COPS WALK 2010
Saturday, OCTOBER 9 – Sunday, OCTOBER 10
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. 2 days, 25 miles, with every step a memory.
Registration
Would you like to participate in COPS WALK 2010 but just can’t
“get out of bed” to be there?
Then, consider becoming a Sleep Walker for the COPS WALK this year!
• Sleep Walkers who raise $1,000 will receive the
official COPS WALK 2010 gift just like the actual
walkers.
• A pillow case recognizing you as a “Sleep Walker" for
COPS WALK 2010 will be sent to you after the walk.
• You'll be acknowledged in the COPS WALK thank you ad in the winter C.O.P.S. Newsletter mailed to more than 35,000 survivors and members of the law enforcement community.
• you'll know that you have helped C.O.P.S. continue its mission of “rebuilding shattered lives” of surviving families and affected co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
Donate to your favorite walker
COPS 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. The 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.
Sleepwalkers are new this year. If you are not able to join us in Harpers Ferry but still want to participate, here is a way you can. All you have to do is raise the minimum $1,000 and then sleep through the rest!
Course
The journey takes walkers along the scenic and historic C&O Canal Towpath from Virginia through Maryland and into West Virginia. Participants will walk 12.5 miles a day. Most of the 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
The 25-mile journey will be challenging, even for those who are completely prepared. Participants need to take training seriously, but not be intimidated. Some have compared the daily walks to two long days at a theme park. The more one trains, the more energy they will have left to enjoy the experience. Excellent information about training for long-distance walks can be found on the web. When searching, remember this event is walking a half-marathon, two days in a row. One site walkers 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. We are encouraging walkers to set a goal to raise $2500 to meet 2010 goal of $200,000. C.O.P.S. will cover all costs from Friday evening through Sunday evening. Travel to and from Washington-Dulles Airport is the walkers only expense. While moral support is appreciated, non-fundraising walkers cannot be accommodated.
Fundraising
After a walker's registration is received, they will receive further information and materials they will need as they 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 raised 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. Donations should be forwarded to C.O.P.S. by October 1, so they can be processed in a timely manner. Any donations collected after October 1 should be brought to the event. Also, any donations received after October 1 will not be counted towards a walker's total when determining prize winners. All donations are tax-deductible.
Fundraising ideas
Ask family, friends, co-workers, employer, neighbors, local law enforcement agencies, nearby shops and businesses to support the effort. Local police organizations (FOP, PBA, Police Associations, etc.) can also be asked for a donation. Check with your employer 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 the office, church or club. Walkers should submit a press-release to their local newspaper to let them know about their endeavor. Use colored paper for your letters to family, friends and associates – it will be more eye-catching. Try colored envelopes, too. Make a presentation at local Kiwanis, Rotary, or Optimist Clubs to ask for support. C.O.P.S. can furnish you with a 14 minute C.O.P.S. video for viewing.
Travel
Walkers should plan to arrive at Washington-Dulles Airport by 5:00 pm on Friday, October 8. 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 hotels and transfers will be sent in September.
In September we will ask participants for their travel information and roommate preferences. Information about what to wear, what to pack and what to expect will also be sent to participants.
Contact
If you have any questions about the COPS WALK 2010, please contact Tracie Patton, at 573-346-4911 or send an email to: tracie_patton@nationalcops.org