What's the Cost???

Naturally, a cross country journey of any sort is going to cost something.

How much each day per walker for the following: these are estimates ---

Food: $20
Water: $ 5
T-shirt: $ 7
Insurance: $100

round up and guestimate at $140 per day....

then there is the cost of a consultant for the fund raising effort...
and the fund raising effort itself... at least $5000 as a flat fee...

and the support team. Although the project will rely on volunteers, there will be a few permanent fixtures to the program... and they will need to be compensated, even if it means their expenses are reimbursed. Gas money, vehicles (at least a mini-van and perhaps an RV to be the "chase vehicle)... the RV would cut down on hotel expenses for myself and my family. There are so many little details... What about cellphone / blackberry / GPS? I'd need to upgrade my phone options to nationwide coverage and more appropriate services... not that I'd be chatting on the phone during the walk, but as a means of communication it is going to be a necessity.

I believe the mission of my walk, in addition to being a health awareness experience for myself could be a positive one. If I divide my walk into "LEGS", and get a Sponsor for each Leg... and each Leg is approached in the name of a charity with that charity bringing in "walkers" to walk with me... then the "Walk With Me - Suzanne 2012" would be a legitimate Non-profit experience. Once the actual costs and expenses are met, then any additional funds would be given back to the "sponsoring charity"... therefore, this would be the longest, consecutive, fundraising effort that I've ever heard of.
So, how much money could "Walk With Me - Suzanne 2012" generate? HUGE!!!!

Now comes the support and fundraising effort....

Who benefits?
Who am I going to discuss this with?
Who? and what's my connection:

Healthcare Partners - since they are my healthcare provider, and I would expect I should discuss this with my Doctor, then that's an obvious one.

Towers PTA - My kids attend Towers Elementary School

Adventures in Art - I'm an artist, it's a natural decision

Project Angel Food - one of the first Non-Profits I participated with - and a company that tought me how give back

NFPBC - National Foundation for the Prevention of Breast Cancer - Do I need a reason to support womens health?

KidsCan Incorperated

CoachArt - A program I already volunteer for

Art Knows No Borders / Doctors without Borders

SCBWI

and that's just a start... I know there are thousands of organizations across the country that would gladly want to participate and get some exposure... and will spend the next few years researching and learning about the participants, their causes, and their benefactors. All that is so important.

And I am in full support of two individuals who are both in the business of helping start-up Non-Profits get up on their feet.... so in turn, I'd like to help them too... RMRMc is one... and the other is on the West Coast and is still getting established, once I know the official name I'll share it.

That's what's on my mind today... I'll be getting some foot time in later...
Bye for Now...

Happy Feet!