Team Captain Instructions
Information to build your team!
Baton Rouge
Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation
2301 North Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225.346.8434 Phone
225.334-0628 Fax
www.brscaf.org
“Help to Break the Sickle Cycle”
Why Form a Team?
Fundraising together makes it that much easier to reach you goals. Teams can be made up of
co- workers, friends, family members or anyone who wants to walk or run for a great cause.
Supporting those affected by Sickle Cell Disease is a team effort. If you can recruit four
dedicated people to walk/ run with you, you should become a team leader!
Benefits of Team Participation
The following are just some of the benefits large corporations, small companies, civic
organizations and schools receive from organizing a team to participate in the Sickle Cell
Community Walk/ Run.
 Team participation increases your visibility in the community. It sends a strong signal
that you and your employees care about the health and welfare of your neighbors. In
short, it’s good public and community relations!
 Team building is a great way to build employee morale. It demonstrates that your
company wants to play an important role in supporting worthy, charitable causes.
Employees are proud to work for these types of companies.
 Team participation costs your company very little since funds are raised through
individual donations and gathered by team members from co- workers, families, friends,
neighbors, etc.
 Of course, the best reason for your team to participate in the Sickle Cell Community
Walk/ Run event is the satisfaction you and your teammates will have from knowing
that the dollars you raise will help improve the lives of people living with Sickle Cell
Disease living in your community!
Get Started and Organize Your Team!
1. Hold your own Walk/ Run kickoff event for family, friends or co- workers. Have a
BRSCAF volunteer or staff member join you in making a presentation about the
Walk/Run and the support it provides. Pass out registration forms and sign up people to
join your team right on the spot.
2. Encourage all of you team members to register online at www.brscaf.org. Be sure to tell
people your team name so they can “join” your team during the registration process. If
your team members don’t have internet access, call Baton Rouge Sickle Cell Anemia
Foundation at (225) 346- 8434 and ask to have those team members registered, or
simply have them bring their completed registration form with their collected donations
to BRSCAF by August 1, 2015. Keep your team engaged.
3. Set walker/ runner fundraising goals and develop a plan to recruit team members. Think
about people who might participate in the walk. Target people like family and friends,
co- workers, and neighbors. Remember the purpose of this walk/ run is very simple- to
raise as much money possible.
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4. Talk the Walk. Talk and/or write to people why you think it’s important to support our
efforts to help people living with Sickle Cell. Don’t’ just ask people to join your team;
make sure they know why you want them to join you.
5. Set a positive example. Be the first to sign up for your team and make sure that the
people closest to you are registered as well.
Team Captain Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure that you have completed all of the necessary steps to have a
successful team.
o Set a fundraising and “team member” goal for your team.
o Register as a Team Captain online at www.brscaf.org or by calling (225)-346-8434.
o Conduct your letter, email and text writing campaign.
o Involve your company/ employer.
o Did you email your co- worker and ask them to join your team?
o Did you ask your boss to rally your company team?
o Did you ask to conduct a lunch and learn to announce your efforts and recruit?
o Does your company have a matching gift program?
o Rally your own team. Have a barbeque or party for your team.
o Promote the event weekly through social media (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, MySpace,
YouTube, etc.).
o Encourage your team members to be active fundraisers in support of local services for
people living with Sickle Cell. Ask each participant to set a fundraising goal of $100 or
more!
o Email or call team members regularly to let them know about the details of the Sickle
Cell Community Walk/Run.
o Collect donations/matching gift forms to bring to the Walk/Run.
o Attend the Sickle Cell Community Walk/Run.
Tips on Building a Large Walk Team
Ask the highest ranking officials in the company/organization to support your team efforts in
the following ways:
 By signing up for the walk/ run team.
 By sending out a letter or memo telling employees or department managers about the
Walk/ Run and encouraging them to join the company team.
 By permitting you to hold a Team Leader Lunch and Learn Meeting event in your
company office.
 By recruiting a person in every department to serve as a Team Leaders.
 Place walk brochures in prominent places throughout the workplace/community.
 Set goals for the number of walkers/ runners and the dollars your team will raise and let
everyone know.
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Highlight your team building progress through regular articles in the company
newsletter. Email alerts or progress reports memos to employees or department
managers.
Make the Walk/ Run event fun, encourage department competitions, offer incentive
prizes for top walkers or departments, involve your vendors in your fund raising efforts.
Encourage employees to sign up co- workers, family members and friends as members
of your team. Involve as many people as possible.
Rally Your Team! Show Team Spirit!
Whether you make Team T- Shirts, Buttons, or Banners, follow our simple Tips for Success.
1. Be Creative!
2. Stand out!
3. Tell your Story!
Team T- Shirts
Team T- Shirts help build enthusiasm for the event during the weeks leading up to the event,
and unite a team on the day of the event. Team T- Shirts are designed by and paid for by your
team. Many of our family teams incorporate their team name, a photo of their inspiration and
a catchy phrase. Our company teams typically integrate their company logo with creative
artwork. You can be as creative as you would like! T- Shirts don’t need to be expensive. Some of
the most creative shirts have included hand- painted or iron-on decals. A T- Shirt supplier can
help you design and print them within one to two weeks. Team T- Shirts generally cost
anywhere between $4 and $8 per shirt depending on color, quality and quantity.
Other
Team buttons and Team banners are great ways to unify your team in addition to, or instead of,
Team T- Shirts. Buttons with the name of your team and/ or of your inspiration are great to
hand out to your team members. Some teams have had banners or signs made to carry on the
day of the event. Banners and signs are great because they can be held up high and your team
members can find you in a crowd!
Letter Writing is Key to Fundraising Success
 What is Letter Writing?
Letter writing means simply writing a personal story in the form of a letter that explains why
you are involved with the Sickle Cell Community Walk/Run. This letter asks for financial support
for the cause. You should send the letter (or email) to your family, friends, colleagues, etc.
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 Why Letters Work?
The money raised by walkers/ runners account for approximately 80% of the walk revenue.
Letter writing works as an effective fundraising technique because it hones in on basic
fundraising principles. Asking is the key to fundraising…People give to people!
 Who Should Write Letters?
EVERYONE! Sickle Cell Disease does not just impact patients; everyone has a story to tell. What
drew you to participate in this event? Tell your story whether you are a patient, a family
member, a friend, a neighbor, a healthcare provider or just a citizen drawn to the cause just to
make sure your story is impactful. The hardest part about letter writing is getting started. We
have included a few samples from previous walkers.
TEN STEPS to Successful Letter Writing!
1. Write the letter. Say what you are doing and why you are doing it.
2. Mail to family members, friends, co- workers and business associates 3-8 weeks before
August 1.
3. Enclose a copy of a Walk Donation Form with your personal letter (printable copy is
available on website).
4. State your personal fundraising goal in your letter- the higher the number the better.
It’s also helpful to state your personal contribution, so everyone knows that you are
personally contributing to the cause you are asking them to support.
5. Include in the letter some information about the important work being done by BRSCAF.
6. Be sure to say that donations are tax deductible and that checks should be made
payable to BRSCAF.
7. State that you would like the donations by August 14, 2015 of the Walk/ Run so that you
can turn it in at the event. Enclose a return envelope if possible. (Donations should be
returned directly to you. This will enable you to thank everyone personally after the
walk).
8. Remember to include on your mailing list any vendors, consultants and people with
whom you do business. These people tend to make much larger donations since they
are usually from business accounts rather than a personal checking account.
9. Be sure to send thank you notes (after the Walk/ Run) to everyone who sponsors you.
10. Remember, the more people to whom you mail, the more funds you will raise to help
support the services and programs available at BRSCAF.
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Sample Fundraising Letter
Telling your personal story is the most effective way to fundraise. This is an example of a letter
sent out to one team leader’s friends, family and colleagues.
Dear Family and Friends:
We hope your summer is going well! We are writing to let you know that the Sickle Cell
Community Walk/Run is on August 22, 2015, at North Blvd. Town Square in Baton Rouge, LA.
Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. Warm up is at 7:30 a.m. The Walk/Run starts at 8:00 a.m. The
Walk/Run is not difficult and can be done at your own pace and you can walk or run as far or as
little as you desire. Children of all ages are encouraged to participate.
Thank you so very much to those of you who walked or ran with us last year and/or sponsored
us as we walked! Last year’s walk raised over___________ to support those affected by sickle
cell disease. The turnout to participate was great. Thank you for your support!!!
We are again asking for your support, you can help by doing one or more of the following:
1. Walk or run with us on August 22, 2015.
2. Financially support us as we walk/run – any donations, large or small will help the
mission.
3. Contact your family and friends and ask them for their support or sponsorship.
4. If you own a company or group that may be interested in helping, we do need Corporate
Sponsors. For further information on this, check out the website or contact us.
We took on the task of being team leaders for our team. As we have participated and learned
more, we have become more passionate about this mission. Raising awareness of sickle cell
disease and raising funds to support people affected by the disease is extremely important to us
and we appreciate you support!!!
Again, your support means a great deal to us! We thank you for taking the time to read this
letter and look forward to seeing you at the Sickle Cell Community walk/Run on Saturday,
August 22, 2015.
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Tired of addressing envelopes? Do you communicate with your friends and family through
email or Facebook? By registering online you can send your progress to your Facebook/ Twitter,
Instagram accounts and even send e- thank you letters to you donors.
Whether you mail your letter to your family and friends via the US Postal Service, or email it to
your online address book, or set up a personal fundraising page.
Sample Fundraising E-Mail
Below is an example of an email sent to family members, friends, and colleagues to raise funds
for the Sickle Cell Community Walk/Run.
Subject: I need your help- support the Sickle Cell Walk/ Run August 22, 2015.
I recently accepted the challenge of walking or running the Sickle Cell Community Walk/Run on
August 22, 2015, to support programs and services to people who are affected by Sickle Cell
Disease. The Sickle Cell Community Walk/Run is the signature fundraising event for the Baton
Rouge Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation.
I am asking you to help by supporting my fund raising efforts with a donation. Your tax
deductible gift will make a difference. Together we can make an impact by helping people who
live with this disease.
Any amount, great or small, helps! I greatly appreciate you support, and will keep you posted
on my progress.
Additional Ways to Increase Your Fundraising!
Encourage everyone on your team to be an active fundraiser!
Each person who walks/ run on your team can and should:
 Collect his/ her own donations. Give each walker a Registration Brochure and collection
envelope, or he/ she can download a donation pledge sheet from www.brscaf.org.
Encourage your team members to register online.
 Write letters. Some of our top fundraisers are not team leaders, but members of teams.
Matching Gifts
Many businesses have established Matching Gift programs to encourage charitable
giving by their employees. Programs vary from business to business, but the most common
programs will match the employee’s donation dollar for dollar. Other programs double or even
triple the donation. To determine if your business has such a program, ask you Human
Resource Department.
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If your company does have a Matching Gift program, obtain copies of the necessary
forms. Read the forms carefully and be sure to fill it out completely. Most forms are divided
into two parts, a section for the donor/ sponsor to complete and a section for the benefiting
organization BRSCAF to fill out.
Bring your Matching Gift Form and check to the Registration Table on Walk Day, or mail
it to BRSCAF in advance. Be sure to tell you Team members about Matching Gifts- perhaps their
employers have a program too.
Frequently Asked Questions…..And Answers!
Q: What is Sickle Cell Disease?
A: Sickle Cell Disease is a group of inherited blood disorders that cause red blood cells to change
shape. The “sickled” cells blockage can cause intense pain, organ damage, and many other
health complications.
Q: Who is Baton Rouge Sickle Cell and what do they do?
A: Baton Rouge Sickle Cell was established in 1974 The Baton Rouge Sickle Cell Anemia
Foundation, Inc. services eleven parishes in Louisiana. Currently it is estimated that over
600 persons are living with sickle cell disease (scd) in our 11 parish service area.
Services provided by the Foundation are free of charge to all clients. The client services include:
 Coping and Connecting a client support and advocacy group that meets monthly.
 Circle of Friends a sitting service provides a trained sitter for hospitalized clients who
are experiencing sickle cell crisis.
 Fountain of Health a monthly hydration program which allows clients to receive sports
drinks.
 Infant Care Program education for new parents and to help monitor the development
of newborns.
 Trait Counseling Program counseling is provided to individuals who have the trait or the
disease.
 Prescription Drug Assistance Program provides financial assistance for the purchase of
prescription medication for sickle cell clients.
 Medical Durable Program a co-payment of $100 per year is provided to clients for the
purchase of wheelchairs, crutches, etc.
 Healthcare Vouchers a program that provides assistance with medical, dental, eye care
and eyewear.
 Medical Transportation a program that will pay for transportation to medical
appointments.
 Academic Partnership a program that provides educational assistance.
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
Airieus Taylor Scholarship a $500 award is granted to a sickle cell client who graduates
from high school with a 2.0 or better and is enrolling in a college, university or trade
school.
 Jesse Douglas Education Resource Library educational materials on sickle cell disease
and related illnesses are available for clients and the general public. BRSCAF is proud of
its ongoing efforts to meet and exceed its established mission by bringing innovative
and creative programs to support scd clients and their families.
Q: When and where is the 2015 Sickle Cell Walk/ Run?
A: The 2015 Sickle Cell Community Walk/ Run will be held on Saturday, August 22 at the
beautiful North Blvd. Town Square in Baton Rouge, LA. Onsite registration and check- in will be
from 7am-8am. Ceremony and Warm- up Exercises will start at 7:30 a.m. The 5K race will start
at 8 a.m. 5K walk will start at 8:15 a.m. and One Mile Fun Walk will start at 8:30 a.m.
Q: How do I sign up?
A: The best way to sign up is to go online at www.brscaf.org and click the walk logo on the
home page. This will take you to our event site where you can register for the walk, setup a
team and even fundraise for BRSCAF.
Q: What if I don’t have access to a computer?
A: You may stop by the B. R. Sickle Cell office to fill out a paper registration form during our
business hours Monday- Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday –Thursday, Friday 9:00 a.m.
– 2:00 p.m.
Q: How much is registration?
A: Individual registration for those 13 years old and older is $30 and comes with a t-shirt and
gift bag. Sickle Cell Warriors (those with Sickle Cell Disease) can participate for free, but we ask
for a $12 donation to pay for the t- shirt if they want one. Kids 12 years old and younger can
walk for free, but will have to register at the regular price if they want a t- shirt. All registration
turned in after August 21, 2015. Race Day registration will be $35.
Q: What do I get with my registration?
A: Every early registration comes with a BRSCAF t-shirt and a participant gift bag. Every effort
will be made to give the requested size, however sizes are first come first served. Race day
registrations may not be guaranteed t-shirts.
Q: What is the participation type?
A: The participation type has to do with the actual one mile/5K course. A timed participant can
compete for prizes as a runner. A non- timed participant is walking or running the course for
leisure.
Q: Who determines my goal?
A: You Do! You do not have to have a fundraising goal to register for the walk. However, every
dollar that you raise will be put to good use to assist our families that are affected by sickle cell.
Q: What if someone wants to donate but doesn’t have access to a computer?
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A: You can accept a cash donation or a check made out to BRSCAF, we have envelopes for you
to easily keep track of you donations. If the donor would like a tax receipt you should turn in
their name and address with your money. Donors can also mail checks directly to Baton Rouge
Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, 2301 North Blvd; Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Q: Do registration dollars count toward my goal?
A: Yes, we are excited that this year every dollar that you bring in will show up in your
fundraising goal.
Q: Can I walk in honor/ memory of someone?
A: Yes! We want all of our Sickle Cell Families to participate in honor/ memory of their loved
ones. We also encourage you to bring in a picture of your loved one(s) to add to our “Faces of
Sickle Cell Wall”.
Q: Do participants with Sickle Cell Disease get to walk for free?
A: Yes, and we hope that they will promote the cause by building a team and/or fundraising
also! (We do ask that everyone donate $12 to pay for the t- shirt, if possible.) If they can’t walk,
but want to participate there are other opportunities including:
o They can help to promote the walk throughout their community, family, and church.
o They can volunteer at the walk in one of the many volunteer roles.
Q: How can I participate without walking?
A: There are many ways that you can participate and not walk.
o You can make a donation or fundraise.
o You can volunteer at the walk in one the many volunteer roles.
o You can become a sponsor of the walk.
o You can promote the event to everyone you know.
Q: Can you tell me more about volunteering?
A: There are many volunteer positions including cheering for the participants, registration, etc.
Volunteers will need to arrive at 6am the day of the event and report to the volunteer tent.
Volunteers can sign up by calling the office before August 1, 2015.
Q: Can I volunteer and walk?
A: Yes and No. You can volunteer to prepare for the walk, the day before, or the Monday after,
but all of our volunteer positions on the day of the walk are critical and we need them to
ensure a secure event for our participants. Therefore, all day Walk/Run volunteers are asked to
stay in their volunteer positions throughout the event.
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