The Paddle Georgia 2010 Canoe-a-thon

We’re expecting this to be our best journey yet, so loosen up those muscles, ready the dry bags and get ready to shove off! BUT FIRST… go out and raise some money for Georgia River Network (GRN), the Coosawattee Watershed Alliance and New Echota Rivers Alliance through the Paddle Georgia Canoe-a-thon!

We have made it easier than ever to solicit donations from friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and, yes, even strangers by signing-up for First Giving, an online service for event-based fundraising. Here’s how it works:

Option 1 (of course, the best option):

1. Go to http://www.firstgiving.com/garivers

2. Click on Get Started to set-up your account. Select Paddle Georgia Canoe-a-thon 2009.

3. Create your account by completing all the screens.

4. Complete your very own fundraising page for Paddle Georgia Canoe-a-thon, complete with pictures. (Make sure you use jpg or gif files.)

5. Use the special features of your First Giving account to add photos, You Tube videos, link to Flickr or Facebook, or email all your friends.

6. Make your first gift (to yourself) to see dollars in your account (or ask your biggest supporter to sign-on now)

7. Email everyone you know, pass the word in-person, make phone calls and direct everyone to sign-on to your site and contribute online.

8. Watch the dollars roll in!

9. Email or call Jan or Dana at 706-549-4508 if you have any questions about First Giving or need help. jan@garivers.org or dana@garivers.org.

10. For those folks who prefer the old way, go to option 2, but keep us posted on your fundraising activities.

Option 2:

1. Print out the Pledge Form(PDF) or use the pledge form sent to you with your registration packet.

2. Solicit donations on a per-mile basis. For instance, a $1 pledge would equal a $92 donation!

3. Collect money at the time of solicitation.

4. Email jan@garivers with a weekly total of your fundraising results. Jan will post off-line totals on the web, so all canoe-a-thon participants can keep track of the BIG GOAL - raise $10,000.

5. Mail checks in to GA Rivers as you receive them or turn your treasure trove in to Paddle Georgia when you arrive to participate on the journey.

Prizes will be awarded to those participants generating the most money. Winners will be announced during the week of Paddle Georgia.

Click Here for Tips on How to Raise Money for Canoeathon