Welcome to the Toledo Zoo Dart Frog Dash for joining us in the fight to save our planet! Why your SUPPORT MATTERS: We are currently in the midst of the planet s sixth mass extinction in the last half billion years. We are experiencing the worst species die-offs since the loss of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Scientists estimate literally dozens of species are going extinct each day. What the Zoo is doing TO WIN THE FIGHT: 1 2 3 4 Actively raising thousands of pollinators in our greenhouses and releasing them back into the wild. Actively planting native prairies throughout the region to increase biodiversity and filter rain water runoff. Working in partnership with top researchers and scientists here locally and around the globe to save critically endangered species, including Tasmanian devils, orangutans, polar bears, hellbenders and more! Providing educational programming to families, school groups and the general public on simple changes they can make to have a direct impact on conservation efforts. 1
ACTION PLAN Enclosed in this packet is the information to start your company's team for the Toledo Zoo Dart Frog Dash. It includes: Strategies... pg. 3 Tips for success... pg. 4 Team member registration... pg. 5-6 Sample letters... pg. 7-8 Donation form... pg. 9 Individual incentives... pg. 10 Donation receipts... pg. 11 Choosing a TEAM CAPTAIN Ideally, this should be someone who is: energized and organized a natural leader Develop an ACTION PLAN 1 2 3 Meet with company leaders and a Zoo staff person to develop an action plan including: Establish a fundraising goal for team and individuals Outline the mission Developing a TIMELINE Incorporate donation and fitness goals/milestones Establish when messages will be sent out Discuss fundraising events (jeans day, dine-to-donate, etc...) Corporate team sponsors: EY-Team Chris Mabrey Root, Inc. Savage & Associates, Inc. Toledo Public Schools University of Toledo 2
STRATEGIES Create a large, varied team and set up a challenge within the company. Challenge each team member to raise a certain minimum and offer company incentives when levels are reached. Raise money and receive rewards, such as: longer lunch break, half day off or lunch with top executive. 1 Vendor SPONSORSHIPS Ask your vendors and business partners to join your company in supporting the Toledo Zoo by making a corporate contribution towards your team fundraising goal. Appoint a Vendor Campaign Champion Run a list of vendors Send a contribution solicitation letter Follow up with a personal phone call Thank vendors for their contribution 2 Online FUNDRAISING Use social media and emails to encourage donations Toledo Zoo will provide sample posts and letters 3 Matching GIFTS Check to see if your company offers matching gifts Ask each person who makes a donation if his/her company has a matching gift program as well 4 Create an overall FITNESS PLAN Set up a challenge of walking/running each week Schedule times to walk/run each week - Lunch breaks, before/after work, weekends Help each person be accountable for their goals Set up additional fitness goals - Drink so much water each day - Eat so many fruits and vegetables - Lowering unhealthy carbs Schedule a team kick-off party - Get the team together and get them pumped up about the program - Discuss why the company is supporting the Zoo - Set goals and benchmarks - Plan additional strategies Incorporate into your company s wellness program 3
TIPS FOR SUCCESS 1 2 3 4 5 6 Set a goal to recruit at least 10 members for the team Attend department meetings Ask people with leadership ability to participate Ask people who have a love of the Zoo to participate Share the conservation message with everyone you talk with Ask company/departments to offer in-house incentives for participants when they reach certain levels Lunch with the CEO when a certain level is raised Reserved parking space for the week for each level raised Identify vendors to be approached, as they can be a major source to helping your team achieve its fundraising goal Identify people in the company who have relationships with these vendors to reach out Ask each vendor for a specific amount Make sure to follow up with the vendors within two weeks and thank them for their consideration Plan team fundraising parties Many restaurants offer dining-to-donate options Give team members weekly updates about team progress toward goals, and highlight team member successes 4
REGISTRATION INFORMATION MAY 20, 2017 Register online at www. TEAM REGISTRATION for supporting the Toledo Zoo and Dart Frog Dash! We are thrilled that you will be a part of our success in raising awareness for conservation both locally and globally. To join your company s team, please visit www.. Click on the button that reads Register with a Corporate Team. Click on your company s link to register for the event. You will then receive an email with details and donation links for you to share via social media to solicit your contacts for donations. You will be able to visit your personal page to track donations made in your name. If you want to fundraise for your company but not participate in the event, follow the links above. On the Dart Frog Dash Corporate Sponsor Sign Up page you will see a link to set up your fundraising page. This will allow you to fundraise for some great incentive gifts, but you will NOT be registered to participate in the Dart Frog Dash event. You can still attend the event to cheer your teammates on! Race packets WILL NOT be mailed and funds raised or donated are nonrefundable 5K race/walk at 8:30 a.m. Kids Fun Run at 9:45 a.m. Those registering as 5K walkers and Fun Run participants WILL NOT be timed or given placement awards LOCATION: The Toledo Zoo s Main Plaza. Participants must enter through the Anthony Wayne Trail entrance. COURSE: All races start and finish near the Zoo s Amphitheatre 5K course uses both city streets and Zoo walkways with marked mile splits; the Kids Fun Run course is restricted to Zoo walkways only The 5K race timing and scoring will be by b-tags provided by Everal Race Management AWARDS FOR THE 5K RUN/WALK: The walk is non-competitive and not timed Trophy and free Toledo Zoo membership to overall top three male/female, overall master male/female (40+) Age group awards (three deep) male and female under 10, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54,55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ AWARDS FOR THE KIDS FUN RUN: Participants will race in the following age categories: 0-4, 5-8, 9-12 All participants will receive a finishers ribbon SHIRTS, REFRESHMENTS & OTHER INFORMATION: All participants pre-registered with the minimum amounts raised by May 14 will receive a Dart Frog Dash t-shirt A limited number of shirts will be available for late registrants (after May 14) Snacks, fruit and water at finish; one water station on 5K course ENTRY FEES AND REGISTRATION DEADLINES: 5K RUN/WALK: Team members must sign up by May 14 to participate with their company. After May 14, individual registration rules apply. For more information contact Robin Guidera, 419-385-5721, ext. 2091 or robin.guidera@toledozoo.org Participants registered by May 16 provided advance packet pick up at Dave s Running Shop in Starlite Plaza, 5700 Monroe Street, Sylvania, OH on Wednesday, May 17 and Thursday, May 18 from 3-8 p.m. ONLY NO EXCEPTIONS. 5
REGISTRATION INFORMATION MAY 20, 20, 2017 Register online at www. 5K RUN/WALK AT 8:30 A.M. KIDS FUN RUN AT 9:45 A.M. DIRECTIONS to race: I-75 to SR 25/Anthony Wayne Trail Exit West Follow SR 25/Anthony Wayne Trail to Toledo Zoo Park in the Main Zoo parking lot off the Anthony Wayne Trail 2017 Event HIGHLIGHTS 13th annual event Proceeds benefit the Toledo Zoo Disposable b-tag timing provided by Everal Race Management for faster, more accurate results View the 5K and Kids Fun Run course routes at Start and finish lines are near each other by the registration area in the Zoo s Main Plaza Top three overall male/female finishers and overall master male/female (40+) finishers receive a FREE Toledo Zoo Membership Participants registered by May 14 guaranteed a Dart Frog Dash T-shirt Register online by May 1 and you can upgrade to a Nike Dri Fit tech tee for an additional 20 (adult sizes only). Kids Fun Run is broken into age categories (0-4, 5-8, 9-12) Late registration available online through May 16, 2017 @ noon Visit Exit 52 Exit 59 Exit 64 Exit 71 PRAIRIE BENEFITS: increase plant and animal diversity, including pollinators. due to their deep root systems, prairies filter water before it enters the waterways. 6
SAMPLE LETTERS SAMPLE LETTER: Company Announcement to Employees Dear <Company Name> Employees, <Company Name> has committed to participating in the Toledo Zoo Medical Mutual Dart Frog Dash on Saturday, May 20th. Many people know the Toledo Zoo for all the wonderful experiences it provides families, but many do not realize the tremendous resource it is in the community, the economic impact it has on the region, or all of the conservation and outreach programs the Zoo offers. <Company Name> recognizes the value the Zoo has in our area and the impact it is having locally and globally. We also value the health and wellbeing of each of our employees and their families. The Dart Frog Dash is a 5K run, but the course can be walked as well. We would like to encourage our employees to use this event to supplement a program you already use. Because we value the Zoo and we are sincerely interested in each employee s health, we have made this event a priority for the company. In an effort to reach our fundraising goal of <Company Goal>, I am asking that all employees participate in our fundraising efforts. You have many options for participation, such as: Join as a Team Co-Captain and helping recruit a minimum of 10 people to our team Join as a team member Make a personal donation We need motivated, dedicated employees to help make this event a success. We have a plan in place to make this as easy and fun as possible. As an added bonus, the Zoo has offered some nice incentives to help us get motivated, including: If you are interested in being a Team Co-Captain, please let me know. Below is the link for registration. <LINK> Sincerely, <Name> <Title> <Company Name> 7
SAMPLE LETTERS SAMPLE LETTER: Team Member Letter Requesting Support Dear <Contact>, I am participating in the 2017 Toledo Zoo Medical Mutual Dart Frog Dash. Most everyone knows what a great zoo we have here in Toledo, even named the #1 Zoo in the country by USA Today, but many aren t aware of the Zoo s great education and conservation initiatives. The butterflies and the bees need help. Also, the birds, moths, wasps, beetles and bats. Without our effort, increasing numbers of species that promote the growth of our food supply face extinction. Pollinators contribute to the growth of fruit, vegetables and many nuts, as well as flowering plants. Many pollinator species are currently threatened with extinction. Did you know that the Toledo Zoo actively raises pollinators in their greenhouses and releases thousands each year, back into the wild? Did you know the Toledo Zoo actively plants native prairies throughout our region, providing the habitat these pollinators need to survive and thrive? I am supporting the Toledo Zoo by raising funds for the Dart Frog Dash. I am doing this because I believe in this amazing local institution and know that while the battle to save our planet is a big one, I can make a difference. Please join me in supporting the Toledo Zoo in their conservation initiatives! Visit my online fundraising page at: <insert link>. Or complete the information on the next page and return it to me. for your support! Together we can make a difference! Sincerely, <Insert Your Name> 8
DONATION FORM YES! I m happy to support your efforts in the Toledo Zoo Dart Frog Dash! You can count on us for: 500 250 100 Other Please make check payable to the Toledo Zoo and return this form, along with your check to: NAME ADDRESS DAYTIME PHONE EMAIL ADDRESS 9
To receive a t-shirt, minimum amount must be raised by May 14. INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISING INCENTIVES 25 100 150 300 500 1,000 One adult admission to the Zoo (daytime) One adult admission to the Zoo (daytime) One adult admission to the Zoo (daytime) 6 ride passes one adult admission to the Zoo (daytime) 6 ride passes 2 tickets to the Zoo s Yark Subaru Rock N Roar, the region s wildest summer dance party, on July 28 one adult admission to the Zoo (daytime) 6 ride passes 2 tickets to the Zoo s Yark Subaru Rock N Roar, the region s wildest summer dance party, on July 28 Tour for up to four at one of the following: (based on animal availability and restrictions) o Tortoise o Aquarium and Reef Tank o Giraffe 1,500 2,000 6 ride passes 2 tickets to the Zoo s Yark Subaru Rock N Roar, the region s wildest summer dance party, on July 28 Tour for up to four at one of the following: (based on animal availability and restrictions) o Cheetah o Penguin Family Membership to the Toledo Zoo 6 ride passes 4 tickets to the Zoo s Yark Subaru Rock N Roar, the region s wildest summer dance party, on July 28 Tour for up to four at one of the following: (based on animal availability and restrictions) o Elephant o Rhinoceros o Aquarium with Octopus Encounter Family Membership to the Toledo Zoo 10
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