What is the difference between donating to SAHELI and SafePlace at the Walk?

SAHELI and SafePlace work closely together, in fact, our offices are located at the SafePlace Resource Center . SafePlace is the main organization in Travis County that deals with issues of domestic abuse. Asian clients experiencing domestic violence might be afraid in seeking assistance from mainstream service providers for a variety of reasons, such as limited English skills or cultural differences. SAHELI offers culturally sensitive services to meet the specialized needs of immigrant Asian and Asian American communities.

SafePlace provides support from their organization for SAHELI, but does NOT provide any funds directly to SAHELI. Aware of the importance of the existence of SAHELI for Austin Asian communities, SafePlace allows 100% of all funds raised by SAHELI Walk Teams to go to SAHELI. If you'd like to fundraise for both organizations, just make sure that donations for SAHELI are provided separately-either on SAHELI's Walk website or through checks made payable to us.

What time does the walk begin?

Here’s a tentative schedule of the day’s events:
9:00 am - Registration for Walkers and Teams not yet registered
9:30 -10:00 am - Walker check-in and collect walker prizes
10:15 - 11:00 am - SAHELI Team and Individual pictures at SAHELI tent
11:00 am - Walk warm up
11:15 am - Countdown to the Walk

How do I ask people to sponsor my Team or donate money to SAHELI?

You can send a personalized letter or approach a potential donor and let them know why it is important for you to be involved with this Walk. SAHELI also has an e-mail and letter template you can use if you do not feel comfortable personally approaching potential donors. Visit our resources page! If you need more information about our services to help you out, visit the "About Us" and "Programs" pages on our website.

Do I have to pay a registration fee?

NO. We encourage participants to set a goal when they register to participate and fundraise on behalf of SAHELI by recruiting others to join or donate to the Walk. Your efforts will show your support of our mission to end domestic violence in Asian communities.

Must I form a team to walk?

NO. Individual walkers are welcome-you do not need to walk with a team. You may register and donate online at www.saheli-austin.org/Walk2008.html, or print out a Registration Form to start recruiting friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to sponsor you through financial contributions. If you recruit people, they can donate online to sponsor you. Tell them to follow the instructions on our Walk page

I'd like more information on how my company or I can be an official sponsor of SAHELI at the Walk.

SAHELI has different sponsorship levels for the Walk . Please contact walk@saheli-austin.org for more information on these opportunities.

Can I walk even if I am unable to fundraise for SAHELI?

Absolutely. The Walk is a chance for everyone to show their support of a violence-free future. Even if you cannot raise funds, SAHELI would still appreciate your participation in the Walk.

I don't want to walk or fundraise, is there another way I can help?

Yes. On the day of the walk we need volunteers to help set up, direct registered teams, and collect donations. Please email walk@saheli-austin.org if you are interested in volunteering.

How do I turn in money I have raised?

Before the Walk, you can have your team sponsors donate online through the SAHELI website www.saheli-austin.org/walk . If you have cash or checks to turn in, please bring them, along with your Walk brochure or Registration Form to Waterloo Park on April 12th . SAHELI will have a check-in booth within the park where you will be able to turn in your donations.

What do I do if it rains on Walk Day?

Grab an umbrella and head down to Waterloo Park . . . rain or shine, the Walk must go on. We will be set up at Waterloo Park to collect cash and check donations as well as distributing SAHELI T-shirts.

Do walkers get pledges for each mile they walk?

NO. Walkers receive pledges and donations based upon participation, not mileage.

How do I build a Walk Team?

Approach family, friends and coworkers and let them know about SAHELI and your commitment to end domestic violence. Publicize the Walk in your organization's newsletter, Web site, bulletin board or event calendar and include information about how others can join your Walk Team

Is there a minimum donation that my sponsors must give on my behalf?

No. Donations can be made in any amount because we know first hand that every penny matters.

Will there be drinking water or do I need to bring my own water bottle?

Bottles of water will be FREE and available for walkers at the park and there will be waterstops throughout the walk route. Troughs of water will also be set up on the park grounds for dogs.

Can I collect cash and check donations as well as online donations?

YES. Be sure to fill out a Registration Form to record donors' names and amounts collected to keep track of your offline donations and bring the form along with your cash and ck donations made payable to SAHELI to the Registration Area on Walk Day.

What is the difference between a Team Captain and the rest of the team?

The Team Captain is usually the one who organizes a walk team. On the day of the Walk, the Team Captain will register the team and turn in the donations the team has collected. Each team has a designated Team Captain who coordinates the recruitment of walkers and serves as the official liaison for the Walk.

Are strollers or pets allowed?

Of course. Not only is the Walk meant to raise awareness about domestic violence in our communities; it is also a family event to which everyone, including pets, is invited to participate.

Can my Team bring our own signs?

Sure you can. We encourage every team to create their own team T-shirts or carry a team banner or sign on the day of the Walk.

Do you and your teammates have other questions or suggestions? Email walk@saheli-austin.org and we'll add it to our list!