FAQ's About The Valerie Fund Walk/5K Run Presented by Ed and Sue Goldstein & JAG Physical Therapy

Who can participate?

Walking enthusiasts and runners of all ages are invited to participate.

What is the cost of participating?
$35 for the walk

$50 for the race

$25 for Kid Sprint

Valerie Fund patients should register and will be free of charge.

Children under 3 years old are free and do not need to register.

What is included in the registration fee?  All registered participants will receive a 2024 event t-shirt, free refreshments and entertainment provided by our generous in-kind vendors. Your registration fee counts towards any fundraising goals you may have made.

When you register, you have three choices: to register as an individual, choose to join an existing team or create your own team by registering as a team captain.

Please contact Diana Arcure (darcure@thevaleriefund.org) if you'd like to change any of these designations once the registration has gone through. For example, if you registered as an individual but meant to join a team, email us and we will change your affiliation.

Can I register for my friends or family members at the same time I register?

Yes, there is a section on the website for registering additional people. If possible, we would like you to include the unique email addresses for each registrant (children under 16 excluded). This will allow The Valerie Fund to efficiently communicate upcoming event details.

Can I transfer my registration from a walker to a runner or a runner to a walker?

If you'd like to switch from a walker to a runner, there is a $15 difference in registration fees that we ask you to cover with an additional donation. Please contract Diana to up update your information and for a bib number assignment.

There is nothing to do if you'd like to switch from a runner to a walker. Your bib # will not be used for this race.

Can I transfer my registration to someone else?

Runner registration cannot be transferred to another individual because of the use of racing bib numbers and timed results. Please contact Diana if you are interested in transferring your registration to another walker. We would be happy to send the new participant a separate waiver to sign and add their information to our data base.

Please contact Diana Arcure (darcure@thevaleriefund.org) if you are having trouble logging in or need help retrieving or creating your username and/or password.

We can also assist with setting up your team fundraising page, uploading photos, stories and updating fundraising goals.

The Valerie Fund Walk and 5K presented by Ed and Sue Goldstein and JAG Physical Therapy is one of The Valerie Fund's biggest fundraisers of the year. Sponsors and team support are responsible for 85% of the event revenue which benefits more than 6,000 children from our area battling cancer or a blood disorder and treated at one of eight Valerie Fund Children's Centers.

What is the role of the Team Captain?

Each year, the 200+ teams typically account for more than half the total fundraising dollars and Team Captains are the backbone of this effort. Some Captains will recruit a large number of participants, host local fundraisers and leverage corporate sponsorships. Other Captains will lead "small but mighty" teams while others will get their entire company involved in a corporate effort. You can create a team to celebrate a survivor or honor someone you have lost. The Valerie Fund welcomes everyone!

Once your team has been created, you can personalize your team page with a story, slogan, goal and photos. There are other helpful Captain privileges that will allow you to view all team members, donation history and invite and promote on social media.

I've never fundraised before, what kind of support will I receive?

Fundraising is optional and there is no minimum but The Valerie Fund can provide ideas and other resources: https://www.thevaleriefund.org/Walk2024/materials.php We are here for you if you would like to launch an email or letter writing campaign. We can introduce you to some engaging and unusual ways to raise money using social media and provide guidance on hosting all kinds of fundraisers.

Where do my fundraising dollars go?

Click Here to view our Annual Report.

What if my donors need a receipt?

Every online donor receives a receipt via email that is sufficient for tax purposes. Offline donors receive a thank you postcard or letter when their donation is received. Please contact Diana if you need any additional confirmations.

Can I still fundraise if I can't attend the Walk?

Even if you are unable to join us on June 8th, we encourage you to fundraise for The Valerie Fund. Post event photos and videos will be available on the website so you can view what you missed!

Can I fundraise after Walk day?

Yes, we welcome donations up until the 2024 Walk website opens.

How do I process matching gifts from my employer?

Speak to your Human Resources department to find out if your company participates in our matching gift program or search the matching gift database. Your company may be willing to donate to your fundraising campaign without a formal matching gift program.

How can people donate to my team?

Donations can be made on line using the walk website www.thevaleriefund.org/Walk2024

Click on the DONATE button and then select the team you'd like to support using the drop-down menu "Choose a Team." If people would like to donate by check, they should specify the name of the team in the check memo and/or fill out the information in a walk brochure. Mail to The Valerie Fund's Maplewood office. All checks should be made payable to The Valerie Fund.

You can drop off donations in person on June 8th by visiting the BANK area located inside the Registration Tent.

Please contact Diana Arcure (darcure@thevaleriefund.org) if someone makes a donation to the wrong team or individual.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Registration fees are not considered tax-deductible but any donations made above the entry fee are. Straight donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

How can I see who has donated to me?

Captains can log into the walk website and click on the red EDIT TEAM button. Here, you will see the "Donation History" tab which displays the donor information for as many years as the team has existed. You will see the donor names, type and amount of donation plus you have the ability to export this information and send a personalized thank you message. If an expected donation does not appear on the list, please contact Diana.

The Start Line for the 5K Run is located at the corner of Bloomfield Ave and Lakeside Ave.

Race Map can be found at https://thevaleriefund.org/Walk2024/coursemap.php. The Valerie Fund Walk & JAG Physical Therapy 5K Run:

Do I need a racing bib to run?

Yes, you will need a bib to run since it includes a timed chip which records and ranks your race finish.

Can I pick up my racing bib before the event?

Your number will be mailed to your address if you register on or before May 22nd . After that date, bibs can be claimed at the Pre-Registration tent on the day of the event. The bibs can also be picked up during the week prior to the event when t-shirts are distributed in the office.

Please contact Diana Arcure (darcure@thevaleriefund.org) if you misplace or do not receive your bib number.

Can I give my bib to someone else?

Runner registration cannot be transferred to another individual because the racing bib generates  timed results and ranking for the original registrant. If you are unable to attend the run, please discard the bib and contact Diana to let them know it will go unused and they will notify our Race Director.

Is the race course certified?

Yes, the course is certified and the race is sanctioned by the USATF. The course will be closed to traffic and police and volunteers will ensure the runners' safety and that all directions are followed.

How do I learn my official time in the race?

Immediately following the race, you can view race results on your phone:  http://bestrace.com/mobile/thevaleriefund/  or at the JAG Physical Therapy tent in the park.

Later, the results can also be found on the home page of the walk website: www.thevaleriefund.org/Walk2024    

THE WALK IS NOT A TIMED EVENT and may be done at your own leisurely pace.

How do I register to become a volunteer?

Please fill out the form here: https://thevaleriefund.org/Walk2024/volunteer.php

What do volunteers do?

Volunteers are needed both the day before and the day of the Walk/Run. Assignments may include manning booths, directing walkers/runners, setting up/breaking down tables, clean-up, and other ad hoc duties.

When will I know my assignment?

Assignments are typically decided as close to the Walk/Run as possible once we have an idea of how many volunteers we will have in total. You will typically receive an email a day or two before the event with your assignment as well as when you arrive at volunteer check-in.

What should I wear?

Most importantly are comfortable shoes. You will most likely be on your feet for the majority of the morning so sandals, heels, etc. are not recommended. Sneakers or work boots are best. While it is typically still warm in September, the mornings can be brisk so light layers are recommended. You will also be provided with a "VOLUNTEER" t-shirt at check-in on event day.

Can a group volunteer together?

Yes, if you have a group that would like to work together please contact Jill at jrhodes@thevaleriefund.org to make the request. We will do our best to accommodate as many groups as possible.

Can kids volunteer?

The minimum age to volunteer is 14.

Do you provide a letter confirming volunteer hours for school/office/religious organization?

Yes, we can provide an official letter after the event confirming all hours volunteered. Please contact Jill to request a letter by emailing jrhodes@thevaleriefund.org 

What if I have to cancel my volunteering?

We understand that life happens and sometimes you may need to cancel. We ask that you inform us as soon as you know you won't be able to attend the event so we can adequately prepare. Please contact Jill at jrhodes@thevaleriefund.org to let us know.