Competing for Fun and Funds: The 1st Annual

June 3, 2009Mary Beth Lock, Erik Mitchell & Susan Smith

Z. Smith Reynolds Library, Wake Forest UniversityInspiration, Innovation, Celebration: an Entrepreneurial Conference for

Librarians

Who We AreWFU is an academic collegiate universityPrivate, co-ed liberal arts institutionLocated in Winston-Salem, NC (since 1956)It is mid-size, 4476 undergraduates, Total enrollment: 6862 Traditional setting, the undergrads live on campus and rely on the library

Mission

Wake the Library

In 2004, the library director proposed that we stay open all night during examsStaff decided it would be nice to feed the students at midnight

Sought funds from other university departments to purchase the food for 250 to 300 students per night.

Susan Smith and Erik Mitchell

WTL 5K Mission

Fund raising and Community BuildingWe had a 5K (runner and walker friendly) preceded by a 1 mile fun runTo raise money for the “Wake the Library” event every year, and get the community involved with the library and the campus.

Partnerships, Relationships, Sponsorships

Mechanics

MarketingHire a timing companySecurity for race dayPhotographerFood for race dayWebsite registrationPrizes for the winnersMedical attendants in case of injuryExpo on race dayMusic and a PA for race day

Marketing

Preparation is Key

•Map out the 5 K course•Prepare it•Mark it so no one gets lost

Budget/Costs

Campus police T-shirtsBrochures SignageTiming Company Finish Line BalloonsFood

Crowdsourcing A Race

Found partners on campusFleet Feet (a runners store)Campus RecreationThe timing companyParticipated in other campus events to raise interest and awareness

Volunteers!

Library Student Assistants

And Staff!

Race Day with the Deacon

An All Ages Event!

What’s the Bottom Line Raised :

$2750 in donations from on campus$3900 in donations from off campus$2960 in entry fees

Lessons LearnedApproach corporate donors earlyOutsource, get helpFind an expertDivide the labor

Involve the students:Greek organizationsStudent Government

You may make more money if you get more donors, lower the entry fee

Beyond the Finish Line

Second annual WTL5K is scheduled forHomecoming Weekend, 2009!

Contact Info:

Susan Smith: smithss@wfu.eduErik Mitchell: mitcheet@wfu.eduMary Beth Lock: lockmb@wfu.edu