C.O.P.S. WALK 2008

During C.O.P.S.’ 25th Year of service to America’s law enforcement surviving families

Saturday, OCTOBER 11 – Sunday, OCTOBER 12

2 DAYS - 25 MILES

along the Potomac River outside Washington, DC

A physical challenge, an emotional high and the opportunity to help C.O.P.S.

The 4th annual C.O.P.S. WALK will bring together survivors, friends and members of the law enforcement community who are willing to take on the challenge of walking 25 miles in two days to support Concerns of Police Survivors.  Our goal is to ensure that C.O.P.S. continues helping those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty and provides many opportunities for those families to rebuild their shattered lives.  The walk is designed to provide participants with a physical challenge as well as the opportunity to spend time with other survivors and friends walking in memory of loved ones.

Course

Our journey takes us along the scenic and historic C&O Canal Towpath from Virginia through Maryland and into West Virginia.  We will walk 12.5 miles a day.  Most of our route is shaded by a canopy of old growth trees.  The trail bed is primarily hard packed dirt with small rocks.  Walking/jogging or trail running shoes are best.  The Potomac River provides a beautiful backdrop for our adventure.

Training

Our 25-mile journey will be challenging, even for those who are completely prepared.  Please take your training seriously, but don’t be intimidated.  You can do this!  Some have compared our daily walks to two long days at a theme park.  The more you train, the more energy you will have left to enjoy the experience.  Excellent information about training for long-distance walks can be found on the web.  When searching, remember we will be walking a half-marathon, two days in a row.  One site you may find helpful is: http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm (substitute “run” for “walk”). Another site with general walking advice is: www.walking.about.com.

Cost

Each participant is asked to raise a minimum of $1,000 on behalf of Concerns of Police Survivors.  But since C.O.P.S. is in its 25th year of service, the challenge is on for each walker to raise $2,500 or more. C.O.P.S. will cover all costs from Friday evening through Sunday evening.  Travel to and from Washington-Dulles Airport is your only expense.  While we appreciate the desire for moral support non-fundraising walkers can not be accommodated.

Fundraising

After your registration is received, you will receive further information and materials you will need as you collect pledges on behalf of C.O.P.S.  Remember, 100% of the funds raised will go directly to C.O.P.S., a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

The funds you raise will be processed by the C.O.P.S. office.  C.O.P.S. is able to accept donations in the form of checks or credit cards but only MasterCard or VISA.  Please have checks made payable to: Concerns of Police Survivors.  For credit card donations, ask donors to complete one of the credit card slips (printable at bottom) or use the forms online at www.nationalcops.org.  Donations should be forwarded to C.O.P.S. on July 15, August 15 and September 15 so they can be processed in a timely manner.  Any donations collected after September 15 should be brought to the event.  Also, any donations received after September 15 will not be counted towards your total when determining prize winners.  All donations are tax-deductible.

Fundraising ideas:

Family, friends, co-workers, employer, neighbors, local law enforcement agencies, nearby shops and businesses.  Explain to local police organizations (FOP, PBA, Police Association, etc.) what you are doing and ask them for a donation.  Check with your company to see if they offer a matching gift program.  Host a yard/garage sale to benefit C.O.P.S. (Great way to clean the house!).  Hang posters asking for support at your office, church or club.  Submit a press-release to your local newspaper to let them know about your endeavor.  Use colored paper for your letters to family, friends and associates – it will be more eye-catching.  Try colored envelopes, too.

Prizes

Prize levels are based on total amounts received in the C.O.P.S. office before September 15!

* $1,000 – long sleeved shirt and camel-pack

* $1,984 – sweatshirt and prizes listed above

* $2,500 – 25th Anniversary Badge Set and prizes listed above

* $5,000 - $250 towards airfare or travel expenses and prizes listed above

* $10,000 – a special crystal award and prizes listed above

* Individual that raises the most – a COPSstore gift certificate of $250

* Team or Chapter that raised the most – a $1,000 check to present to the C.O.P.S. organization of their choice

* Team or Chapter with the most walkers – a $1,000 check to present to the C.O.P.S. organization of their choice

Travel

Please plan to arrive at Washington-Dulles airport around 5:00 pm on Friday, October 10.  Dinner is set for 7:00 p.m. Friday night and Sunday will be spent at the Embassy Suites Dulles-North Hotel. Plan to depart Sunday after 6:00 pm, or Monday morning.  Rooms will be available Sunday night for those staying through Monday.  Saturday night will be spent at the Clarion Hotel in Shepherdstown, WV.  Further information about our hotels and transfers will be sent in September.

In September we will ask you for your travel information and roommate preferences.  We will also send further information about what to wear, what to pack and what to expect.

Registration

C.O.P.S. Walk 2008 Registration Form  (Printable Form)  (On-line Registration Form)

Credit Card Donation Slip (Printable Form)  (On-line Donation Slip)

C.O.P.S. Walk 2008 Pledge Sheet  (Printable Form)

Contact

If you have any questions about the C.O.P.S. WALK 2008, please contact Melissa Murray, C.O.P.S. Development Coordinator, at 573-346-4911 or send an email to: Melissa_Murray@nationalcops.org