hour run at 8 am on the Saturday morning before the Portland Marathon. These runners would run all day and night with a few of them coming over to the starting line of the marathon for a 26.2 mile capper.
Another little remembered charity event under the Portland Marathon's umbrella was the Bed Race undertaken for what was then a fund raiser for the Northwest Medical Team, a group of doctors, nurses and other volunteers who travel all over the world to provide medical relief in emergencies and disasters. The Bed Race was copied after a similar successful event in Honolulu known as the Great Bed Race wherein 4 participants push a bed for one mile in a time trial.
Other umbrella events at one time or another have included a Saturday evening walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. One year the Cascade AIDS Society used the Portland Marathon's Mayors Walk as it fundraising event. For many years we hosted a Special Olympics run for that was tied to the Portland Marathon Kids Marafun Run. Last year Children Cancer Association determined that there was no reason for the charity itself to go to the expense of putting on a run or walk when the charity could use the existing marathon vehicle as part of its fundraising tool.
Direct Giving by the Portland Marathon/ “Pay it Forward”
Over the years the Portland Marathon has made independent donations of its general funds to a variety of local charities. Among others, these have included the Forest Park Conservatory, the Portland Oregon Horse Patrol, the Oregon Sports Authority Foundation, the Multnomah Athletic Foundation as well countless other service clubs, Girl Scout and Boy Scout groups, athletic teams and related non profit and charitable causes. Another source of direct donations is a program that is tied to our volunteer program that uses a “pay it forward” concept. Stated another way the money that comes to the Portland Marathon is paid out to another charity which in turn then helps another charity or worthwhile cause.
The Portland Marathon has been fortunate to have a charity foundation as its principal sponsor for nearly 15 years-the Peter Stott Foundation. This foundation started by Peter and Julie Stott has supported many viable community and charitable causes. Peter and Julie selected the Portland Marathon because they are both runners and because of their special friendship with Les Smith's late wife, Nadine Wooley. Peter and Julie both wanted to give back to the running and walking community. They saw the Portland Marathon with its various events as the perfect conduit. As Peter notes, “The foundation could give directly to the charities that the Portland Marathon supported but it has been far better follow the 'pay it forward' concept”.
The “pay it forward” program that is tied to volunteers is the brainchild of Malea, the Portland Marathon's Volunteer Coordinator. Malea's goal was to create a concept whereby the Portland Marathon would benefit; the participants would benefit; the volunteers and the charity groups who work the event would benefit; and, the causes of the charities and groups that get the money from the marathon would benefit from the programs of those charities. What is interesting is that the money provided by the Stotts to the Portland Marathon actually grows in such a way that the ultimate “pay it forward” donations are double or triple what the Stotts provide. Indeed, in 2007 over 100 checks for approximately $167,000 were written to all of the various charitable groups by the marathon for both the “pay it forward” program and the Portland Marathon's other direct donations.
Malea says it well. “We are a community event supported by the City; supported by our sponsors; and, also supported by charitable groups. Giving this money is a thrill for us because we really do see it “paid forward” into many other worthwhile projects. We have many success stories shared with us each year on how the money was spent.”
To be sure of fairness and that everybody knows what to expect, Malea and other marathon committee members work hard in accessing what the many volunteer groups do for the marathon. Factors such as the number of volunteers; where they work; when they work; how long they work; and, the nature of their work are all weighed. If kids or youth groups are involved, factors such as parental or supervisor support are factored in. “The program gives great volunteer experience for those who do volunteer; it helps the kids with school credits and experience; and, it provides a wonderful sense of community for so many who come to Portland to participate in the events of the Portland Marathon,” said Malea.
The London Marathon Example
The evolution of the Portland Marathon's program can be traced to a similar number of programs experienced and encouraged by other events, in particular the London Marathon. “The London Marathon is the great water shed for how well charities work with an event,” said Smith. The London Marathon was created under an English law that makes it a true charity but also permits the marathon to be a world class running event. Last year a London Marathon survey established that over 200 charities used the marathon as a vehicle to raise money. Nearly 70% of those running were doing so for a cause oriented group and most were raising money through pledges. In total about 50M£ ($170M) were raised through the London Marathon.
The London Marathon's event, similar to the Portland Marathon, has contractual agreements with charities to be sure no one misunderstands their responsibilities or their expectations. What is significant is that under these agreements the charities have so many opportunities that they can use to help themselves raise funds. And, with the help of the event their efforts are extremely successful. Charities in London use many different methods for getting charities and their constituents involved. Fundraising efforts range from wearing costumes, using celebrities as fundraisers as well as the traditional method of raising funds through pledges.
The Leukemia Society Team in Training Model
London's success has not been overlooked by U.S. charities. For example, in the late 1990's the Leukemia Society saw what London was doing and devised an ingenious program to raise money for its research causes. The Leukemia's Society program known as Team in Training (TNT) emphasizes taking a regional group of runners or walkers; training together before the event; bonding with a child which has leukemia; offering a trip to a vacation or famous marathon; and then covering the costs for parties, singlets, entry fees as well as travel to the selected event. Although the pledge amounts requested may seem to be high (between $3000 and $4000 depending upon the event), the success and the fun of those participating is the key to the program. For example, in 2000 the charity put $60M to its bottom line and has raised similar amounts in the intervening years. Also in 2000 there were nearly 650 TNT participants in the Portland Marathon from TNT chapters all over the United States.
A few U.S. charities saw the TNT success and followed suit. These have included the Diabetes Association, Alzheimer's Association, Arthritis (Joints in Motion) among others. However, 9/11 and the short recession that followed prevented a number of charity groups from really taking off and grabbing or reorganizing its charity in a way to equal the Team in Training or London experience. Only in recent years have a number of new charities attempted to use the TNT model.
There have also been individual runs and walks created by charities as a fundraising tool. And, some charities have worked directly with events in an effort to raise money for their cause. “Despite those free standing charity events, in my judgment we are again beginning to see a number of charities which are evolving toward the TNT model. It makes sense because it is less expensive and the rewards can be just as great. Our goal is to encourage the development of a TNT type model,” said Smith. Smith notes that the Portland Marathon now has three distinctive charity programs with another one being developed and evolving.
The 2008 Portland Marathon Programs and the Opportunities They Offer
The TNT Type Program
One Portland Marathon program is the charity constituent program. This is the pure TNT model which is designed to encourage 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 also provides other opportunities for those charities when they come to town including expo booths, advertising and finish area tents, all of which are paid for by the charity at a special non profit rate.
“We market to those charities which have this type of program established,” notes Smith. “We encourage them to come to the clean, green city of Portland as a destination marathon. We send them our materials that show the beauty of the city as well as all the activities of the event. We are encouraged because the charities keep sending groups year after year.” Last year it is estimated that between 2 and 3 million dollars was raised by charities using this program format.
The Charity Connect Program: We Will Help You But You Will Enjoy Helping Yourself
A second Portland Marathon program is one whereby the marathon interviews and screens charities which can become “an Official Charity of the Portland Marathon.” When selected it means the charity will be listed on the webpage 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 webpage. In 2006 the Portland Marathon selected four charities to participate in this program which included html emails, incentives and other forms of encouragement to these non-constituents, a program run by the Portland Marathon. In 2007 five charities were selected. Various amounts were raised and contributed to the charities in each year through this program. However, the general range of the total amount collected by all of these charities was between $125,000 and $150,000. In 2007, one charity raised nearly $30,000 using this program.
“What works best for these charities is when they take positive steps to really help themselves with their own constituents while appealing to non-constituents as well”, said Mamie Wheeler, a Special Projects Coordinator who helps with the Portland Marathon's charity programs. Under this program charities working with the Portland Marathon sign an agreement or RFP which sets forth what both sides expect of the other. “Doing this helps to prevent creating false expectations while at the same time provides the charity with a real blueprint on how they can really help themselves,” said Wheeler. “If the charities work hard and really try to help themselves they are likely to 'morph' into the TNT type model. We honestly believe this is how charity giving will ultimately pick up and take on the success that has been experienced in London and by TNT.”
The Charity Corporate Connection
Yet another charity program of the Portland Marathon is designed to get corporations involved with the charity giving. “This is another TNT hybrid. So many corporations support charities. Plus they support wellness or fitness for their employees. These two elements are natural combinations,” said Wheeler. Charity teams which run one of the events of the Portland Marathons aim to get their corporations to match the money raised by the teams. This works two ways. The corporation promotes wellness and physical fitness among its employees who run or walk the Portland Marathon. At the same time it supports a charity which has the support of the corporation. “It's a natural evolution of the process. We are very pleased to be able to help so many,” explained Wheeler. Again, in working with the Portland Marathon the corporations are offered a variety of ways to encourage their employees as well as support the charity of their choosing.
A Summary
Why does the Portland Marathon charity program's effort work? Why are the events programs evolving with so many patterns? Malea notes that the programs are much like volunteering itself. Plus, a marathon and the events around a marathon are populated and supported by a high demographic group. The lifestyle and the general and social economic views of those who run and walk all fit to make a perfect climate for a charity. In addition, the Portland Marathon, and its related events are in a great destination location with the event held at an ideal time of the year weather wise. Plus, it is an event where everyone whether they run, walk, volunteer or watch can have fun. It creates an atmosphere where the support of and giving to the charities comes somewhat naturally. For those at all levels it is a true win/win. Participants like it, the volunteers like it, the sponsors like it, the city likes it and of course the all volunteer Marathon Committee likes it as well.
This year's 37th Annual Portland Marathon is scheduled for Sunday October 5, 2008. 10,000 marathoners are anticipated with another 3000 or more in the marathon's related events. For more information on the Portland Marathon see its webpage at: www.portlandmarathon.org
For more information write or call: Portland Marathon, 1000 SW Broadway, Suite 1900, Portland, Oregon 97205 or call 503-248-1134 or email: lsmith@bullardlaw.com .
MORE ABOUT OUR “PAY IT FORWARD” PROGRAM
The “Pay-It-Forward” platform of the Portland Marathon
The Portland Marathon is pleased that it has been able to recruit over 4,500 volunteers to assist with our event. This has occurred because the Portland Marathon's volunteer program has served as a vehicle for getting money into the pockets of local charities, nonprofits, sport, school, and service clubs. The program, dubbed “Pay-It-Forward” by Malea, the Portland Marathon Volunteer Coordinator/Asst. to the Event Director has found these various local groups actively making an effort each year to bring their supporters and constituents to the Portland Marathon's volunteer program.
The organizations that provide volunteers for the Portland Marathon do a myriad of activities to help the event. Tasks include stuffing packets, helping with registration, course monitoring, clean up, assisting with food, aid stations, medical, and other essential tasks. It proves to be fun and rewarding for these volunteers which also include scouting groups, school sports teams and clubs, athletic teams and school projects such as post prom parties. Also included are civic related projects such as trail and park clean up, programs to help the needy and general charity fund raising. What is interesting is that these various volunteer groups now literally line up to be part of the Portland Marathon's volunteer program.
Once the Portland Marathon is over, Malea speaks with additional key Portland Marathon Committee Members to determine the contribution level for these teams of volunteers. Using a sophisticated set of guidelines that range from the number of volunteers provided, the type of work performed, how long on the job, attentiveness, and other given factors, teams are provided with a letter of appreciation and a charitable donation for their non-profit charity. Many of these teams also qualify for community service credits which are a valued addition to their volunteer services. Everyone is a winner of the “Pay-It-Forward” platform.
Charitable teams that benefited from the 2007 Portland Marathon Event:
A.C. E. International
A.S.O. International
Adopt A Minefield
Bridlemile Soccer Club
Boy Scout Troop # 1
Boy Scout Troop # 140
Boy Scout Troop # 207
Girl Scout Troop # 15
Girl Scout Troop # 156
Girl Scout Troop # 181
Girl Scout Troop # 194
Girl Scout Troop # 250
Girl Scout Troop # 381
Girl Scout Troop # 500
Girl Scout Troop # 501
Girl Scout Troop # 989
Girl Scout Troop # 1029
Girl Scout Troop # 1059
Girl Scout Troop # 1423
Girl Scout Troop # 1755
Girl Scout Troop # 1958
Girl Scout Troop # 1962
Girl Scout Troop # 2157
Girl Scout Troop # 2319
Girl Scout Troop # 2888
Girl Scout Troop # 6543
"Girls On The Go"
Beaverton Blaze Girls Softball Team
Burlingame Medical International
Central High School Cross-Country Team
Charity Bolivia
Cleveland High School Cross-Country Teams
Cleveland High School Wrestling Team
Centennial High School Girls Cross Country Team
Columbia River High School Band
Corrado Hall at U.O.P.
Creston School PTA
Franklin High School Cross Country Teams
Fulton Community Center
Families Supporting Independence (FSI)
Gateway Kiwanis
Gladstone High School Swim Team
Glencoe High School Lacrosse Team
Grant High School Cross Country Team
Greyhound Pets of America
Lincoln High School Cross Country Team
McNary High School Cheerleaders
Metro Gymnastic Girls Booster Club
MAC Swim Team
Mountain View Key Club
Mountain View Speed Skating Club
Miniature Schnauzer Rescue Inc.
Oaks Skating Club
Oregon City H.S. Girls Soccer Team
Oregon City H.S. Grad Non- Alcoholic Party
Open Meadows Alternative Schools
Portland Adventist Academy "Cougars"
Portland Shockwave, LLC.
Portland Waldorf School
Portland Hoop Kings
P:ear, Inc.
Rose City Rowing
Russellville Kiwanis
Sherwood Rotary
Southridge High School JV Cheerleaders
Southridge High School Boosters
Supportive Parents of Tigard Students "SPOTS"
St. Mary Academy High School
Sprague High School Cheerleaders
Spring Creek Sproingers 4- H Club
Three Rivers Charter School
Theft Talk Counseling Services, Inc.
The Greater Portland Area Costumers Guild
Tigard Community Action
Tigard High School Dance Team
Tigard High School Band Booster Club
Tigard High School Cross Country Team
Tigard High School Thespians
Tualatin Presbyterian Church Youth Group
Tualatin High School Dance Team
University of Oregon Alumni Association
US Army Reserve
Venture Crew 432 of Lake Oswego
West Linn H. S. Girls & Boys Cross-Country Team
West Linn H.S. Soccer Team
West Linn H.S. Snowboarder Team
West Linn H S. Symphonic Band
Washougal H.S. 2008 Grad Party
Westview Key Club
West Sylvan Middle School Cross Country Team
Wilsonville High School Grad Party
Sunset High School Non-Alcoholic Grad Party
Wilsonville High School Non-Alcoholic Grad Party
West Linn High School Soccer Team
West Linn High School Symphonic Band
XI Alpha Pi International Sorority Group
Zeta Chi
