Charity Mile Agreement Finalized

Norwalk, CT, March 10, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Jo Bennett, a Connecticut-based writer and 20-year veteran of fundraising-via-fitness events, has finalized an agreement to acquire Charity Mile, the premier online social network for charity athletics participants and organizers.

Charity Mile encompasses the CharityMile.com website, which includes forums, a blog and a searchable events database, as well as an e-book, The Ultimate Guide to Planning a 5K Run or Walk Fundraiser (http://charitymile.com/book/). Charity Mile was launched in February 2007 by Step by Step Fundraising President Sandra Sims, a leading fundraising and Web strategy consultant, based in Wichita, Texas. After completing her first fundraiser marathon (in Alaska, for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society), Sims envisioned how invaluable a “one-stop resource for charity athletic events” would be for both athletes and the organizations they represent in fundraisers.

Charity Mile is an interactive resource for a large and growing market: Conservative estimates place participation in running, walking and biking fundraisers at more than 12 million participants in 2009, in the United States alone, with more than $1.6 billion raised for charities. “Charity Mile’s mission is to provide a positive, interactive community and practical tools to help athletes and charities succeed. I think Jo has the right mix of experience and vision to take the network to the next level,” explained Sims.

Bennett, a writer whose specialties are technology and marketing, has participated in and helped organize charity athletic events since her college days, when she played varsity field hockey at Western Connecticut State University and was a regular at local races and walks. She later expanded her involvement to include bike tours and team sports, such as soccer. Bennett is currently an avid distance runner, and regularly places high in her age group in 10k and half-marathon events.

“Charity Mile is a robust platform for a dedicated community that’s eager for tools, tips, stories and support to achieve their goals,” said Bennett. “I’m already talking to our members, online and out on event courses. I’m looking forward to developing more functionality and features that will give event participants and organizers the leg up they need, from start to finish!”

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