While we wish we could continue to offer free participation to our wounded veterans and first responders, for 2019 we added a fundraising commitment associated with participating in multi-day events such as Challenge Rides, Initiatives and Mountain Bike Rides. This decision was made to ensure funding doesn’t present an issue to hosting our proven outdoor recreational therapy events. Project Hero incurs costs to provide our participants with high-quality programming, safety, staffing, accommodations, meals, equipment and other distinct features of our events. To provide our participants with the best opportunities in their journey of recovery, we must be able to deliver the memorable, challenging, community-building experiences that are a part the foundation of our mission.
What is the registration fee for Project Hero Challenges?
There is a $25 registration fee for all rider types for all 2019 Project Hero Challenge events. Due to the nature of the event, registrations fees are non-refundable and non-transferable for any reason.
Is the registration fee refundable?
Due to the nature of the event, registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable for any reason.
What is the minimum fundraising requirement for qualification for all Challenge rider types?
The fundraising minimum to qualify for participation for all riders in 2019 Project Hero Challenges varies as follows based on rider type.
Injured, ill,and/or wounded veterans and first responders; active duty (WTB/U) - $1,000 fundraising requirement
Active duty military, VA employees, non-injured veterans & first responders -$2,000 fundraising requirement
Civilians/public riders- $4,000 fundraising requirement
How do I fundraise?
When you register for a Challenge event, a fundraising page will automatically be created for you. A link to this page will be emailed to you in the email confirmation you receive after submitting your registration. The easiest way to fundraise is to send the link to your fundraising page to friends and family by email, text and by sharing on social media. Let them know why their donation is important (to allow you to participate in a life-changing, multi-day bike riding event that will push your physical limits in powerful ways), and ask them to support you before the fundraising deadline.
If you don’t have a link to your fundraising page, you can search for your page here [https://secure3.convio.net/r2r/site/PageServer?pagename=rider_search_page]. NOTE: you must FIRST register for an event in order to have a fundraising page.
If you need help finding your fundraising page, please reach out to us at info@weareprojecthero.org.
I don’t like asking people for donations - any suggestions?
We know that fundraising can be uncomfortable, but you’ll be surprised by how willing people are to help. The hardest part is often getting started, but once you let people know what you’re doing, they are happy to support you. Keep in mind that it takes between 3 to 5 asks for someone to remember to donate to you, so make sure you follow up!
TIP: People respond best when there is a sense of urgency. Let others know when the fundraising deadline is and that you really need their help to raise $X more to be able to participate.
Will I have a separate fundraising page for each event?
Yes, you will have a separate fundraising page for each event for which you are registered. Please make sure you share the appropriate page when raising funds to ensure you get fundraising credit for the correct event(s).
Does the registration fee count toward my fundraising total?
Yes, your registration fee to sign up for a Challenge will automatically be counted toward your fundraising total and help you reach your fundraising requirement. Note: Even though registration fees count toward fundraising totals, they are NEVER transferable.
When must the fundraising minimum be reached in order to qualify for an event?
Exact fundraising deadlines will vary per event, so please check the event page. In general, fundraising must be complete 3 weeks in advance in order to qualify for participation in a Challenge event.
What is the fundraising deadline for the 2019 Texas Challenge?
The final day for fundraising to qualify for registration for the Texas Challenge will be Wednesday, March 27th. Riders who have not raised enough funds to qualify for registration in the 2019 Texas Challenge on that date are eligible for donation to Project Hero or transferability to another 2019 Challenge event.
What happens if I don’t meet the fundraising requirement?
If by the fundraising deadline for an event, a participant has not yet met the fundraising requirement, Project Hero will reach out to them with the choice of:
1. Paying for the difference within the allotted time frame.
2. Transfering funds to your fundraising efforts for another event within a 12 month period.
3. Transfering funds to another participant registered for the SAME Challenge event.
4. Withdrawing your registration submission and donating any funds raised to be used to support Project Hero’s greatest needs.
NOTE: These options are only available to those who respond within the timeframe allocated by Project Hero (typically 3 business days) for that event. We will make every attempt to contact you, but if there is no response by the deadline, your fundraising will be counted as a donation to Project Hero. Under no circumstances will donations be refunded.
What happens if I meet the fundraising requirement, I am selected to participate, but Iam unable to attend?
Participants who are unable to attend a Challenge for any reason should let Project Hero staff know immediately at info@weareprojecthero.org. If you are cancelling before the fundraising deadline, you will have the option of transferring your funds (for you to use on another event taking place within 12 months or to another rider on the same event), or donating what you have raised to Project Hero.
Since we incur costs for every anticipated rider, whether they participate or not, if you cancel AFTER the fundraising deadline (or simply do not show up), your funds raised will be considered a donation and will not be transferable. Under no circumstances will donations be refunded.
What happens if I raise more than the minimum fundraising requirement?
Way to go! Challenges are expensive events due to all the logistics and going above and beyond in fundraising helps Project Hero be able to continue to host these events. Any funds raised beyond the minimum fundraising requirement helps cover the cost of getting staff and volunteers to the event and their lodging and meals.
In most cases, funds raised beyond the requirement are non-refundable and non-transferable, but greatly appreciated and encouraged. The one exception is if you have raised more than your fundraising minimum and would like to help another rider registered for the SAME event reach their fundraising requirement, please let us know before the fundraising deadline for that event and we can transfer funds.
Will riders who register but do not meet the fundraising minimum be charged through their credit card for the remainder of their fundraising requirement?
No - we will never charge a rider to reach their fundraising minimum. Your credit card information is not stored in the system so we wouldn’t even be capable of making this charge. If you do not meet the fundraising deadline, we will reach out to you with the options listed in an above question/answer.
Why has Project Hero instituted registration fees and fundraising minimums for its events?
While we wish we could continue to offer free registration and participation to our wounded veterans and first responders, we have made this decision to ensure funding doesn’t present an issue to hosting an event. Project Hero incurs costs to provide our participants with high-quality programming, safety, staffing, accommodations, meals, equipment and other distinct features of Project Hero events and deliver the uniquely memorable, community-building experiences that are a part the foundation of Project Hero’s mission.
While there is now a fee associated with participating with multi-day events such as Challenge Rides, Initiatives and Mountain Bike Rides, please keep in mind that participation in our local HUBs is free and open to all. The Honor Ride events are still free to injured veterans and first responders as well.
What fundraising support will Project Hero provide for participants?
We will conduct regularly scheduled conference calls conducted by Project Hero hosted through local HUBs that will provide fundraising ideas, materials and message points for all participants. Project Hero staff will also be available on a limited, real-time basis for support.
The easiest way to fundraise is to send the link to your fundraising page to friends and family by email, text and by sharing on social media. Let them know why their donation is important (to allow you to participate in a life-changing, multi-day bike riding event that will push your physical limits in powerful ways), and ask them to support you before the fundraising deadline.
If you don’t have a link to your fundraising page, you can search for your page here. NOTE: you must FIRST register for an event in order to have a fundraising page.
Can HUB funds be used for rider fundraising?
While it is not encouraged, we are not prohibiting HUB funds from occasionally being allocated to individual riders. This will be approved on a case-by-case basis with a joint decision between the HUB leader and Project Hero HUB Director. Individual riders are strongly urged to direct fundraising efforts to their individual page to reach their fundraising minimum so[o][p] that HUB funds may be reserved for local HUB activities and not directed to individual riders.
How can donations be made on my behalf?
Project Hero urges riders to direct donors to their personal online fundraising page(s) on the Project Hero website. If a donor would rather donate offline, checks in support of your page may be written to Project Hero and sent to the Project Hero offices in San Diego. Please make sure the rider’s name and Challenge event is in the memo line.
Project Hero
3288 Adams Ave
Suite #16527
San Diego, CA 92176
Can single day riders participate and what is their registration fee and fundraising minimum?
Yes! Single-day riders are welcome at Challenge events. Single day riders must pay the non-refundable $25 registration fee and raise a single-day minimum fundraising amount of $150 per day, with a maximum of two single days (which would have a $300 fundraising requirement) allowed per event. The registration fee will be applied to the fundraising goal.
For how many days can a single day rider sign up to participate?
Due to demand and logistics, single-day riders are limited to a maximum of TWO days per event (whether consecutive or nonconsecutive days). If you want to participate in more than two days, please sign up for the full event and let staff know of any days you are unable to attend. All riders participating in more than two days will be required to raise the full fundraising minimum for their corresponding participation type.
Can volunteers support the event?
Project Hero encourages volunteers to support our Challenge events through fundraising and on-site event support. Project Hero will make its best effort to support volunteer fundraising and will give preference to those who fundraise when selecting volunteers. All volunteers will automatically have a fundraising page created for them when they sign up for the event.
Project Hero will cover volunteer expenses such as meals and lodging during the duration of the event[s][t] if needed. Some volunteers offer to cover their own lodging expenses, which is greatly appreciated since it helps reduce overall event expenses. All transportation to/from an event, to include related expenses, are the responsibility of the volunteer. Volunteers are encouraged to fundraise to cover their logistical costs in support of continuing the mission of Project Hero.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, visit the Project Hero website (insert link) and like our Facebook group, We Are Project Hero[u]. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to us at info@weareprojecthero.org.
