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Quick answer
A Jog-a-Thon kickoff is an assembly that explains the goal and reward, shows students how to share their page, and creates excitement — it's the single biggest driver of participation.
What a great kickoff includes
- A clear school-wide goal shown on a big thermometer.
- The reward students are working toward, explained simply.
- A live demo of sharing a student page.
- Energy: music, a countdown, staff enthusiasm, maybe a challenge.
- A call to action families can act on that same day.
Kickoff ideas that build hype
- A staff-vs-students challenge unlocked at the goal.
- A principal promise (pie the principal, silly costume) tied to a milestone.
- A theme reveal with a short hype video.
- Grade-vs-grade competition announced live.
Key takeaways
- The kickoff turns a fundraiser into an event kids talk about.
- Make the goal, reward, and how-to-share unmistakably clear.
- Give families an action to take that day.
Jog-a-Thon FAQs
When should the kickoff happen?
2–3 weeks before event day, at the start of your pledge-collection window.
Does the kickoff really matter?
Enormously. Students who understand the goal and reward share their pages — and sharing is what raises money.
Ready to get your school Movin'?
Talk to a personal fundraising coach — a former PTO/PTA leader — and see how FundHub runs your Jog-a-Thon end to end.