Fundraising Fundamentals
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      Fundraising Milestones and Deadlines

      2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Mercy Home Heroes Team

      This is a comprehensive list of all the key dates for the Mercy Home Heroes program as it relates to fundraising and an explanation of what each means:

      February 2

      (at 5 p.m. CST)

      Ground Hog Day incentive

      All those fully onboarded and at or above $250, receive a pair of Heroes custom running crew socks plus entry into a grand prize drawing for a Brooks prize package (up to $500 value) from Dick Pond Athletics

      June 7

      (at 5 p.m. CDT)

      Pre-Training incentive

      All those at or above $1,250, receive a Heroes custom Nalgene water bottle plus entry into a grand prize drawing for a free pair of running shoes (up to $150 value) from Dick Pond Athletics

      July 10

      (at 12 p.m. CDT)

      Final Day to Withdraw (and be release from fundraising commitment)

      Anyone with any issue that will prevent them from participating in the marathon or having second thoughts may withdraw from the team by this date and will be released from their fundraising commitment provided we are able to fill their spot with someone from the waiting list by our July 15 deadline.

      September 13

      (at 5 p.m. CDT)

      One Month Out incentive

      All of those at or above the minimum fundraising commitment will be entered in a grand prize drawing for a Brooks prize package (up to $500 value) from Dick Pond Athletics

      September 27

      (at 5 p.m. CDT)

      Preliminary Bib Pull List due to the Marathon

      Two weeks prior to marathon weekend, we are asked to provide the marathon with a list of our runners who have not yet met their fundraising commitment.

      October 8

      (at 12 p.m. CDT)

      FUNDRAISING DEADLINE FOR ALL

      While fundraising pages will remain open until the end of the month, everyone is expected to fulfill their fundraising minimum by this time. Anyone who has not met this deadline will be charged for the remaining balance.

      There are incentive prizes for those who exceed it as follows:

      • By $500 or more: Custom Heroes Sprints hat
      • By $1,000 or more: Custom Heroes Winter beanie, plus above
      • By $3,500 or more: Custom Heroes Backpack or Duffle, plus all above
      • By $7,500 or more: Custom Heroes Nike Jacket, plus all above

      October 9

      Bib Pull Day

      The marathon bibs for anyone who has still not met their minimum fundraising agreement (charging of balance was unsuccessful), will be pulled and held by the marathon until we issue permission for it to be released to the runner.

      October 10-12

      Abbott Health & Fitness Expo

      All marathon runners are required to attend and pick up their own bib. If your bib has been pulled, you will be asked to come to our booth to settle your balance so we can provide permission for release of your bib.

      How strict is the fundraising minimum?

      When you commit to run for charity, you are committing to meet your minimum fundraising obligation, “no matter what.”  The minimums for the Mercy Home Heroes team ($1,250 for those who committed before the lottery drawing, and $1,750 for those who committed afterwards) are the minimums set by the marathon. 98% of this year’s team was fully onboarded before the end of April, meaning that almost the entire team has had over five months to fundraise.  It is our expectation that everyone will meet or exceed their fundraising minimum.

      “No matter what” refers to the idea that a small percentage of you will not be on the start line in October because of illness or injury or life getting in the way of training. As per the agreement when you registered, “REGARDLESS OF MY PARTICIPATION IN THE RACE OR ANY INJURY, HEALTH ISSUE OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, I AGREE TO FULFILL MY ENTIRE FUNDRAISING COMMITMENT.

      If you are struggling with fundraising or are already experiencing a setback that will affect your training, there is still a small window of time to withdraw from the team and be released from your fundraising commitment.

      If you withdraw on or before July 10, and we can fill your spot with someone on the waitlist, you will be released from your fundraising commitment, and will be welcome to rejoin the team as a Hero in good standing for next or any future year.  There are currently close to 300 people on the waitlist still hoping for a spot.

      If you are struggling with fundraising and don’t wish to withdraw, we are here to help.  The marathon is still several months away. Please schedule a fundraising coaching call with Mary.