The Baker SuperK Fundraising Toolkit 2023

Welcome to The Baker SuperK Walk, Roll & Fun Run!

You’re now a part of a community of superheroes. Nationwide, and even around the world, amazing people like you are uniting to celebrate Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. By getting involved, you’re helping to shine a spotlight on the importance of mental health and special education.

On Saturday, May 6, The Baker Center will host our first SuperK – inspired by our superheroes: the children and families we serve and their stories. All our welcome at our family-friendly 1K/5K and kick-off to Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week on Saturday, May 6, on the Charles River Esplanade.

Lace up, grab your cape, and walk, roll, or run – any way you move – to acknowledge the distance that children and families face in accessing mental health supports. Every dollar you raise will contribute to a future where every child has access to the highest quality care, improving their health and opportunity.

This guide contains everything you need to know about our SuperK and how to unlock your fundraising superpower! Together we can save the day for children’s mental health!

Sincerely,

Jason Polasek Vice President of Advancement

Table of Contents

What is The Baker Center’s SuperK Walk, Roll & Fun?

Be a mental health hero! The goal of the SuperK Walk, Roll & Fun Run is to spread awareness and advocacy for mental health challenges and resources. When you join forces with The Baker Center, ordinary actions can be heroic for the children and families who rely on our life-changing programs.

The SuperK is a fundraising program for The Baker Center. It works in three easy steps:

1 2 3

Set up and personalize a fundraising page of your own at bakersuperk.com

Ask your friends, family, and co-workers for donations that support The Baker Center’s life-changing programs for children and families.

Join us on Saturday, May 6, on the Charles River Esplanade, and walk, roll or run to the finish line!

Why the SuperK?

Your story is your superpower! It’s important for children and families struggling to know that they are not alone. Sharing your story helps promote understanding and empathy with others with similar experiences. That sense of connection and healing is what our SuperK is all about.

Join us in sharing the things that make you special. Take a picture or video sharing a strength, interest, or hobby that reflects your personal superpower. It could be something like playing softball, playing with a pet, climbing trees, drawing, journaling, reading a book, cooking – whatever brings happiness into your world! Share on social media using #BakerSuperK.

Where does the money go?

Your fundraising will benefit The Baker Center’s programs that help children and families break through the stigmas and barriers that hold them back, expanding access to mental health support, improving health and wellness, and fulfilling hopes and dreams. For more information about where your money goes, see the section “Your Donations at Work” in this document.

How much do I have to fundraise?

There is no required fundraising minimum for the SuperK Walk, Roll & Fun Run, but we recommend setting a $250 fundraising goal to start – because fundraisers with a goal simply raise more money than those without one.

Prizes will be awarded to the top adult and child fundraisers.

Five Easy Steps to the Fundraising Ask

There

STEP: 1

Identify the need you are trying to address.

STEP: 2

Explain why it is important to you.

STEP: 3

Share what you are doing about it.

STEP: 4

Ask your donor to take a specific action.

STEP: 5

Pause and give your donor a chance to consider and respond.

“There is a youth mental health crisis. Far too many children and teens are struggling with their mental health and unable to get the support they need.”

“I’m grateful that my family has access to resources like therapy that allow us to manage our mental health.”

“And that’s why I’m participating in The Baker SuperK Walk, Roll & Fun this year, to ensure that children everywhere have access to the best possible care.”

“Will you support me by donating $50?”

Don’t talk yourself out of a donation! Give your donor time to think and respond.

Setting Up Your Fundraising Page

The easiest way to collect donations is to set up a Classy fundraising page. Head to bakersuperk.com (or scan the QR code) and select ‘Register’. Then follow our simple tips below to be on your way to fundraising success!

Set Your Fundraising Goal

Don’t be afraid to go big!

Update Your Pictures

Adding a profile picture and cover photo could boost your fundraising by 23%

$250 Story Supporters

Tell Your Story

Let everyone know why you’re taking part in Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week.

Thank Your Donors

A simple thank you can go a long way, make sure you thank anyone who donates to your fundraiser!

Start A Facebook Fundraiser

It’s one of the easiest ways to expand your donor reach and hit your fundraising goal!

Once you have registered on our SuperK fundraising website, you will be ready to set up your Classy for Facebook Fundraiser. Please be sure to follow these steps exactly to ensure that your Facebook Fundraiser is connected to your fundraising page:

Access your fundraising page

Login at the top-right of the page if you haven’t already

Select Manage at the top-right of your page

Select the Facebook tab

Select the Create button

When the Facebook login prompt appears, log in if you haven’t already

Make sure the Manage your Fundraisers toggle is on

Once you complete these steps, your Facebook fundraising page will be created automatically and appear on your Facebook activity feed. Select View on the tile that appears to visit your Facebook fundraising page.

Any Facebook fundraiser that is set up directly on Facebook will not be linked to your Classy fundraising page and your funds will not be able to be transferred by our team. If you have any questions about the setup process or troubleshooting please contact us at rsvp@bakercenter.org.

Click here for a step-by-step tutorial with pictures

Beyond The Ask: Seven Tips For Fundraising Success

Make A Self-Donation

Donate to your own fundraiser to get the momentum started and set the tone. Fundraisers who make a self-donation are proven to raise more than those who don’t.

Ask Everyone

When you are fundraising, you need to ask everyone you come into contact with in the course of a day, a week, a month or a year. And we mean everyone: your friends and family, your neighbors, your local delivery driver, your barista, literally everyone! Be sure to ask anyone you pay for a service, like your doctor, your dentist, or your dog’s veterinarian.

Ask BIG

If you ask someone for $10 you will probably get $10. But if you ask for $100 or $200 you might get it, or a smaller amount like $50; they probably won’t donate just $10. You don’t lose anything if someone gives less than you ask. But you are losing out on big donations if you don’t ask for very much. Remember — you are doing something BIG here. So ask BIG.

Make It Urgent

Create a sense of urgency by setting an overall fundraising deadline that is just a few weeks or months away. The sooner the deadline, the more urgent the call to action.

Use Social Media

Direct donors to your fundraising page on social media. By linking directly to your fundraiser, you make it easy for them to donate, and their gift can be just one click away.

Follow Up

Haven’t heard back from someone you asked for a donation? Reach out again! We’re all busy, and a reminder can help ensure that you don’t lose any opportunities. Be sure to include a link to your personal fundraising page!

Pursue Matching Gifts

Many companies have matching gift programs that will match all or part of their employees’ donations to charitable organizations like The Baker Center. Programs vary by employer, so ask your donor to check with their Human Resources department to find out if they are eligible, or visit our website at bakercntr.org/matching

Your Donations At Work

$50

School supplies and essentials for students at our Manville School. A therapeutic day school for students in grades K-10 who experience emotional and learning difficulties that impact their ability to succeed in previous school settings.

$100

Assessment measures needed for a child’s treatment at our Center for Effective Therapy. Our outpatient clinic that focuses on short-term, high-quality treatment. With locations in Boston and Waltham, we aim to provide families with the tools they need to succeed.

$250

Manuals for clinicians to be trained and implement the best possible care. Our Quality Care Initiative works to create lasting improvements in the quality of mental health care and other services for all children and families.

$500

Assistive technology for telehealth services. The practice of mental health, like other areas of health care, has changed significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

$1,000

Audio equipment to support Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) used to improve the quality of caregiver-child relationships. Therapists help families learn specific behavior management techniques to help their children.

$2,500

Enrollment for a student on the spectrum to attend Next Step. A college prep program for teens with social language and anxiety challenges. The program serves as a simulation for independent living.

$5,000

Scholarship to help kids with ADHD to attend Camp Baker, a six-week day camp specifically designed for children with ADHD. We have a fun, structured curriculum that helps set kids with inattention and hyperactivity up for success.

The Importance of Teams

There are three reasons why participating in the SuperK Walk, Roll & Fun Run is better as a team:

Participants on a team typically raise more money than individuals. Being on a team can strengthen existing relationships and create new ones. The team environment provides companionship, support and motivation.

If you aren’t already participating in the SuperK with a team in your community, company or organization, consider leading your own as a team captain.

Team Captain Guide

Decide to be a team captain!

Set up a team fundraising page.

Decide how big you’d like your team to be (this is called your “recruitment goal”).

Decide whom you’ll invite to join your team. Start with your closest connections – friends, coworkers, family members, or those people you see on a weekly basis.

Ask people to join your team! Pick up the phone or set a coffee date if you can, because in-person asks are the most effective. If you can’t call, then email me! The number one reason people join your team is that they are asked.

Follow up with anyone who hasn’t given you a “yes” or “no” to join your team. Post messages on social media to let people know about your team building.

Fundraising with your team

Share these three fundraising tips with your team members to help them meet and exceed their fundraising goal:

Set a goal. Talk to every team member about setting a fundraising goal for The SuperK, and challenge them to set the bar higher. Setting an ambitious goal not only motivates them, it motivates you as their team captain, and it motivates other fundraisers. You’ll show your team members that everyone shares in the responsibility of fundraising.

Make a personal donation. Making a donation to your own fundraiser shows your team members that you are committed to this cause and to your team’s success. Encourage them to do the same – you should be the first person to contribute to your fundraiser.

First, ask the people most likely to donate. Make a list of all the people you know and rank them, starting with the people you’re closest to. First ask those most likely to donate. Those early donations will build confidence and momentum.

Team motivation

Being part of The Baker Center’s community of like-minded supporters is a great motivation. But it’s important to remember that your attitude and enthusiasm will determine how motivated your team is. Here are some ways to provide an extra boost of motivation to your team members:

Host a team kick-off. Gather your teammates for an informal meeting to launch your fundraising. It’s best to supplement these meetings with food and beverages to make it feel like a party and not an obligation. Take pictures to post on your fundraising pages and social media!

Create some friendly competition among team members. Here are some simple challenges that you can establish for your team members. The prizes for these titles don’t have to be elaborate – in fact, sometimes bragging rights are enough.

Who can raise the most money in one week?

Who has received the largest donation to date?

Who has sent out the most personal fundraising emails?

Who has made a personal donation?

Who has the highest goal?

Who has met and increased their goal?

Send your team members thank-you notes. Let them know how much you enjoyed their company and appreciated their contributions.

Sample Emails And Messages

Ask Email

Dear [FIRST NAME],

The crisis in youth mental health is real, and it is urgent. More kids than ever before are reaching out for help with their mental health. But for those who take that brave step, help is much too hard to find. Less than 20% of children and teens with mental health challenges receive the care they need.

Now is the time to be a mental health hero. And that’s why I signed up for The Baker SuperK Walk, Roll & Fun Run, a family-friendly 1K/5K, and kick-off to Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Team [Team Name] is joining forces to break stigmas and boundaries for kids in need.

The Baker Center is improving care and changing the lives of those ages 2 – 22 struggling with mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Their treatment programs are proven to help kids get better faster and stay better longer. Every dollar raised contributes to a future where every child has the best possible care.

Please join us on Saturday, May 6, on the Charles River Esplanade, or supporting me by donating $50 to my fundraising page [Fundraising Link]?

Together we can save the day for children’s mental health.

[YOUR NAME]

Thank-You Email

Dear [FIRST NAME],

Thank you for donating to my SuperK Walk, Roll & Fun Run fundraiser. Your generosity inspires me to keep up my fundraising and to achieve my goal of [Fundraising Goal]. Please know that your donation supports a cause near and dear to me – creating access to mental health supports, breaking stigmas, and fulfilling hopes and dreams for children and families.

To learn more about the innovative work you’re supporting, visit bakercenter.org.

Thanks again, [YOUR NAME]

Sample Social Media Posts

I signed up for The Baker SuperK Walk, Roll & Fun Run, a family-friendly 1K/5K, and kick-off to Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Team [Team Name] is joining forces to break stigmas and boundaries for kids in need.

I’m [Walking, Rolling, or Running) because [Share Your Story].

My goal is to raise [$XX] for the life-changing programs at the @bakercntr. Please join us on Saturday, May 6, on the Charles River Esplanade or support me by donating to my fundraising page: [Fundraising Link].

Join Team [Team Name] for The Baker SuperK Walk, Roll & Fun Run on Saturday, May 6, to kick off.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. My goal is to raise [$XX] to support the @bakercntr as they help thousands of kids each year get better faster and stay better longer.

The Baker Center is improving care and changing the lives of those ages 2 – 22 struggling with mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. No matter what children and families face, they are committed to providing the support they need to thrive and achieve a better future.

To donate and learn more: [Fundraising Link]

On Saturday, May 6, Team [Team Name] will join the SuperK Walk, Roll & Fun Run to acknowledge the distance that children and families face in accessing mental health supports. Every dollar raised will contribute to a future where every child has the best possible care. The @bakercntr has been helping children and families reach their goals and change the course of their lives for over 100 years.

Support today: [Fundraising Link]

Post

Thank you to everyone for supporting my SuperK Walk, Roll & Fun Run fundraiser. I would especially like to thank [Tag anyone you would like to specifically for their generosity]. Together, we are breaking barriers and stigmas of mental health and raising vital funds for the life-changing programs at the @bakercntr. It’s not too late to join Team [Team Name] on Saturday, May 6, on the Charles River Esplanade. Sign up today at [Team Link]!

Make sure you follow all of our social channels to keep up to date on all things SuperK!