February Showtime 11 Patriot Program Incentive 12 Building a team 13 Communications Ideas 14 Event Ideas 15 Fundraising Ideas

February is SHOWTIME!

During the month of February:

Participants can register as individuals, join your team, or create their own team. NEW this year is the addition of TWO registration options.

Participants will complete a physical activity to log their activity as a distance or time equivalent to the duration of the activity. NEW this year: a focus on the holistic wellness of our participants with an alternate activity aimed at developing the five fitness areas of our VetSTAR training.

Participants will raise funds while logging their miles. NEW this year is the addition of incentive tiers to motivate even the most hesitant fundraisers.

The Patriot Program Incentive is here to stay!

This program allows teams to share funds raised with GallantFew AND an approved military support or remembrance initiative. In 2022, we gifted nearly $66,000 to organizations that support our mission within the military community.

To qualify, teams must have 10 or more members, collectively log 565 miles of activity, AND raise more than $1,000. Proceeds after the initial $1,000 are then split 50/50 between GallantFew and the approved organization. Proceeds will be the amount after Stripe processing fees are subtracted.

Building your team

Your primary role is to inspire your community to participate in Patriot Challenge as your teammate or as a Team Captain of their own team in support of the GallantFew mission.

Gallant Gear

Once you receive your Community Ambassador shirt or your Patriot Challenge shirt, WEAR it. Use your Gallant Gear as a conversation starter and opportunity to share our mission and encourage them to join you in fueling that mission.

There is no "I" in TEAM

What is YOUR name?

You can be certain that each member on a team has a role crucial to the team's success. We don't all enjoy fitness. We aren't all exemplary fundraisers. Each team member can contribute to the team's total mileage and funds raised by doing what they can at THEIR skill level! Don't let geography constrain you, recruit members across the country or even the globe!

Participants will be asked about their Community Ambassador at registration. We want to make sure to know it's YOU so that we can thank you!

COMMUNICATIONS

For those with social media, utilize those channels and use the GallantFew, GallantFew at The ROC, and Patriot Challenge Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts to spread the word! If you belong to a community group where you can share posts or information, share GallantFew and Patriot Challenge updates there as well. Sharing posts can also be effective for those that do not want to create content. We can also post on your behalf if you would like to utilize our platforms. Please use #patriotchallenge or #gallantfew on your posts.

Post a flyer about GallantFew, Patriot Challenge, or an event you may be hosting in a community business, gym, or on a community workspace board or events page online. We are more than happy to create one for you!

Networking events are a great place to insert your work as a GallantFew Community Ambassador. It's easy to share the mission of how we serve and your participation in GallantFew's Patriot Challenge. Encourage support by sharing what you are doing or inviting others to join you.

Use technology to share details with a group of people via text, email, or even add a blurb to your email signature that might spark a conversation about the mission of GallantFew and Patriot Challenge.

Workout

Hosting Events

Promote free workouts at your gym, invite community figures to join you, set up a table for registration and swag from local vendors, gather a few food trucks, or offer a raffle to fundraise!

Informal Meet-up

Gather friends to meet up and participate in a group activity or walk at a local park or attraction.

Fundraising Event

Host a get-together with friends at a local venue for great conversation and fellowship. Ask the establishment to share proceeds to GallantFew. This could even be the starting point for group runs/walks throughout the month. You could also host an event like a fish fry for your local community, where the proceeds benefit your team's fundraising goals.

Running Clubs & Races

Dog Walk

Lunch & Learn

Use a local race or an event to gather your team and community. This is a great opportunity to use a pledge-per-mile approach to fundraising. Wear your Gallant Gear and use it to start a conversation to educate others about GallantFew and how they can join you in supporting the mission. Collaborate with a local running store or club and get involved in their events or host your own event at a time when attendance is the highest. Meet up and participate in a dog walk in a neighborhood or park with friends. Share what you're doing for GallantFew and enjoy fellowship with all participants.

Virtual or in-person event to tune in to a presentation by you or a member of GallantFew to share the mission and ways in which we serve the military community over lunch.

Fundraising Events

Your team can plan a fundraising event, such as a community fish fry, or reach out to a local business to donate a portion of their sales to your team's efforts. Local breweries have participated in this previously, as have larger chains like Texas Roadhouse.

Many supporters will agree to pledge a dollar amount per mile completed. All pledges must be received by GallantFew no later than March 31st to be counted towards an individual's or team's fundraising total.

Pledge per Mile

Corporate Matching Gifts

Many corporations offer employee matching programs such as Double the Donation. This provides an effortless way for engaging your corporate community and getting them involved in your cause.

Sponsorships

Ask your family, friends, or even a local business to join you in your efforts by sponsoring your team during Patriot Challenge. We can provide a sample sponsor letter if needed.