Step Up 101
Overview for Team Captains
Our History
Step up for Down syndrome is our signature community awareness and fundraising event designed to bring the community together to show support and solidarity with individuals with Down syndrome.
VDSA hosts three Step Up events across our service area, offering multiple locations and times of year for you to join us in Stepping Up to show your support for Down syndrome.
Scan the code to
learn more about the
Step Up 5K Family Festival or visit: https://www.ds-stride.org/vdsastepup
Frequently
Asked
Questions:
What is a STEP UP 5k walk team?
Walk teams are a way for friends and family to show support for their loved one with Down syndrome while making a difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome.
What does a Team Captain do?
Team Captains are the main point of contact between VDSA and other members of your team. Captains help distribute t-shirts to team members, contact potential sponsors, coordinate team tent space, and more. Our Team Captain Packet contains social media graphics, a Team Captain Checklist, fundraising and team spirit ideas, sponsor forms, and other useful tools to help promote and Step Up and get your team excited!
How do I create a team?
How do I spread the word about my team?
Once you create a team online, you will receive a custom link to share your team's fundraising page to your social media pages and via text/email. You are also able to link Facebook fundraisers to your team fundraising page.
Who should I invite to join my team?
Anyone on your "team" in life! Team Captains usually invite friends, families, coworkers, teachers, therapists, neighbors, teammates, bus drivers, and more!
Day Of
Timeline:
7 AM
Team Tent Village
Team Captains Arrive to set up in Team Tent Village (if qualified).
8 AM
Step UP Attendees Begin Arriving
9 AM
Family Festival Begins
5K Run Begins
9:45 AM
5K Walk Begins
1 PM
Family Festival Ends
Fundraising Tips
& Ideas
Write a letter/send an email to friends and family!
Download our pre-written letter and start sending to your friends and family.
Have a bake sale or lemonade stand!
Get your neighbors involved by holding a bake sale or having a lemonade stand!
Be sure to set out a donation jar for folks to make a donation to add to your sales!
Set up a Team Donation Jar in your Office!
Use our flyers: ready to use in English, in Spanish and customizable ,to share your cause and ask your coworkers to support your team!
Host a Dinner, Wine or Game Night!
Invite friends to join you in to enjoy a meal, wine or your favorite games. Take a moment to share why you are fundraising for Step Up 5K Family Festival and ask if they would like to join your team!
Get your Church
or Community Group Involved!
Ask those that you spend time with to support your team. Maybe there can be a special collection for your team or a special event planned to raise funds!
Your community will appreciate being asked to support the things that mean the most to you!
Host a Car Wash!
Do you have other friends with teams for the walk? Join forces and host a car wash!
You can create fun signs to explain the cause and attract customers.
Host a Restaurant Fundraiser!
Ask a local restaurant or fast food place about hosting a fundraiser there!
Most restaurants will donate 20% of sales to everyone who shows a flyer.
If none of these work for you and your schedule, simply post your team link and some fun pictures on your social media, using the graphics below, and ask your friends and family to support you!
Important
Dates
Sept 10
Team Captain Happy Hour
5:30 PM | Brambly Park | Children Welcome
Sept 18
T-shirt Order Deadline
Oct 10
Registration Deadline
Oct 12
Event Day!
9 AM - 1 PM
Team Captain
Checklist
Create your team on the Walk Website.
Link team page to Facebook Fundraiser.
Invite your real life "team" to join your team!
Reminder: Must register by 9/18 to get a walk t-shirt!
Share Social Media Graphics encouraging friends and family to join or donate!
Contact local businesses about sponsoring. Your team will get credit!
Set up fundraisers for your team!