We do a "jog-a-thon" every year at our school of 900 kids. Last year we raised about $10,000. Many schools in our area raise more.

We send out pledge forms to the kids several weeks before the event. We used to ask for a blanket pledge no matter how far the kids walked or ran, but as of last year we asked for a pledge per lap. We also get corporate sponsors who get a banner on the field and names on the t-shirts we give out free to all the kids. There is no pressure on the kids to collect pledges, but most do because it's a school tradition.

We spread the event over two days. Students are brought to the field during class time according to grade and are given cards to attach to their wrists (rubber bands) or shirts (safety pins) that are marked for every lap they do. They walk or run for one hour while we play music and parents squirt them with water guns, spray bottles or hoses. It is a very fun atmosphere. Most classes arrange for a parent to bring in popsicles for their class.

After each hour we collect the cards. We give prizes to the first, second and third places in each class and big prizes to the first, second and third in each grade, plus the top boy and girl finishers for the whole school. We also give prizes to the kids that bring in the most money and to the classes that do the most laps and bring in the most money.

One neighborhood school was forced to stop collecting money due to a complaint from a parent. Our school district does have a rule on the book that you are not supposed to fundraise during school hours but most principals stretch that to allow a jog-a-thon because it's good exercise for the kids.

It is all done very low-key. For instance, we have one boy in a wheelchair and he participates for a few laps. We do not make a big deal out of the competition of the thing - most kids just enjoy getting out there and having fun with their friends.

I can send you copies of the flyers we use if you give me your email address.

A staff member has asked if we would consider doing a Walk-A-Thon as an activity to tie up the end of the year. What are your experiences? How do they even work? Do you do it during the school day? How much money have you made? Thanks in advance for any help.