As the team captain, it is up to you to set your team's fundraising goal. Keep this in mind as your determine your team goal: at the 2013 Walk for Thought the average person raised $155.66. Start there, and then push further!

$ ___ x ___ teammates = My team's fundraising goal!

Need an example to get you started? $350 x 20 Teammates = $7,000!

Following is a checklist, to assist you and your team to be able to reach (and surpass!) your fundraising goal:

Fundraising Checklist

• I have set a team fundraising goal, and have communicated this to my team.
• I have put reminders in my calendar to send out bi-weekly emails to my team keeping them up to date on the team's progress.
• I have sent out "sponsor me" emails and/or letters to my family, friends, co-workers and contacts, asking for their support of my team. I've encouraged my team to do the same, using their online Personal DonorPage on the website. See sample letter below.
• I have made a list of possible team fundraisers, and picked a date for one of these events to take place.
• I have checked to see if my company has a matching gift program.
• I have tracked my donations, and have thanked my sponsors. Click on the Thank Donors button in your Personal DonorPage on the website.
• I have sent out the reminder email/letter to those who have not sponsored me yet, updating them on my fundraiseing progress and reminding them of how much more I need to raise to reach my goal.

Here's a sample letter you can edit to suit your needs & use for a blast email or hard copy letter to your own friends & family members.

Dear friend,

I find it hard asking someone to make a donation. I guess we all do. But, today I am writing to you about a cause that is important to me. This spring, I will join hundreds of people who are participating in the 11th Annual Walk for Thought to raise funds for the Brain Injury Association of Vermont. By making a donation on my behalf, you can support local programs and services for survivors and their families affected by brain injury.

In the US today, a brain injury occurs every 23 seconds. In the blink of an eye, your life can be dramatically altered. You look the same, you sound the same, yet something is just not right. Suddenly the world seems like an unfamiliar place. For over 8,000 people in Vermont who live daily with challenges that come from a brain injury, this is their reality. You can help me reach my fundraising goal of $ ____ by sponsoring me in the Walk for Thought. It's easy. Just visit my personal webpage at: (insert your personal webpage here; the address is generated automatically when you register online), or return the enclosed self-addressed with your check made payable to the Brain Injury Association of Vermont by (insert your deadline).

If hope you will join me in this important challenge by sponsoring me. Your support will mean so much to me and the thousands of people in Vermont living with the effects of brain injury.

Warmest Regards,
Your name goes here