Gift of Life 5K and Walk


Your participation as an individual fundraiser or as part of a team will raise vital funds for the children and adults with developmental disabilities that Hattie Larlham serves. For nearly 60 years, Hattie Larlham has provided comfort, joy and achievement to people with disabilities throughout Northeast Ohio.

To get started, each participant needs to create a fundraising page where supporters can either sponsor your run or walk, or can join your team. Everyone is able to fundraise even if they cannot participate in the event that day. For example, even if you decide not to run or walk, you can still raise money for the event, and even form an entire team of non-running fundraisers!


Who To Ask

Start with people you know best – your family and friends. Next, ask acquaintances and local businesses. Consider challenging a friend or colleague to form their own team and compete against each other.

Don’t Wait

Fundraising takes time. Develop a schedule and give your contacts time to review your page.

Make it Personal

Do you have a special connection to Hattie Larlham? Was there something specific that inspired you to participate in this event? If yes, then make sure to share your story! Odds are your passion will inspire someone to sponsor you and maybe even participate themselves.

Share Messages

Share your story and personal 5K personal fundraising page through e-mail and your social media accounts. Ask your supporters to forward your e-mails, re-teweet your tweets, and share your social media posts. This increases the number of people who see your message and also increases the visibility of Hattie Larlham’s mission.


For more fundraising tips, sample messages, and ways to get started check out our full, downloadable Fundraising Tool Kit by clicking the button below.