Teammates, Assemble!
Hello, walkers! Believe it or not, we are only two and a half months away from the Les Turner ALS Walk for Life on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Now is the time to build up your team!
Growing your team means you will raise more necessary funds for ALS care, education, and research — and have a great experience together.
A large turnout at the Walk will show those affected by ALS that they aren’t alone, and show Chicago that though ALS is a rare disease, it affects many people.
WHO TO ASK
- Don’t be afraid to ask your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, religious group, or anyone you know. All are welcome. Remember, not all team members need to attend the Walk in person.
WHAT TO ASK
- You are asking people to help raise funds for the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s mission to provide individualized care, local community support, and hope through scientific research.
- You are asking people to join you for a day of solidarity and celebration with music, entertainment, and food trucks at Soldier Field.
HOW TO ASK
- Share your team page link through email, text message, social media, over the phone, or in person.
- If you are walking to support someone living with ALS today or honor someone you have lost, mention them and why this event matters to you.
- Be sure to personalize your team page by uploading a photo.
- Share any fun plans for your team like custom t-shirts or signs
WHEN TO ASK
- The earlier you start, the more time you have to reach your fundraising goals and earn fundraising incentives and prizes.
Walker Spotlight: Ryan Bell
Ryan Bell will be walking this year in memory of his mother, Lori Hoover, who passed away from ALS in June.
“We walk to honor her memory and her spirit which ALS could not take from her, even to the very end.”
For the past five years, Ryan has brought a large team to walk with him on walk day. He has this advice for his fellow team captains:
“Be organized, get started early, and cast as wide a net as you can. I like to get the communications started pretty early so that people can add the event to their calendars before time gets away or the year gets too busy.
“Finally, we really try to use social media platforms to our advantage as much as possible. Every little bit helps and even if someone can’t donate money or join us in person, it’s good to introduce people to a group or a cause they may not have been exposed to yet.”
Tell us why you walk and supercharge your team fundraising!
We want to share why you walk! The first ten people to send us a video will receive $500 for your team fundraising from the generosity of the Haarlow Family Charitable Foundation.
In your video…
- Mention your name, your team name, and how many years you’ve participated in the Walk
- Talk about why you participate in the ALS Walk for Life and one of your favorite parts about Walk day.
- Video tips:
- Hold your phone vertically when recording
- Record in a quiet place with bright lighting
- Make sure you are not backlit
- Keep your answers short and sweet! Your video should aim to be 1-3 minutes long.
Your video may be shared on Les Turner ALS Foundation social media channels.
Social Media Toolkit
Social media is a fantastic way to spread the word about your team in the ALS Walk for Life.
We built this collection of graphics for you to boost your fundraising and share why you walk.
Access the Social Media Toolkit
Top Team Fundraisers
About Les’ Spirit $14,000
Team HOPE $3,750
Jerry’s Angels $1,550
Top Individual Fundraisers
Harvey Gaffen $5,000
Molly Solik $1,550
Kenneth Hoffman $1,000
Resources
Facebook Group
To stay informed on Walk information or to share your ALS story, join our ALS Walk for Life Facebook group!
Team Captain Kit
This guide includes tips on recruiting teammates, how to motivate your team, fundraising 101, online and offline fundraising ideas, a team captain checklist, and exciting fundraising prizes.
March of Faces
Honor a loved one by including them on a March of Faces banner this year, which will be displayed at the ALS Walk for Life with banners from prior years going back to 2003.
Submit to March of Faces by August 14
Social Media Toolkit
Post our customizable graphics on your social media to share your involvement in the ALS Walk for Life.
Access the Social Media Toolkit
All Participants Must Register
Everyone who will be on-site and participating in the Walk, regardless of age, needs to sign up for the event and sign the event waiver. Skip the registration line on event day and sign up your crew online.
Feel free to reach out with any questions about the Walk or recruiting teammates. We’re here to help.
Thank you for being a leader in the fight against ALS.
Cheers!
Riley Kelly
Senior Associate, Events and Development
847 745 6051 Direct
847 679 3311 General
Kim Kempf
Director, Events and Partnerships
847 745 6024 Direct
847 679 3311 General
