Frequently Asked Questions

Question:  What is the deadline to register online for Step Up for Kids?

Answer:  Tuesday, January 26, 2010 or when capacity is reached (3,000)

Question:  What is the cost of registration?  Are the registration fees refundable?

Answer:  Whether climbing as an individual or with a team, registration for all adults is $45,
plus the $55 minimum fundraising pledge.  Both the $45 registration fee and the minimum
$55 fundraising pledge are non-refundable.  Children 12 and under are free. 

Question:  What is the minimum fundraising amount and what is the deadline to turn in pledges?

Answer:  Each Step Up for Kids participant is committed to raising a minimum of $55. All
donations must be turned in by January 31, 2010

Question:  What happens if I do not reach my minimum $55 fundraising goal by January 31th?

Answer:  If the minimum pledge amount of $55 is not received on or before January 31,
2010, Children's Memorial has the authority to charge the remaining balance due to the
stepper's credit card on that date.

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.

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 stepper within 10 business days of receiving the gift.

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 steppers name on the memo line) and mailed to:

Step Up for Kids
Children's Memorial Foundation
Department 4597
Carol Stream, Illinois 60122-4597

Question:  What online fundraising tools are offered to Step Up for Kids Participants?

Answer: Each stepper has the opportunity to create a personal page within our event website to personalize, track fundraising, keep contacts and share your story. We also have a fundraising letter template and pledge 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 pledge money.

Question: How can I check my fundraising totals throughout the program?

Answer: You can keep track of your fundraising efforts by utilizing your online stepper'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:  How many floors are there in the Aon Center?  How many total steps?

Answer:  There are 80 floors and 1643 steps

Question:  How are start times assigned?  Can I change my start time?

Answer:  Please visit the Start Times link to review how start times are assigned.

Question:  How can I get a preferred start time for the event?

Answer:  Please visit the Elite Climbers link for more information.

Question:  How can I guarantee consecutive start times for my friends, family and I?

Answer:  To guarantee consecutive start times, you must form a team.  A team must consist
of at least two people. 

Question:  How many people do you need to form a team?  

Answer:  Two persons are required to form a team.  There is no maximum number of
people allowed on a team the more, the merrier!

Question:  Can I join a team after I’ve already signed up as an individual?

Answer:  Yes.  Please contact Courtney Rohrbach at CRohrbach@childrensmemorial.org and she will
assist you further.

Question:  Are water bottles allowed in the stairwells?  What floors have water stations?

Answer:  No.  For safety reasons, water bottles are not allowed in the stairwells.  For your
convenience, water will be offered on floors 10, 21, 30, 40, 52, 62, 72, 80.  Water will also be
available at the event food court located on the mezzanine level of the main lobby.

Question:  What floors have restrooms?

Answer:  Restrooms will be available on floors 10, 21, 30, 40, 52, 62, 72, 80.  There is also a
public bathroom for participants and guests in the lower lobby.

Question:  Are prizes awarded to the top male/female finishers?

Answer:  Medals will be awarded to top three female and male finishers.  Medals will be
mailed out to the winners post-event.

Question:  Are friends and family (non-steppers) allowed at the Mid-America Club Celebration?

Answer:  Friends and family of steppers are welcome to attend the event.  Guests must
remain in the lower lobby and are required to check all gear (including coats and purses).
Guests will not be allowed on the 80th Floor.  

Question:  How early should I arrive on the day of the event?

Answer:  Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your start time.

Question:  Is there onsite gear check at the event?

Answer:  There will be a complimentary, secured gear check at the Aon Center monitored by volunteers.  Each stepper is required to check all gear, as personal items are not allowed past the main lobby of the event.  No cameras or cell phones are allowed in the stairwell.  Your gear will be checked according to your bib number.  We cannot be responsible for any lost or stolen items, so please do not check anything of value. 

Question: What if I have a question that isn't answered above?

Answer: Contact Courtney Rohrbach at CRohrbach@childrensmemorial.org