AUSTIN, TEXAS (January 24, 2008) The AT&T Austin Marathon is launching a new philanthropy program called 26 Miles for 26 Charities, an initiative that partners the 26.2-mile race with selected nonprofits to help elevate awareness and raise money while filling critical volunteer roles throughout the marathon and half marathon courses.
Participating nonprofits will volunteer at designated water stops and clothing drops throughout the race route and are encouraged to develop a theme at their station to create an exciting atmosphere for the thousands of athletes passing by. This allows the nonprofits to highlight their organization while creatinga fun and uniquely Austin experience for the runner.
In exchange, the race provides these organizations with a number of fundraising tools and opportunities to raise awareness. Organizers estimate the nonprofits can raise around $100,000 each, though every organization has unlimited potential to leverage this opportunity and raise even more. The collective fundraising goal for this inaugural year is $2.6 million, compared with an average of approximately $1 million raised for charities in previous years.
Directors of 26 Miles for 26 Charities (26 for 26) expect the nonprofits can meet the ambitious goal while providing essential services for the runners. “Through 26 for 26, the race and the nonprofits come together in a way that benefits both groups,” 26 Miles for 26 Charities Co-Director Ainsley Williams said.
“The AT&T Austin Marathon receives much needed volunteer support, while the charities can expose their cause to the community.”
Fundraising and awareness opportunities extend well beyond race day as well. Gibson Guitars will provide guitars for each of the selected nonprofits that can be individually designed and auctioned off to raise additional funds for the organization. Staci Wimbush, Co-Director of 26 for 26, said “Gibson has given the organizations involved in 26 Miles for 26 charities access to a unique fundraising opportunity that will help diversify their giving opportunities.”
The following are additional fundraising tools provided to each of the 26 for 26 nonprofits:
Named an “official charity” on the race website (www.attaustinmarathon.com)
One AT&T Austin Marathon VIP package to use as an auction item or other fundraising piece
Logo placement on designated mile marker
Exhibition in 26 Miles Pavilion at the 2008 AT&T Austin Marathon Expo which draws
approximately 30,000 visitors
Additional mentions in race publications, Web content and retail stores
Numerous other marketing opportunities
A total of 31 charities were selected, five more than are mentioned in the program’s name, to accommodate additional half marathon water stops.
Nonprofits in all sectors are capitalizing on this opportunity to reach new audiences.
Suzanne Quinn, Executive Director of the Austin Music Foundation, said “We think 26 Miles is a terrific opportunity to reach a broad demographic and raise awareness about our mission while serving the community in a new way through volunteering for the race.”
Major Jim Nugent of the Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation said “We proudly salute the runners of the 2008 Austin Marathon as we pay tribute to the soldiers, airmen, and families who serve overseas and at home, sacrificing personal freedoms to preserve our liberties. In fact, the theme for our water stop, ‘Home Front Heroes’ will highlight the Foundation's motto by honoring those who run for the cause, as well as those whom the Foundation serves: the families of our service members.”
Leslie Archambault with the Austin Child Guidance Center said “We are thrilled to have been selected to participate in 26 Miles for 26 Charities. This is the first time the Center has been involved in a marathon, so we're looking forward to the challenge of creating a running team and gathering a group of volunteers for the water stop on our designated mile.”
Participating nonprofits include:
Austin Child Guidance Center
Austin Children's Shelter
Austin Jewish Academy
Austin Music Foundation
Austin Sports Commission
Ballet Austin
Blue Dog Rescue
Communities in Schools - Central Texas, Inc.
Cure Duchenne
Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas
Easter Seals Central Texas
For the Cure (Marathon for the Cure / Race for the
Cure) and RunTex Carrozza Foundation
Gazelle Foundation
Girlstart
Hill Country Conservancy
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Lance Armstrong Foundation
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Malawi Project
Manos de Cristo
Melanoma Support & Education Foundation
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Round Rock ISD Project Graduation
SIMS Foundation
St. Jude Heroes
Texas Advocacy Project
Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation
Wonders and Worries
Young Life Greater Austin
Young Men's Business League
Youth Interactive
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