Host a Charity Fitness Class
We tend to focus a lot on run, walk and bike races here at Charity Mile, and it is true that your organization can utilize these types of fitness events to successfully raise funds. However, it is also important to remember that athletic fitness events really do come in all shapes and sizes.
If organizing a race isn’t something you aspire to take on, by thinking outside the box you can still incorporate health and fitness into your fundraiser. Hosting a charity fitness class is one way to do this.
For this type of event you will hold a class for the public for a set amount of time. Part, or all, of the participant registration fee goes to benefit the charity. In addition, you can require fundraising minimums and promote team participation.
Fitness classes can be just as appealing as a race and follow the same principals when it comes to planning. However, the logistics of putting together such an event tend to be less complicated. First you’ll need a planning committee, a few volunteers and sponsors. Once you are ready to start planning you can incorporate the following steps.
Select a day for the event, preferably on the weekend such as a Saturday morning.
Determine the length of the event. Some events last only one or two hours, others are more like fitness-a-thons that can last the entire day or through the night. If planning an extended event consider registering teams and allow members to alternate their participation throughout the event, exercising for a half hour or hour at a time.
Choose the type of activity you prefer. Popular classes for these types of events include boot camp, kickboxing, indoor group cycling and Pilates. You can choose one, or make it a day full of several different types of classes.
Consider your budget. Costs will include giveaways, refreshments, hiring an instructor if you cannot find one to volunteer his or her time and renting a facility if necessary. From there, you can begin to seek sponsors just as you would for a race to help offset costs for your organization.
Determine how you will garner funds for the charity. Set a registration fee, about $15 to $30 for a one to two hour class. Also consider setting a minimum for fundraising for individual participants or teams such as $100 per team.
Find a qualified instructor or group of instructors to teach the class. This type of event provides a great opportunity to join forces with a local fitness center. By partnering and utilizing their staff and facility you can both make a difference and support a worthy cause.
Decide on giveaways. Much like a race you can provide t-shirts, goodie bags and even door prizes for those participating.
Plan to make it a party. Whether the event is a few hours or all day, plan to provide food, drinks and keep the music pumping. For longer events, incorporate breaks to refresh and refuel.
Incorporate prizes by holding a raffle or awarding those raising the most funds. You can also award prizes to encourage your participants and create fun atmosphere. For example at the end of the day give awards for the most enthusiastic, best costume, most energetic, or most motivating.
Cool idea. I have heard of spin-a-thons (though I can barely last the 45 minute class as it is!) Sometimes aiming for a big turnout can be a good media draw too. Like the “world’s largest kickboxing class” or something.
They held a spin-a-thon here where we are living in Brazil not too long ago. It was something like 6 hours. I wasn’t able to make it, but wish I could have seen how they set it up. I’m not sure if they rotated in or if you just paced yourself like you would an all day ride.
I love the idea though. There is always so much energy and fun surrounding classes like this.