Developing and planning a new fundraising event is no easy task. Defining your goal and and creating a strategy that will work for supporters can be challenging. In 2008, Heartspring hosted the inaugural Autism CARE Walk, the first awareness event in the Wichita area for autism spectrum disorder.

“We developed this walk because there was a tremendous need for a true awareness event for autism in this city,” said Connie Coulter-Erbert, director of CARE and autism resources. “We wanted to help families, raise money and provide services at low or little cost to families.”

When planning the Autism CARE Walk, focus is placed on creating an environment for families to enjoy the day while meeting other families and gathering information. The walk is only a small element of the day that brings families together and generates awareness throughout the community. 

“We have invited vendors who cater to different deficits of the autism spectrum,” said Coulter-Erbert. “Every vendor will meet a need for children and the different aspects of autism. There will be products there that the parents will easily understand and benefit from. We will also have outdoor activities and food for the whole family to enjoy.”

In the months leading up to the CARE Walk in 2008, work was underway to build an online community of parents, friends and supporters. The website www.autismcarewalk.org was developed to maximize communication and allow supporters to participate regardless of where they lived.

“We were able to build the site so that the walkers could engage people from around the country. The personal fundraising pages allowed them to tell a little bit about themselves and send emails to friends and family about the walk. Registrations and donations can also be accepted through the site,” said Tabytha Rourke, Heartspring web developer.

The online capabilities were the first of their kind for a Heartspring event. Another feature was the ability to register as a Virtual Walker for family and friends who would not be able to attend the walk. Individuals could register online and participate in the online community, as well as feel like they were part of the event.

“We were able to create a network of supporters who may have never been on the Heartspring campus before. We had virtual walkers from around the country who were using the site to show their support and raise money. We were really excited with how well the online format became part of the event,” Rourke said.

This year, the features continue to develop. Not only can walkers register as a virtual walker and support a loved one from anywhere in the country, more automation has been added to make fundraising easier. Registered walkers can send emails from the website, download sample letters and tips on fundraising and just like in 2008, the website allows for donations through PayPal and donors can leave personal messages to show their support.

“We want to make it easy for people to use the website to their benefit,” said Rourke. “To contact their family and friends and let them know that this is something they can be involved in, even if they can’t be here that day.”

Coulter-Erbert also wants to emphasize the importance of community at this event. Not only are families meeting other families who have children with autism, but also anyone in the community can participate in the day and find out more about autism.

“We want anyone in the community to feel welcome. We want them to come out and meet some of the families and get information and see first hand what a joy these kids are,” she said.