Convio Helps "Weekend to End Breast Cancer" Walks Raise More Than $21 Million (CDN) in Less Than a Year

Leading Internet Company for Nonprofits Now Tapped to Support National Expansion of Walk Series Across Canada

AUSTIN, TEXAS (Nov. 5, 2004) — CauseForce — one of the leading international producers of large-scale fundraising events — is expanding its relationship with Convio to support national growth of the Weekend to End Breast Cancer walk series across Canada.

Convio is the top provider of software and services to help nonprofits use the Internet to reach, attract and build strong relationships with constituents to drive fundraising and other forms of support. CauseForce used Convio for online registration, email marketing and volunteering for the 2004 Weekend to End Breast Cancer walks in Toronto and Vancouver. The two events collectively raised $21 million-plus CDN, with 63 percent -- or more than $13 million CDN -- generated over the Internet through Convio’s online tools. CauseForce is expanding the “Weekend” walk series in Canada and, in 2005, also will use Convio for new events in Montreal and Calgary.

"Deciding to expand our relationship with Convio as we launch new walks in Montreal and Calgary was a 'no brainer' due to the huge success of the Toronto and Vancouver walks," said Brian Pendleton, President, CauseForce, Inc. "Convio is a critical partner in our success. Convio tools allow us to communicate effectively with participants, track supporters’ behavior and tailor future communications. The software enables us to create a real sense of community among our supporters, which is crucial when generating support for these types of events."

Using Convio TeamRaiser™, participants in Weekend to End Breast Cancer walks can easily:

  • Create personal Web pages to explain why they are involved and encourage others to get involved, too;
  • Send group emails to friends and relatives explaining the event and the cause, and also asking them to visit their personal Web page to register for the walk and/or donate; and
  • View reports on campaign progress and then send personalized, group emails to thank registrants and re-solicit potential supporters who have not yet responded.

Convio TeamRaiser (www.convio.com/teamraiser) automatically acknowledges donations in real time, providing federal government-compliant on-screen messages and email receipts.

2004 Convio-Powered Toronto Walk is Largest Fundraiser in Canadian History

The Toronto Weekend to End Breast Cancer walk benefits the Princess Margaret Hospital, the largest institution in Canada exclusively devoted to cancer treatment, research, and education. Funds raised by the 2004 walk surpassed the previous year’s record total, making this year's event the largest Canadian fundraiser ever. More than 4,560 walkers raised $14.7 million CDN, with $9.4 million CDN, or 63.5 percent, coming in online. More than 150,000 people contributed to the walk, and each walker raised at least $2,000 CDN in combined online and offline fundraising.

First-Ever Vancouver Walk Exceeds $7 Million CDN

The Vancouver Weekend to End Breast Cancer walk, just launched in 2004, benefits the BC Cancer Foundation, an independent charitable organization, which raises funds to support break-through research and care at the BC Cancer Agency. The agency provides a comprehensive cancer care program for the people of British Columbia, including prevention, screening and early detection, diagnosis and treatment services, support programs, community programs, research and education. The Vancouver walk brought in more than $7 million CDN from 2,100-plus walkers; 61 percent, or $4.27 million CDN, was raised online. More than 75,000 people contributed to the walk, and each walker raised at least $2,000 CDN online and offline.

"CauseForce's expansion of its relationship with Convio and commitment to a multi-year agreement is a fantastic endorsement of our people, products and services," said Gene Austin, CEO, Convio. "We look forward to helping CauseForce and the important organizations they serve in fighting breast cancer in the years to come."

The Convio-powered 2005 Weekend to End Breast Cancer walks in Canada are scheduled as follows:

  • Calgary, August 12-14
  • Vancouver, August 19-21
  • Montreal, August 26-28
  • Toronto, September 9-11

For more information on these events, please visit http://www.endcancer.ca/.

About CauseForce, Inc.

Los Angeles-based CauseForce produces large-scale events internationally to empower non-profit groups to fund services and research for important causes. Its team members have successfully managed events in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Africa, working on the ground with local municipalities and law enforcement to ensure seamless, well-organized productions. Raising more than $25 million for breast cancer organizations, CauseForce’s high-yield endeavors have shattered conventional wisdom in fundraising and created new experiential concepts. From concept creation to recruitment, retention, and customer relationship management, CauseForce’s seasoned team of experts drives consumers to action, motivating them to become deeply involved in groundswell initiatives that deliver donors, activists, and awareness.

About Convio, Inc.

Convio is the leading provider of software and services that help nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions use the Internet to build strong constituent relationships to drive support and participation. Convio has online solutions for fundraising and membership, advocacy, special events, volunteer fundraising, Web site management and email communications. All solutions include the Constituent360™ platform, a sophisticated, online marketing database that centralizes constituent data and integrates with offline databases. This gives organizations a unified view of constituent interests and motivations -- key for personalized and targeted outreach and communications. Convio also provides services and consulting to help organizations achieve success online.

In addition to CauseForce, Convio's clients include the American Diabetes Association, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, AVON Foundation, Brady Campaign United with the Million Mom March, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Chicago Public Radio, Easter Seals, Farm Aid, Georgetown University, KCET Community Television of Southern California, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, National Trust For Historic Preservation, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. For more information, please visit www.convio.com.

Whitney Wood Otstott
Corporate Communications Manager
Convio, Inc.
512-652-2632
wotstott@convio.com