Business
The Best Fundraiser: How a Fire Walk Brought a School Together
In this episode of The Fire Walk Experience, host Chris Jones speaks with Kate Porter, PTA chair at Saint James’s Primary School, about their recent fire walk fundraiser. They reflect on the event’s organization, community spirit, and impressive fundraising, over £13,500 for new school toilets. The episode highlights personal breakthroughs, the involvement of local officials like Jason Griffin, and creative elements like a Lego walk for children. Kate shares her own transformative experience, emphasizing the event’s impact beyond fundraising, uniting the community and inspiring individual growth. The conversation offers practical advice for others considering similar events.
Introduction & Community Impact (00:00:00)
Kate reflects on the fundraiser’s success and the special community takeaways beyond just raising money.
Podcast Welcome & Guest Introduction (00:00:21)
Chris introduces the podcast, Kate Porter, and the context of the fire walk event.
Kate’s Fire Walk Experience (00:00:56)
Kate describes her personal experience of the fire walk as uplifting and inspiring.
Fundraising Results & Ongoing Donations (00:01:10)
Discussion of the amount raised so far and the continued inflow of donations.
Purpose of the Fundraiser: School Toilets (00:01:35)
Explains why the funds are needed for new school toilets and the lack of external funding.
School Funding Challenges & Community Action (00:02:47)
Talk about broader school funding issues and the need for community-led solutions.
How Kate Discovered Fire Walk Fundraising (00:03:41)
Kate shares how she learned about fire walk fundraisers and her initial inspiration.
Planning & Launching the Event (00:04:26)
Details the early planning, use of teaser videos, and building momentum before summer holidays.
Engaging the Community & Revenue Streams (00:06:05)
Explains strategies for reaching beyond school families, involving local businesses, and engaging officials.
Sponsorships, Spectator Fees, and Event Logistics (00:08:05)
Breakdown of participant and spectator fees, attendance, and covering event costs.
Lego Walk for Children (00:08:36)
Describes the parallel Lego walk for kids, their excitement, and sponsorship efforts.
Food, Vendors, and Social Atmosphere (00:10:15)
Covers food vendors, bar, parent contributions, and the event’s social, relaxed feel.
Event Day Setup & Pre-Fire Walk Energy (00:11:46)
Recounts the event day setup, crowd management, and the nervous but positive energy in the room.
The Fire Walk Experience: Crowd & Personal Reflections (00:12:50)
Kate and Chris discuss the actual fire walk, crowd reactions, and the bonding experience.
Special Moments: The Vicar’s Walk (00:15:34)
Highlights the vicar’s inspiring participation and the community’s response.
Event Photography & Post-Event Promotion (00:16:16)
Discusses the importance of event photography for sharing and continued fundraising.
Lego Walk: Execution & Advice (00:18:37)
Advice on running a Lego walk, children’s excitement, and ensuring safety and inclusivity.
Personal Growth & Community Impact (00:20:11)
Kate shares personal breakthroughs, community stories, and the deeper impact of the event.
Fire Walk as a Catalyst for Change (00:22:11)
Chris reflects on the transformative effects of fire walks, including unexpected personal outcomes.
Advice for Future Organizers (00:24:32)
Kate offers advice to others considering a fire walk fundraiser: get buy-in, use social media, and believe in the process.
Podcast Conclusion & Farewell (00:25:45)
Chris and Kate wrap up, express thanks, and hint at future events. And hint at future events.
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