TEAM CAPTAIN PACKET AND INFORMATION GUIDE. Walk for Autism Saturday, April 22, 2017 Presque Isle Rotary Pavilion

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1 TEAM CAPTAIN PACKET AND INFORMATION GUIDE Walk for Autism Saturday, April 22, 2017 Presque Isle Rotary Pavilion

2 Thank you for joining us! Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania is proud of our signature fundraising event which brings together thousands of participants annually. This walk originally started to raise awareness of autism in our local community. Today, the Walk for Autism has evolved to not only raise awareness, but is our primary fundraiser to increase direct support to persons and families living with autism in Northwestern Pennsylvania; this includes education and family social and community experiences. This guide was designed to answer your questions about fundraising for your team, recruiting teammates, raising awareness in the community and much more about the 16th Annual Walk for Autism! We are proud to announce our 16th Annual Walk for Autism Chair Family: The Coleman Family We are the Coleman family and we are honored to be the chair family of Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania s 16 th Annual Walk for Autism on April 22, Autism Society NWPA has been a valuable resource for our family since we moved here for Greg to take a position as President of the Erie SeaWolves six years ago. Before making the decision to move to Erie, it was critical to know that our son Kevin would receive the autism supports he needed. We called Autism Society NWPA, and the Executive Director shared valuable information about state law, school programs, and social outings. We were quickly assured that Erie would be a perfect fit for our family. A few weeks after our arrival, we attended our first monthly social outing. It was an excellent opportunity to learn more about our new community and meet people in a judgment-free environment. In the years since, Kevin and his younger sister Maggie have enjoyed the monthly outings and participated in LEGO Social Club. As parents, we have benefited from Autism Society NWPA s educational opportunities including the annual Autism in Our Community Event. Now that Kevin has reached his teen years, Autism Society NWPA is there for our family again with the Friends & Pals Teen Club. Kevin is making friends while learning important unwritten social rules that will prepare him for adulthood. The kind of family support we receive from Autism Society NWPA is unlike anything we had before coming to Erie. This organization is unique and a valuable asset to the entire community. We hope you will join us in supporting Autism Society NWPA. Thank you for your support! Greg, Shanda, Kevin, and Maggie Coleman 2

3 About Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania Autism Society NWPA is a local affiliate with the Autism Society of America, the nation s leading grassroots autism organization, which exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. Autism Society of America does this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. As a local affiliate, we make information available to our membership and the community at large through support, our website, education, workshops and seminars. Autism Society of America was founded in 1965 by Dr. Bernard Rimland, Dr. Ruth Sullivan and many other parents of children with autism. Our local chapter gained 501(3) status in 1974 but became a firmly established organization in the mid 1980s. Since 2001, the Walk for Autism has been our primary source of financial fundraising and support for programs that the chapter offers to families. Financial support for Autism Society NWPA comes in the form of local sponsors, public and corporate donors and local fundraising events organized on our behalf; we receive no funding or support from the national Autism Society of America organization. Your dollars at work Every dollar raised stays in our local communities and helps Autism Society NWPA put on its many programs such as Autism in Our Community Event, increasing resources available to persons with ASD, providing grants to those serving individuals with autism in our area and increasing awareness of ASD so those with the disorder are treated respectfully. Our Mission Autism Society NWPA is a parent/member organization that provides support for individuals and families living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in Erie, Crawford, Venango and Mercer Counties. Autism Society NWPA s mission is to improve the quality of life across the lifespan for persons on the Autism Spectrum and their families through: advocacy, education, service, support and research. 3

4 What is Autism? Autism is a complex neuro-developmental disability that typically appears during the first two years of life and affects a person s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and to varying degree. There is no single cause of autism but increased awareness and funding can help families today. Autism Facts: 1 in 68 children in the U.S. have autism 1 in 42 boys have autism; while only 1 in 189 girls are on the autism spectrum Over 2,100 individuals in Northwest PA have been diagnosed with autism 1 to 1.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder Over 36,000 adults in Pennsylvania will be on the autism spectrum in 2020 Form a team Teaming up with co-workers, friends and family members makes participating in the 16th Annual Walk for Autism much more enjoyable. As a team, you can make an even bigger difference: raise more funds, get a great workout together and spend time with others for a great cause. Don t forget to show your team spirit at the Walk! All you need is a Team Captain and at least 5 team members by April 14, Team Awards will be presented at the Walk for the following categories: Most Funds Raised (3 categories) This award is for the team that raised the most donations by Monday, April 17, Family Team; 2. Corporate Team; 3. School Team The Star Team Award This award is for the team who has at least one fundraising event, helps to raise awareness in the community about Autism and shows team spirit at the Walk. Unique Fundraiser Award This award is for the team that has the most unique fundraising event. Get creative! Your Team Captain will need to send a description of the event 2 weeks prior to the walk to autismsociety@nwpaasa.org *Please note only one award per team will be presented. To be considered for an award, teams must: 1. Be registered; 2. Submit all qualifying team funds by Monday, April 17, 2017 How to Become a Team Captain Set up a Team Page on the Autism Society NWPA website. Instructions are available on the Autism Society NWPA website or by clicking here. Register for the Walk as a member of your team. Share your Team Page with prospective team members and donors. Team members can register online by using your Page. Your supporters may donate on-line by credit card or by check/cash through the Autism Society NWPA office. Set goals and work together to make your Walk experience something incredible! 4

5 Team Captain Responsibilities Choose a team name Create your Team Page on the Autism Society NWPA website Register for the Walk Recruit team members Encourage team members to register by April 1, 2017 to meet the pre-registration deadline Encourage your teammates to meet their fundraising goals by 4/17/17 monies must be turned in to Autism Society NWPA by that date to be considered for Team Awards *Team rosters and fundraising sheets are available online at Team Fundraising Teams often incorporate traditional and innovative approaches to fundraising. Along with online fundraising and letter writing campaigns, they hold popular neighborhood and community events such as bingo, car washes, rummage sales, guest bartending, potluck lunch, puzzle piece promotion and bake sales. Many teams create a catchy name and design their own t-shirts. They are proud to participate together in support of their colleagues and loved ones with an autism spectrum disorder. Business Involvement Can My Employer Support the Walk? A Corporation? Absolutely. We have sponsorship opportunities with different levels of advertising based on level of support. It s a great way for local companies to show their support and advertise their business at the same time! A sponsorship form is available on the website or call (814) I Provide a Service to Families with Autism. What Can I do? There are several ways you can support the Walk: Become an Autism Walk Sponsor (See Above) Have a vendor table. We encourage those who provide services, products or information to families with autism to have a vendor table at our Walk. Vendor registration information is available at or calling (814) Donate a themed basket or gift certificate for our auction. Baskets or gift certificates should be valued at $25 or more. More information is available at or calling (814) Form a team. 5

6 Fundraising Tips How to Raise $1000 in 10 Days Day 1: Start by sponsoring yourself for $25 Day 2: Ask two family members to sponsor you for $25 Day 3: Ask five friends to contribute $10 Day 4: Ask five co-coworkers to sponsor your $10 Day 5: Ask five neighbors to contribute $10 Day 6: Ask five people from your religious organization or other group to contribute $10 Day 7: Ask your boss for a contribution Day 8: Ask five local merchants to sponsor you for $10 Day 9: Ask two businesses you frequent to donate $25, i.e. your doctor or hair salon Day 10: Does your company offer matching funds? Ask them to match your funds! If you do not work for a company that matches funds, no sweat, you just raised $500 in 10 days! Get Creative! Here are some ideas to get you started**: Host an open house. Ask 20 people to bring a dish and donate $20 to your cause. Request donations from local merchants for door prizes and in-kind food/ beverage donations and host a raffle. Hold a bake sale, car wash or garage sale Ask your local school, boy/girl scouts and other service organizations to join your event. They meet their community service requirement while helping you raise funds. Have a dress down day at work; charge a small fee for co-workers to wear jeans Host a monthly drawing. Prizes can include donated gift certificates or services. Perhaps your boss is willing to raffle a day off, a coveted parking spot, or a free lunch! **Please note the fundraisers listed above are not eligible for the Unique Fundraiser Award. Spread the word at work Place a sign at your work place to let co-workers know you are participating. It s a great way to start the conversation about the Walk for Autism and why you walk. Let them know how they can support you and your fundraising or even ask them to join your team. 6

7 Sample /Letters To Family Members/Neighbors/Family Friends Dear (Aunt Sue, Uncle Joe), This April I am walking for autism with the Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania as part of the National Autism Awareness Month. Participating in this Walk is important to me as I have a (family member or friend) on the autism spectrum. Funds help Autism Society NWPA fund local programs and provide resources to those affected by autism. Every dollar stays in the local community. I am writing to you to ask for your support for this great cause. You can help by joining my team, donating or assisting in business sponsors for my team. I have set a personal goal of ($XX). You can give your cash/check donation to me or you can donate online at (or insert your Team Page link) Thank you for supporting my walk for autism! Sincerely, (Your Name) After they make a donation be sure to thank them with a thank you card or ! Sample Social Media Posts Facebook/Twitter I walk for autism because I know that those with a spectrum disorder are different, not less. Support me and the Walk for Autism! (Add link to your page) I walk for (NAME OF PERSON AFFECTED BY AUTISM). He/She is funny and smart and means so much to me (make it personal). Join me and (NAME OF PERSON) in the Walk for Autism! (Add link to your page) Did you know that the funds used by Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania stay in our community? The organization serves Erie, Crawford, Venango and Mercer Counties. Support me in the Walk for Autism to raise money for this great organization. (Add link to your page) Hey my Facebook friends! Thank you for supporting my Walk for Autism team! Have you donated yet? (Add link to your page) 7