Seeking Advice Because I Don't Know Where to Start...

I am so very sorry, my heart just breaks for his family and their angel baby.

If I were you, I would call the SIDS foundation directly. A lot of people set up things like this for SIDS research in light of family tragedies, so the foundation can probably give some pointers, and they probably have guidelines in place that will make it easier.

http://www.sids.org

There are several online sites and software for running walk-athons as well, I don't know if they would have info, but they might:

https://www.google.com/#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=ho...

If you don't want to start from scratch, you can contact the March of Dimes. You can create a team for the March for Babies and raise money that way. Everyone that signs up on your team will raise money in your nieces name. They have the website, can take credit card donations, etc. The money goes towards research pertaining to the health of babies. This includes SIDS and stillbirth.

My sister did this for her stillborn daughter born at 39 weeks. My family and many of my sister's friends and family participated in the walk, and we all raised a considerable amount of money.

FYI, there are also many parks and botanical gardens that will place a memorial on a tree, rose bush, or park bench for your niece in exchange for a donation. This might also be a nice gesture for your brother and his family.

I am so sorry for your loss. It's such an unimaginable tragedy. That is so nice of you to do this for them.

You best bet may be to connect with a non-profit that already supports SIDS research and talk to them about setting up a local fundraiser. That way you could tap into their organizers and fundraising professionals.

I am so very sorry for your family's loss. My heart and prayers go out to you all!
I think it is a wonderful, beautiful idea that you are trying to do! I have never done anything like this, but I am sure there are tons of resources. Im sure the ladies here can be a big help. I know we have been to a few fundraisers at our local zoo. The zoo donated a large portion of the ticket sales to the cause, allowed the sale of T-shirts, bags, buttons etc.
I wish I had more advice. But keep us posted, Im sure like myself many people would like to donate to this cause if honor of sweet little neice.
Again, LOTS of prayers and ((((HUGS))) to you

I agree with Momma L about getting this started.

I am so very sorry for the loss your family is going through!

You got some good advice about non-profits, but I wanted to add - in case you haven't done it - the very first thing to do is to speak with your brother about your idea. Your heart is in the right place, but you need his consent before this goes anywhere.

Oh, my. You already got some really good advice, especially in contacting the SIDS organization to help. I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear your story. That's just heartbreaking. My thoughts with you and your family..

So, so sorry for your family, I can't imagine. Momma L's suggestion was a good one. I haven't actually been in charge of setting up a 5K, but I do know that it's a lot of work! I would maybe start by contacting a local running club in your area...just google women's running clubs or something and see what pops up. I am sure that any running club in your area has sponsored at least one 5K and may be looking to do more. If you can get some help from them on what to do that would help get you started. I know also that you'll have to contact the city at some point b/c you'll need to block off streets, etc. You might find a city/county person whom you can call and ask questions. You might have to do a little cold calling, but it shouldn't take long to get you connected with someone who can help. But, I go back to my first statement, contact a running group first!! Good luck! Oh and a great idea by the way!

Setting up a 501c3 charitable foundation is more difficult that it used to be and the annual reporting requirements have put many out of business. I liked the suggestion that you contact the SIDS foundation or the March of Dimes and learn how to set up fundraisers through them or set up a team for a walk or a run through them. You can still be doing this in honor of your niece. Please encourage your brother and wife to join a support group of other parents who have lost a child to SIDS.