SVDP Sonoma Friends of the Poor 2012 Walk/Run
Save the Date: 2012 Friends of the Poor® Walk/Run Date Saturday, September 29, 2012
The Friends of the Poor® Walk/Run is a unique fundraising effort organized nationally and locally by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. It allows community members from all walks of life across the country to participate in a simultaneous, nationwide event to raise national awareness of the challenges faced by the nation’s poor and to raise significant funds for use in direct service to the poor. All funds raised in Sonoma County will provide meals in our Dining Room, food for our neighborhood Food Pantries, and furniture, clothing and household items to individuals and families referred by our neighborhood Conferences or County social service agencies.
The Friends of the Poor® Walk/Run will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2012. The alternate date for this event is Sunday, September 30, 2012.
What’s Involved in the FOP Walk/Run?
The Friends of the Poor Walk/Run works the same way as other charitable walks/runs/rolls. You sign up, receive a pledge form, invite your friends/family/associates to sponsor you, then participate on the day of the event. All of the pledge logistics can be facilitated through the SVDP Friends of the Poor website and a simple pledge form. The event will be a fun filled day of walking/running/rolling around the track of a Sonoma County high school.
You can either put together a team (business, service club, faith community, school, Scout troop, bridge/bunko group or bunch of pals) or be part of the SVDP Sonoma Team. If you do create your own team, your organization will be recognized on our website.
Friends of the Poor Walk/Run Sponsorships
If your organization becomes a Friends of the Poor in Sonoma County Sponsor, you will be featured on our website as a sponsor, included in all promotional materials and media releases, can supply branded walker take-a-ways and have a booth or table and promotional banner at the event. Contact Vicky Smirnoff, Development Director at vsmirnoff@svdp-sonoma.org for information.
Last year’s Walk drew more than 17,600 walkers to over 200 sites throughout the country. More than $1,400,000 was raised to help those in need nationwide. This year, with your help, we can do more.
FOP Walk = Action, Awareness & Solutions
We invite & welcome you and/or your group to join us on September 29th in:
- raising funds for direct service to the poor in the Sonoma County
- raising awareness about the challenges faced by less fortunate neighbors in our community and across the nation
- increasing public awareness about how services provided the Society of St. Vincent de Paul help the needy people of Sonoma County and how the community can support our efforts
- a terrific opportunity for you and/or members of your organization to directly help people who are struggling in our community
Ways to Participate in the 2012 Friends of the Poor Walk/Run
We are looking for walkers/runners/rollers, Friends of the Poor Committee Members, and event volunteers. If you’d like to participate, please contact Vicky Smirnoff, at (707) 584-1579, x205 or vsmirnoff@svdp-sonoma.org!
What should you do?
Invest in your community by joining the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District Council of Sonoma County 2012 Friends of the Poor® Walk. We know that, as we work together, we can empower others to make a difference in our efforts to reduce poverty.
