I Assume either a) You walk in a big circle or b) the “sweep” vehicles pick you up at the end of your walk and take you to camp. Either way, it’s kind of a lame departure from years past.
Also, depending on what sort of “crew” you are, you can still be required to raise money. My wife looked into it one year and they said that crew members each needed to raise 800 dollars. If those guys are spending 800 bucks per person for this gig, that’s just preposterous. I got a weekend in chicago, airfare and hotel combined, that didn’t cost that much. And all the damn towels I could use.
Cripes. No wonder we had some company leaders for our own Walk hemming and hawing over setting a team goal the other day, and asking what would happen if they didn’t meet that goal. :smack: (FTR, my company’s Walk is just one morning, we don’t charge people to participate, and we don’t penalize you if you don’t make your goal…). I mentioned this to our Walk director yesterday, and she had no idea that a major walk did this.
As far as the walks go, ours is a big community event - it’s fairly popular, and our community tends to get somewhat competitive - ESPECIALLY the hospitals. It’s one of our two major events over the year, and it’s definitely my favorite. People have fun. We have activities and events leading up to the walk, the day of the walk is a blast, and we just have a good time (okay, getting up at 5:30 AM to go set up isn’t exactly my cup of tea, but I’ll be on maternity leave this year, so I’m planning to go as a volunteer a little later in the morning to handle the money aspect of things). And we raise a crapload of money for our cause - through both the money that the walkers raise and sponsorships.
Seriously, if you don’t like them, don’t participate and don’t give - it’s as easy as that. But for a lot of people, the walks are meaningful to them. It’s a big deal in our town, and in many others, for those who do participate.
Yes, I’m conflicted. I don’t like fundraising type events, period, but this particular issue does have meaning for me, and I do want to be involved. I’ve resigned to pack smart and try to have fun despite a few nagging things that annoy me. It’s a good cause, and WHOO, I raised 2200 dollars, something I never would have imagined I could do with my limited social network.
Can’t help you with the $12, but I think the reason for the rules regarding music and cell phones have more to do with potential liability on the organizations part than it is a means to control you. At least, if you get hit walking while wearing your iPod, they can say “See? All participants got this list of rules which we exhorted them to follow. Don’t sue us!”
I feel like a better system than a walk or run or whatever is I’ll pledge money based on hours volunteered at a soup kitchen or someother such thing. That way, I’m still giving towards something, but you’re using your energy for good. Win-win.
Got back from the 3-day walk and what do they do at work? Block the dope for 2 days. 5 days without the dope…painful.
Anyhow, yes, long-term parking was supposed to cost 25 dollars. Shuttle service from nearby hotels was around 18 - 20.
I found out during the walk, though, that there was no special indication on your credentials for towel service. If you asked for a towel, they gave you one. Oh, and it was the size of a bathroom hand towel. Sure am glad I didn’t pay 12 bucks for that!!!
But the experience was awesome, and I don’t regret doing it. I was definitely SUPER sore each day, and I got sunburn on my lip (my LIP god damn it!! blisters on my lip!) but I weathered pretty good. Thanks to all for once again listening to me complain. And if anyone has tips for treating a sunburned, swollen lip, let me know.