The most frequently asked questions answered for Current Heroes.
Q. When does CARA training start and where can I get more info?
CARA’s 2024 Summer Marathon Training begins the week of June 10. The first weekend long run group training will be June 15-16. More information is available at cararuns.org. All Heroes will begin receiving regular emails from CARA beginning in February. . Please email evan@cararuns.org if you are not getting them.
Q. What is my fundraising minimum?
- For those who secured an entry before the November 16 lottery deadline, the minimum is $1,250.
- For those who receive a post-lotterydrawing entry, the minimum is $1,750.
- Heroes who secure their own entry will be asked to raise at least $600.
Remember, these numbers are minimums and not goals, and everyone knows, Heroes don't just do the minimum!
Q. Is there any incentive for reaching or exceeding my minimum?
Yes. Heroes who raise at least $500 over the minimum will be eligible for incentive prizes. Prizes get better as you exceed your minimum by $1000, $3500 and $7500. See Heroes eNews and the Announcements page for a list of this year’s incentive prizes.
Q. If I create or join a team, does the team have a fundraising goal or does each individual have to fundraise their minimum?
Each Hero is responsible for their own minimums. Donations must be made to individuals and cannot go to the team. However, setting a team goal that is higher than the sum of the minimum for each individual team member, helps keep everyone motivated.
Q. How do my supporters make a donation?
The preferred method is by credit card on the fundraising webpage you set up on this platform. To locate your page, use the search box at the top of the page. If a donor wants to write a check, it should be written to Mercy Home for Boys & Girls and have your name and marathon in the memo line. Checks should be sent to:
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls
Attn: Mary Connolly/Marathon
1140 West Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60607
Q. What if someone donates cash?
If they want a tax receipt and acknowledgement of the gift, the best method is for you to write a check and attach their information to it.
Q. Do matching gifts count toward my minimum?
Because every company distributes matching gifts differently, we suggest you use them to supplement your fundraising rather than relying on them. Be assured that gifts will be credited to you once they come in.
Q. Does money from a Social Media fundraiser count toward my minimum?
Because we cannot receive guarantees from Facebook that the funds will be submitted prior to our deadlines and they do not supply donor information, we have no way to track donations we receive from Facebook, Instagram or other social platforms, we prefer you fundraise on your official Mercy Home page which of course can be shared on Facebook or in your Instagram bio.
Q. How do I send a thank you to my donors?
When you sign into your fundraising page, you'll see a list of all givers on your donations page and can email a thank you right from there.
Q. What is the deadline for my minimum fundraising commitment?
The deadline to meet your fundraising commitment is the Tuesday before the Chicago Marathon, October 8, 2024.
Q. What if I don't meet my minimum by the deadline?
You MUST be at your minimum by the deadline or your race bib will be pulled and you will be required to raise or donate your balance when you arrive at the Expo to obtain you race bibIf you do not pick-up your bib (decided not the run the marathon), your credit card will be charged for the balance as per the agreement you signed at registration.
Q. What is a bib pull?
The Chicago Marathon will ask all charities to submit a list of runners who haven't reached their fundraising minimum by Friday, September 27. Runners on the "bib pull" list must come to the Mercy Home Heroes booth at the Expo to settle up and obtain a signature to receive their bib for the race. Failure to do so means you will not be allowed to participate in the race.
Q. How does Hero HQ work?
There will be an RSVP invite that goes out a few weeks before the race to sign up yourself and any guests that will join you on race day Doors will open at 5:30 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. Gear check, real restrooms and some breakfast items will be provided. After the race, runners will receive access to our buffet, beverages, and our recovery rooms. Family members can also join in lunch for an additional fee.
Don't see your question here? Email Heroes Team Leader and Manager Mary Connolly by filling out the form below.