Walk with Me to Cure Arthritis

2011 Walk Committee & Staff

This past Thursday, we had our monthly Indianapolis Arthritis Walk® Committee meeting. I’m always so impressed with the volunteers and staff that sit around the table in our meetings. The passion, enthusiasm and spirit are invigorating and always lift me up. Because of these volunteers, we’re one step closer to a cure. It’s hard to talk about the business of the Walk when you are in a room of such amazing people!

But, we do have a job to do:  Put on the best Indianapolis Arthritis Walk® we can. I love this year’s theme, “Walk with Me to Cure Arthritis.” This event is key to raising not only money for arthritis research, programs and services, but also creating an understanding about arthritis and related conditions. In addition, we want to offer opportunities for those with these conditions to lead a better life.

Our to-do list is pretty lengthy, starting with securing sponsors for the walk. We have an excellent sponsorship package available, with levels from $150 to $10,000. Even at the $150 level, the benefits include listing on the t-shirts, recognition in the statewide newsletter that goes to over 7,500 people , and the opportunity to contribute to a promotional item for participant goody bags.  Not bad!  

Be sure to come early this year, because we have plenty of great activities. We are hard at work building a bigger Health and Wellness Fair.  This area will feature clinical medicine, health related non-profits, and wellness practitioners that offer goods and services for those with arthritis. Interested in a booth?  They start at only $300. Contact Kendall krich@arthritis.org or B.J. bfarrell@arthritis.org to reserve your space!

Arthritis Sufferers Kate & Furry Murry Fish Head

A returning feature this year is the Doggy Den. Dogs can join in on the fun in their own zone that celebrates the unique relationship dogs can have on those who have arthritis. After all, exercise is key to reducing pain, and what better way to walk than with a furry friend. We know that dogs get arthritis, too. Check out the picture of me and my dog Furry Murray Fish Head, an arthritis sufferer himself. We’re quite a pair with our arthritic hips, but we make it on regular walks anyway!

The Kid’s Zone sponsored by Merchandise Warehouse continues to grow, too! Home Depot will be back with their cool craft projects and a magician is on board. In this area, not only do kids get to play, but there is also a lot of great information on children and teens and living with arthritis related conditions. Thanks to the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent the K-ID’s BMV van will be back as well making free child ID cards.

Really, what’s there not to like about all of this activity on an early summer evening along the beautiful Indianapolis Canal? Stroll at your own pace as far as you’d like to go, follow along with the band The Scoop, and enjoy the festivities while contributing to finding a cure.  The entire family will find activities they’ll enjoy.

Mobiles

I hope you’ll start a team like I did or register for the walk on June 11th. It’s very simple to do. Go to www.ArthritisWalkIndy.com, click Sign Up and then Start a Team. We know that asking for money from others can be difficult, no matter how much you believe in the cause. So, there are all sorts of cool tools to use, including an email template, facebook and twitter applications, and a way to set up your own website. In addition, the Arthritis Foundation, Central Indiana Branch has mobiles and scratch off cards available. Sell the mobiles, available in round or bone shape, for any amount and have the donor write there name on the bone. Then, bring your sold bones to the Walk to be displayed in the Mission Area. New to the Arthritis Walk® this year are the scratch off cards. Each card has 35 circles with dollar amounts ranging from $0-$5. Ask friends and family members to scratch off a circle and donate the amount uncovered. If you get every circle uncovered you will have raised $100 and an official Arthritis Walk® t-shirt! To order fundraising supplies for free contact Kendall at krich@arthritis.org or 317.879.0321 x207.

Scratch off cards front and back.

Mark your calendars for our Indianapolis Arthritis Walk® Kick-Off event on April 14th at The Mansion at Oak Hill. The event begins a 6 p.m. RSVP by April 7th to Kendall at krich@arthritis.org or 317.879.0321 x207. It’s a great way to get your team in gear and ready for the Walk! This year at the kick-off we will be handing out service awards to team captains who have been with us over the past six years.

I’ll have more updates for you soon. Stay in touch and “Walk with Me to Cure Arthritis!”

Together, we can overcome.

Kate

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