The Georgia Chapter’s One Walk is one of our biggest events, in terms of participation and dollars raised. It is an event where 8,000 people share two common goals: to raise money for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and connect with others who are living with and affected by this autoimmune disease. And while most of the people who come out this day walk as part of family teams, there are other groups who are just as committed to finding a cure for T1D. We call these our mighty corporate teams!
Breakthrough T1D Georgia recently sat down with one corporate team that is successful in both employee participation and fundraising. We asked Natalie Thompson, VP of Residential Quality Assurance, Valuation Management Group (VMG) to share her company’s best practices for a successful Walk experience.
How did VMG (“Sweet Soles” Walk team) get involved with Breakthrough T1D? Is there a personal connection to type 1 diabetes?
I am a type 1 diabetic. The first year, I attended the Walk as an individual walker and then realized that I would enjoy it more and make a larger impact by getting my company involved.
There are so many great, mission driven organizations worthy of corporate support. Why does VMG invest in Breakthrough T1D?
VMG has supported Breakthrough T1D as we feel that the organization utilizes the funds raised to finding a cure for type 1 diabetics. The Breakthrough T1D staff is always supportive of our company as well.
As a corporate team, VMG has raised approximately $75,000 over the last 5 years. What is the key to your success?
Team involvement- We ask that all of our employees sign up for the Walk even if they are virtual walkers. We ask that every employee raise a minimum of $100.00. Throughout the year, we also have fundraiser luncheons that are themed such as the Chili Cook Off, Pot Luck, Sandwich and Salad Bar and Burgers and Dogs on the Grill. The staff pays $5.00 for lunch and all of the proceeds raised are donated to Breakthrough T1D.
What advice do you have for other corporate teams who want to increase their fundraising and leverage employee participation?
You have to motivate the employees to want to get involved. For our office, it becomes a competition to see who can raise the most money each year and now, who can get the V1P Passes on Walk day. We keep Breakthrough T1D top of mind throughout the year, not just a month before the walk.
Breakthrough T1D always welcomes corporate teams of any size to join us at One Walk. To get involved, contact Lauren Kennedy at lkennedy@BreakthroughT1D.org for more information.
