Franklin Classic Charity Runner Program

What is the Charity Runner Program?

All proceeds from the Franklin Classic go to support Mercy Children's Clinic, in Franklin, TN.  The Charity Runner program gives runners, walkers and fundraisers the opportunity to ask their friends, family and colleagues to sponsor their participation.  You can raise money on behalf of yourself, your team, your family or your company, and all money will help insure that Mercy continues to be able to provide "healthcare for all children"

Sounds Great! How do I get started?

Getting started is easy.  Everyone who registers online for the Franklin Classic will automatically be given a personalized Charity Runner webpage.  You will also set up a login to your Event HQ (Head Quarters) where you can check on the status of your fundraising efforts, send customized or personal emails, invite others to join your cause, edit your webpage, run reports and much  more.  If you ever have questions about how to use the Event HQ, please feel free to contact us by email or phone.

Can I create a team to raise money?

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage you to do just that.  During registration, you will be asked whether you would like to "Start a Team", "Join a Team", "Join as an Individual" or "Join as a Family".  If you would like to start a team on behalf of your business, church, civic group, running club, or any other organization, just choose "Start a Team".  You will still register like normal for the actual race, but you will also be set up as the "Team Captain" for your team.  As a result, your organization will receive visibility on the Franklin Classic website and you will be eligible to earn prizes based on your individual and team fundraising efforts.

Do I have to participate as a fundraiser?

No.  Participation in the Charity Runner program is completely voluntary and will not impact your registration for the race at all. If you would prefer to just participate in one of the races, just register as an individual.  The Franklin Classic is proud to offer a certified 5K and 10K course that draws people from all over.

How can I raise money?

You would be surprised how easy it is to gain sponsorships.  Try some of the following:

1. First, understand who you are raising money for.  You don't have to be an expert, but people will support you if they know that it is going to a good cause, and Mercy Children's Clinic is a fantastic cause.  If you are not familiar with Mercy, take some time to read about what makes Mercy special by clicking here.
2. Collect contacts: Make a list that includes your friends, family, business colleagues, companies/vendors you do business with, organizations you are a part of (college alumni, local civic groups, church ministry teams, etc.)
3. Email: Use the tools in your event HQ to send emails to your contacts asking them to join your team or sponsor your participation. Add a personal message to your emails so that they know it's truly coming from you.
4. Phone Calls: Call your contacts and ask them personally to join you in your efforts to provide healthcare for all children.
5. Letters/Postcards:  In this electronic age, people love to receive personalized cards and letters in your own handwriting. 
6. Church Bulletins: Ask your church family to sponsor you by making a donation or by putting a message in the bulletin encouraging your congregation to get involved.
7. Host Activities: Work with HR or your office management to host events in your office to raise money.  Some good examples might be a jeans day where everyone who donates $5 can wear jeans on a certain day or a chili cookoff where the proceeds go to your team.
8. Keep your contacts up to date on your progress and thank them for their support. This will help to let them know what an impact they are making and that their help is greatly needed and appreciated.

What is a goal? Are their prizes? 

Both individuals and teams are asked to establish fundraising goals.  For individuals, we suggest a minimum goal of $250.  All participants receive a race t-shirt, and individuals who raise $100 or more will be eligible to receive other prizes.  We suggest teams start with a goal of $2,500.  Teams that meet this goal will receive a free lunch party at their office or group location. Team and Individual competitiveness is also encouraged, and the top three team and individual fundraisers will be highlighted on the Franklin Classic homepage. Note: Race Registration Fees are not counted toward fundraising goals.