Going into this Independence Day weekend, I’m ready to unveil my full plans for the coming Team Minnesota WWP season. Of course, I’m only a part of our group (Tom Cocchiarella is undoubtedly the heart and the Saint Paul Vulcans are the soul, both of which are located in Minnesota). But, while being stationed in New Zealand is challenging, it does afford some opportunity to reflect on best fundraising practices and efforts going forward. I’ve thought about this next step for awhile, and now feel like I have a good plan to energize potential donors for the Wounded Warrior Project (click on the image below to go to their site).

Which is why I am proud to launch the “100 Miles for 200 Thousand” Campaign. What is the “100 for 200” Campaign?
Our next big fundraising hurdle is $200,000, which in these economic times will be tough to accomplish. However, we’re counting on great help from the Saint Paul Vulcans. The Vulcans have generously sponsored an annual event for Team Minnesota WWP for the past three years, and each event has generated roughly $30,000 for the WWP. Over the course of the next year, Team Minnesota WWP will have another Vulcan-sponsored event that will hopefully enable us to eclipse the $160,000 mark, getting to within $40,000 of our $20,000 goal.

I will run the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run (click belt buckle at left to learn about the race) on June 23, 2012 to raise the $40,000 necessary to get Team Minnesota WWP to our $200,000 goal. I will do this by enlisting sponsors for important race checkpoints as well as individual sponsors for specific mileposts. There will be one $10,000 sponsor, two $5,000 sponsors, and ten $1,000 sponsors, all with proportionate graphic representation and acknowledgement on my competition uniform. Additionally, individuals contributing $100 can support me for a specific mile, which I will keep track of via a specially made wristband honoring these donors. Both sponsorship groups will greatly motivate me through this tough journey while at the same time making a meaningful contribution to America’s severely wounded heroes.

All my sponsors will be recorded on a Donation Chart, which I will update regularly. Essentially, while training and race preparation are important to me, just as crucial will be fulfilling my goal to earn $40,000 in donations for the WWP and helping Team Minnesota WWP achieve the $200,000 mark.

Although I have competed in many multi-day stage races and long distance events, I’ve never run 100 miles. This will truly be a challenge, but one that I look forward to facing with Team Minnesota WWP on my side. The Wounded Warrior Project is worthy of both my sweat and your financial support, and my sincere hope is that you come to the same conclusion that I have. Click on the blue button at right to donate a “Checkpoint” or a “Milepost.”

With that, the “100 for 200” Campaign has officially started! Have a Happy Independence Day!

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