Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is the minimum fundraising amount and what is the deadline to turn in pledges?
Answer: Each CMMT member is committed to raising a minimum of $600. All donations must be turned in by November 13, 2009, with at least half of that amount by October 1, 2009.

Question: What happens if I do not reach my $600 fundraising goal by November 13, 2009?
Answer: If the minimum pledge amount of $600 is not received on or before November 13, 2009, Children's Memorial has the authority to charge the remaining balance due to the runner's credit card on November 16, 2009. You will receive communication before the charge is made.

Question: Are donations made on my behalf tax deductible?
Answer: Yes, all donations in which goods or services are not received are 100% tax deductible. Donors will receive a gift receipt and acknowledgement letter from Children's Memorial Foundation.  Please note that donations made online will receive an electronic gift receipt only.

Question: Will Children's Memorial Foundation acknowledge my contributors?
Answer: Children's Memorial Foundation will send a gift receipt and acknowledgement letter to anyone who makes a donation on behalf of a runner within 10 business days of receiving the gift.  Please note that donations made online will receive an electronic gift receipt only.

Question: Where can my contributors go to make a donation?
Answer: The fastest and easiest way is to refer your supporters to the personal fundraising pages you create on the website. For those who prefer to write a check, checks should be made out to Children's Memorial Foundation (please write the runners name on the memo line) and mailed to:

Children’s Memorial Marathon Team
Children’s Memorial Foundation
Department 4586
Carol Stream, IL 60122-4586

Question: What online fundraising tools are offered to CMMT runners?
Answer: Each CMMT member has the opportunity to create a personal page within our team website to personalize, track fundraising, keep contacts and share your story. We also have a fundraising letter template and donation form available on the website. We encourage you to share your story and personalize your web page as much as you want - the more your friends and family know about your commitment, they more likely they will be to support you.

Question: How can I find out if my company offers a matching gift?
Answer: First, check to see if your company has a matching gift program that matches for health organizations. Obtain and fill out the company's matching gift form (available in Human Resources) and send it in with your donation.

Question: How can I check my fundraising totals throughout the program?
Answer: You can keep track of your fundraising efforts by utilizing your online runner's page. This tool allows you to log on and review your pledges any time of the day! When a donation is made online, it is processed automatically and is added toward your fundraising total. Donations made by check or money order will be processed and counted toward your total within 10 business days after it is received by our office.

Question: When will I receive my CMMT running tank and t-shirts for friends and family who will be there cheering for me on race day?
Answer: Each runner can pick up their running tank at the CMMT Kick-Off Celebration to be held in July. "Cheerer" t-shirts will be available for pick-up at the Team Pasta Dinner in October. If you are unable to attend the Kick-Off or Pasta Dinner, tanks and t-shirts will also be available at the Health & Fitness Expo. Running tanks will be mailed out to all out-of-state runners.

Question: Does Children's Memorial host a tent within Charity Village on race day?
Answer: Yes. All runners and their friends and family have exclusive access to the Children's Memorial Marathon Team tent within Charity Village, including gear check, refreshments and massage therapists.

Question: When can I pick up my marathon bib number and packet?
Answer: All packets must be picked up during the Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place on Friday, October 9, 2009 and Saturday and October 10, 2009.

Question: If my company (or another company) is interested in corporate sponsorship opportunities, will their sponsorship donation count toward my fundraising goal?
Answer: YES! The Children's Memorial Marathon Team Sponsorship Packet can be viewed on the website and we can email you an electronic version for you to present to the interested company. Corporate sponsorship is a great way for an organization to associate their brand with Children's Memorial's world-renowned care and reputation while helping you achieve your fundraising goals!

Question: What if I have a question that isn't answered above?
Answer: Contact Lauren Claytor at lclaytor@childrensmemorial.org.