Rose basketball highlights
Issue 1
September 27th, 2019
Clubs switch to virtual runs as fundraising option
WED. | 04-28-21 | NEWS
SAT. | 10-10-20 | NEWS
Virtual runs have become the new normal since the start of the pandemic. Virtual runs allow individuals to fundraise through running in a setting of their choice. Due to COVID-19, individuals are not permitted to assemble in large gatherings of more than 100 people in an outside environment.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Student Government Association (SGA), and National Honors Society (NHS) are some of the clubs that have participated in virtual runs at Rose.
FBLA and NHS has completed a virtual run for raising money for March of Dimes. March of Dimes is a United States nonprofit organization that works to improve the health of mothers and babies. By making use of an app, the funds can go straight to the organization that the club has chosen. By Donating this way, it is an easier and faster way for the organization to receive its donations.
“[We are] requiring our members to utilize an app called Charity Miles so students can do any kind of physical activity to try and raise money for an organization,” FBLA Chapter Co-President Brena Gauland said.
FBLA and NHS have virtual runs that will utilize apps, such as Charity Miles, and websites to promote their run. Charity
Graphic by Emily Mitchum
Miles is used by many organizations in order to raise money for specific charities that receive donations through the app. Donations can be given directly through the application, which allows for others to monitor the status of the run and meet with new individuals.
“Clubs utilize social media such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Remind,” Gauland said. “Anyone that is a part of FBLA can be involved, but you can register on your own just by downloading an app.”
Social media plays a significant part in advertising for virtual runs. By using social media, clubs can encourage more students to take part in the runs and get involved with the community and other club members.
“I personally love to run, so I love the option of running virtually,” NHS President Noah Sampson said, “My club decided to do virtual runs because it is a great way to raise money and have our members earn credits.”
COVID-19 has necessitated new protocols that do make a difference to the standard runs so the organizations have had to adapt to this new way of running. Many clubs are taking advantage of these virtual opportunities as a chance to increase member activity and give back to the community.
“I think having your club involved in virtual runs is a great way to involve your members, especially with physical activity, to give them something to do and to make sure that they are giving back to their club and the community,” Gauland said.
Virtual runs are a safe alternative in contrast to the normal fundraising runs that occurred before the pandemic. These runs allow the members to be present at any time without the finish lines and traffic. Anyone can take an interest without the risk of exposure.
