Frequently Asked Questions
What is Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis?
Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis is CCFA's largest fundraising event which encompasses local community walks for an IBD cure. Participants raise funds and awareness throughout the year, celebrating the strides that have been made on walk night with their teams! Every fundraising participant receives a wristband which allows them to enjoy the food, beverages and activities!
When and where is Take Steps held?
Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis will be held nationwide on evenings in spring and fall of 2013. Please visit your local chapter website to find information on your local walk.
How much does it cost to participate?
There is no registration fee to participate in Take Steps. All fundraising participants will receive a wristband that will allow them to enjoy food, beverages, entertainment and kid activities at the walk.
What does the average participant raise?
Last year, the average participant raised $250. Beat the national average and set your goals even higher! Participants who raise $100 or more are eligible for great prizes!
Who Walks?
You have the option to walk as an individual or a team. We encourage you to form a team and invite your friends, family members, coworkers and everyone you know to join as fundraising participants. Kids can join too! Not only will it enhance your experience but it will further help you in your fundraising efforts and ultimately help advance CCFA's mission.
Teams represent companies, organizations, families, schools, and clubs and can range from as few as five walkers to hundreds!
Is it difficult to organize a team?
It's not difficult at all. Once you have registered as a team captain, CCFA staff will provide all the materials, guidance, and motivation you need to form a successful team. Team Captains are the liaison between team members and CCFA. They are responsible for recruiting and motivating other team members to raise funds for Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis.
Why are teams important to success?
Teams account for about 80% of the monies raised at our walks. Forming a team with work colleagues is a great way to enhance company morale and camaraderie among co-workers. Families and friends can take advantage of the opportunity to come together and build stronger bonds while supporting a cause close to their hearts. For all who take part in Take Steps, it is an experience that builds a sense of community, shared responsibility, purpose, empowerment, and personal gratification.
Are pets, bicycles, strollers, or in-line skates allowed?
Strollers are welcome at all walk sites. Bicycles and in-line skates are not allowed. Pets are welcome on leashes at most walk sites, but please check with your local chapter.
How long is the route?
Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis is a non-competitive walk event with routes that average about two miles in length.
What if it rains?
Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis will take place rain or shine! If there is dangerous weather, the local chapter will notify participants of alternate plans.
How can my company match my funds?
Matching gifts are a great way to increase donations. Check to see if your company will match employee contributions and encourage your donors to do the same. To take part in a matching gifts program, request an application from the benefits manager or human resources department. Send the completed form to your local chapter, and CCFA will verify receipt of your gift and complete the process.
How do I turn in donations?
Funds raised online are automatically directed to CCFA. For funds raised offline, please use the walker collection envelope to turn in money at the walk or prior to the walk at a bank day. Funds can also be turned in to the local chapter any time of year.
Who do I make checks payable to?
Please make checks payable to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, or CCFA.
What are benefits of using online fundraising?
Online fundraising is designed to make your fundraising efforts a total success. Here are some of the benefits of fundraising online:
- Participants raise an average of 27% more money when they raise funds online vs. the conventional offline walker envelope method.
- Save money on stamps by sending emails instead of solicitation letters through the mail. Keep track of donors through the use of built-in online fundraising tools.
- Send thank you notes via email upon receiving donations.
- Provide donors the benefit of automatic confirmation email receipts to use for tax purposes.
- Ability to accept credit cards so donors don't need to hassle with checks.
- Save time by allowing the system to process all the data so you won't have to deal with paperwork.
- Have fun personalizing your webpage -- tell your personal story and upload a picture before sending out to friends and family