2024 Cleveland Clinic Akron General Towpath 50


Thank you for registering for our 2024 Cleveland Clinic Akron General Towpath 50 bicycle ride. The funds you raise in this bicycle ride will help us continue developing and maintaining the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, with a focus on keeping the trail a safe, functional, and beautiful resource for all bicyclists and hikers across Northeast Ohio.


Thank you for supporting the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition!


The Basics of Fundraising


Online Donations

When you registered for the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Towpath 50, you created a personal fundraising page on OneCause. Anyone can donate online through your personal fundraising link or they can search your name on towpath50.com.

Offline Donations

Some donors may wish to donate offline through cash or check. That is perfectly fine! If you receive offline donations, you will need to drop those off at our office or mail them in.

Our address is: 47 West Exchange Street, Akron OH 4430

Who to ask

Ask your network - friends, family, colleagues, mentors, etc.! Share why you are participating in the ride and how they can donate.

Say thank you

Keep a list of everyone who donates to your ride. If you need us to send you a list of your donors, please let us know. The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition will mail a letter to every donor, but they appreciate hearing “Thank you” from the rider they donated to! Write letters or send personal emails thanking your donors for supporting.


Fundraising Best Practices


  • Just ask. If you don’t ask, they don’t have a chance to say YES!
  • Make the first donation. Donors are more likely to give if they see that you have made a personal contribution and you‘re already on your way to reaching your fundraising goal!
  • Ask at least 3 times. Everyone is leading a busy life. Sometimes we have to see a request more than once before we act on it.
  • Many employers will match gifts to charities and nonprofits by their employees. Ask your employer if they have a gift-matching program.
  • Sponsorships are another great way to reach your goal! See if your company or one that you patron frequently would be interested in sponsoring your ride.
  • Personalize your ask by adding personal anecdotes about why you are fundraising for the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Customizing your OneCause page will help too!
  • Share broadly on social media and with those whom you see frequently.


Tips for Fundraising on Social Media


  • Use #Towpath50! Any photos or videos with the hashtag will automatically populate in the Gallery on towpath50.com.
  • Share photos and videos. Your family and friends will enjoy seeing photos and videos from your training rides and other adventures on the Towpath Trail! Use photos and videos to promote your participation in the ride and to ask for fundraising support.
  • Post frequently. The way to engage your network online is by posting frequently. This will build their excitement for your participation in the ride and encourage them to support you!