2021 South Dakota Walk Details

Greetings, Walkers!

We are writing to you with an important update about the South Dakota Walk to Defeat ALS. Throughout the pandemic, our Chapter has leaned on guidance from the CDC, as well as state and local officials, to determine when and how to safely resume in-person activities, such as the Walk to Defeat ALS. The current rise in COVID-19 cases has prompted the CDC to issue revised guidance on how to approach in-person gatherings. In areas with substantial or high transmission rates, CDC guidance states that space should allow people who are not fully vaccinated to avoid crowded situations and avoid sustained close contact. Additionally, the CDC recommends conducting health checks, such as temperature screenings and symptom checks for staff and attendees. Both counties in which the Chapter-hosted sites are located have high transmission rates, with several surrounding counties carrying a similar designation. Infection rates across the state were up 127% from last week, and hospitalization rates have doubled since August 11th, with anticipation that they will continue to increase at a consistent pace.

Given this latest information, as well as the desire to ensure the health and safety of the ALS community, our staff, volunteers, and supporters, we will NOT be hosting an in-person Walk to Defeat ALS option in South Dakota on Saturday August 21st.

Staff will be available Saturday, August 21st from 9-11 am at Sertoma Park in Sioux Falls or Memorial Park in Rapid City for participants that would like to pick up their official Walk to Defeat ALS t-shirt and drop off any fundraising dollars they may have collected. From there, we hope you can Walk Your Way in a safe and comfortable manner.

However you decide to celebrate Walk Day, please share your photos with us! Tag us on social media with #WalktoDefeatALS. You can also email pictures to walk@alsmn.org

In good news, thanks to your incredible efforts, the South Dakota Walk to Defeat ALS is already at 70% of its fundraising goal!

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. While we are unable to deliver the experience we hoped for, we really appreciate your understanding as we strive to keep the individuals we serve, as well as our amazing network of volunteers and supporters safe.

Please forward this email to your fellow team members as well. Thank you so much for all that you do in the fight against ALS.

With gratitude,

Jen Hjelle, Executive Director

Stacey Donovan, South Dakota Community Outreach Manager - 

612-672-0484

GUIDEBOOK

This year's Walk Guidebook is redesigned with YOU in mind. Whether you're a returning Team Captain or a first-time participant, our Walk Guidebook is loaded with helpful info and ideas to make the most out of the Walk to Defeat ALS experience.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

WAY YOUR WAY TEAM KIT

To help you celebrate the Walk to Defeat ALS in your community, teams that raise $1,000+ will receive a Walk Your Way Team Kit delivered to the Team Captain! Kits include sidewalk chalk, balloons, noisemakers, ALS branded gear, and more for your Walk Day activity.  

PERSONALIZED WALK SIGN

Order your very own personalized Walk to Defeat ALS sign, which we will ship directly to you. Place it in your yard, window, at your office, or wherever people will see it to spread the word to others. Signs are $30 and include shipping. 

T-SHIRTS

Participants who've raised $100 will get a t-shirt. This benefit is awarded to individuals, not teams or donors, so make sure the donations to your personal fundraising record add up!

MERCHANDISE SHOP 

Show your support of the Walk to Defeat ALS by picking up some branded swag from the ALS Merchandise Shop.

FUNDRAISING WITH FACEBOOK

You can raise money for the Walk through Facebook! Connect your Walk page with Facebook's fundraising platform to gather support from your network. Check out this video to get started.

ADDITIONAL FUNDRAISING TIPS & TOOLS 

Pledge Sheet
Print this worksheet out and keep track of your donations.

Deposit Slip
Mailing donations to The ALS Association before the Walk? Fill out this deposit slip to ensure we credit your fundraising efforts.

Sample Fundraising Letters
We are here to help you get past your writer’s block. In addition to the message templates in the Participant Center's email feature, you can use these sample letters to recruit team members and ask for donations.

Walk to Defeat ALS App
You can fundraise on the go by sending emails and texts, monitoring your progress, and updating your page all with the Walk to Defeat ALS mobile app.