Nothing can describe the hope that is inspired by walking with thousands of people who share your passion for defeating breast cancer. Because nearly everyone has been touched by this disease in some way, it is easy to find others to walk with you at your event. All you have to do is ask.

Team leaders are the heart and soul of the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Once you sign up as a team leader on this Web site, you will be able to send out personalized emails asking others to join your team, track your team’s fundraising progress, and raise your own donations. Click here to request a team leader kit full of helpful tips on how to build a strong team. To help you get started, here are a few fundraisings tips just for teams.

Challenge Each Other
If there are 2 or more Making Strides teams within the same company or organization, hold weekly challenges to drive your fundraising efforts through healthy competition.

Recognize with Ribbons
Contact your local American Cancer Society for pink ribbon donation cards to give your supporters for a donation of $1 or more. Coworkers, friends, family members, and neighbors can proudly wear a ribbon in honor of someone special who has had breast cancer.

Offer Prizes
Ask local businesses to donate great prizes to your team that you can auction or raffle off. Items such as gift certificates to restaurants, hotels, gyms, and spas are always a big hit. (Check for compliance with state and local laws.)

Honor Loved Ones
Looking for a creative way to honor loved ones? Create quilt squares in honor or memory of someone you know who has been touched by breast cancer. You could accept varying donations for different sizes of squares (e.g., a 4-inch square for $5, an 8-inch square for $15, and a 12-inch square for $25). Then, display the quilt in the lobby at your office, school, health club, or place of worship.