Easter Seals will make its first national foray into online event registration and pledge collection this spring to support its Walk with Me fundraiser.
The Chicago-based nonprofit hopes to raise at least $250,000 with the event, said Peggy Berg, director of event marketing. Walk with Me will be staged from May 19 to Oct. 27. The new program — which replaces the Easter Seals Telethon as the organization’s signature event–will be held in 10 markets this year, 25 markets next year, and rolled out nationally in 2004.
Easter Seals will use Kintera Inc.’s Kintera Sphere technology to implement its Internet marketing and online fundraising efforts. Berg says participants will be encouraged to register online, which will help Easter Seals build an e-mail database.
Participants who opt-in to receive e-mails from Easter Seals will be sent about eight e-mails from the time they register until after the event, updating them on developments and giving tips about fundraising opportunities. A viral e-mail campaign — where participants can use a template to create an e-mail inviting friends to join them in the walk
