Dedicated volunteers and professional efforts to attract and motivate them are crucial to the success of the runs, walks and rides that raise billions of dollars in the US each year.    Awards that honor both parts of that charitable equation are a highlight of the Run Walk Ride Fundraising conference that kicks off here today.

The Cash, Sweat & Tears Award for the year’s most inspiring volunteer participant  will be given to Sam Fox, who raised more than $170,000 by running the length of the Pacific Crest Trail over the course of two months last fall.

The 24-year-old, Yale University graduate took on this herculean feat in honor of his mother Lucy who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2000. In addition to covering the equivalent of 100 marathons, Fox established the Run While You Can Foundation, built an online community of passionate supporters and was the subject of a documentary film.

The money Fox raised was donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the group that nominated him for the award sponsored by the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council.   “Sam is an inspiration and a unique individual who put his mind and body forward for the social good to make a difference,” according to essay supporting his nomination.

All three past winners of this award were participants in programs created by nonprofit organizations.   “Sam Fox represents the expanding group of people who create their own independent events to support organizations they are passionate about,” said David Hessekiel, president of the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council.

The Council will also present five Run Walk Ride Fundraising Pacesetter Awards for outstanding thon fundraising marketing campaigns.   The winners are:

• Best Recruitment Brochure: Team To End AIDS (T2), Chicago AIDS Foundation
• Best Print Creative: CROP Hunger Walk, Church World Service
• Best Integrated Online Marketing: Relay for Life, American Cancer Society
• Best T-Shirt Design: Team To End AIDS (T2), Chicago AIDS Foundation
• Best Video Creative: Free to Breathe, National Lung Cancer Partnership

The Pacesetter and Cash, Sweat & Tears awards are produced by the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council (www.runwalkride.com), a division of Rye, NY-based Cause Marketing Forum, Inc.   The council tracks the thon fundraising industry and produces conferences, workshops and online communications to enable nonprofits to improve the performance of their programs.

Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum

Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum

The Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum provides managers of athletic event fundraising programs with practical information, valuable connections and recognition for outstanding achievement via www.peertopeerforum.com, conferences, workshops and distance learning programs.

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