competing for fun and funds: the first annual "wake the library 5k and fun run
DESCRIPTION
Presentation at the Inspiration, Innovation and Celebration: an Entrepreneurial Conference for Librarians, Greensboro, NC, June 3, 2009TRANSCRIPT
Competing for Fun and Funds: The 1st Annual
June 3, 2009Mary Beth Lock, Erik Mitchell & Susan Smith
Z. Smith Reynolds Library, Wake Forest UniversityInspiration, Innovation, Celebration: an Entrepreneurial Conference for
Librarians
Who We AreWFU is an academic collegiate universityPrivate, co-ed liberal arts institutionLocated in Winston-Salem, NC (since 1956)It is mid-size, 4476 undergraduates, Total enrollment: 6862 Traditional setting, the undergrads live on campus and rely on the library
Mission
Wake the Library
In 2004, the library director proposed that we stay open all night during examsStaff decided it would be nice to feed the students at midnight
Sought funds from other university departments to purchase the food for 250 to 300 students per night.
Susan Smith and Erik Mitchell
WTL 5K Mission
Fund raising and Community BuildingWe had a 5K (runner and walker friendly) preceded by a 1 mile fun runTo raise money for the “Wake the Library” event every year, and get the community involved with the library and the campus.
Partnerships, Relationships, Sponsorships
Mechanics
MarketingHire a timing companySecurity for race dayPhotographerFood for race dayWebsite registrationPrizes for the winnersMedical attendants in case of injuryExpo on race dayMusic and a PA for race day
Marketing
Preparation is Key
•Map out the 5 K course•Prepare it•Mark it so no one gets lost
Budget/Costs
Campus police T-shirtsBrochures SignageTiming Company Finish Line BalloonsFood
Crowdsourcing A Race
Found partners on campusFleet Feet (a runners store)Campus RecreationThe timing companyParticipated in other campus events to raise interest and awareness
Volunteers!
Library Student Assistants
And Staff!
Race Day with the Deacon
An All Ages Event!
What’s the Bottom Line Raised :
$2750 in donations from on campus$3900 in donations from off campus$2960 in entry fees
Lessons LearnedApproach corporate donors earlyOutsource, get helpFind an expertDivide the labor
Involve the students:Greek organizationsStudent Government
You may make more money if you get more donors, lower the entry fee
Beyond the Finish Line
Second annual WTL5K is scheduled forHomecoming Weekend, 2009!
Contact Info:
Susan Smith: [email protected] Mitchell: [email protected] Beth Lock: [email protected]