Why is Bronson Children’s Hospital Run & Walk virtual again? Due to the health and safety of our participants, we made the difficult decision to keep the Run & Walk virtual for one more year. Our event hosts over 2,000 people, with the majority of our participants being current and past patients with underlying health conditions. And since it is unclear if children under 12 will be able to be vaccinated by September, the safest way to proceed is virtually.
How do I complete a Virtual Run & Walk? It is really easy! By creating your own virtual walk, you have an opportunity to make it unique to you and to inspire your friends and family to join you as you raise funds, spread awareness, and have fun along the way!
- Pick any day between September 17 – 26 that works for you and those you are planning to walk or run with.
- Select a time that works for you.
- Location: You can walk where ever you would like; a park, your neighborhood, your favorite trail or even a treadmill.
- Make it fun! You can create your own finish line, dress up as your favorite superhero, the possibilities are endless.
- Once you complete your run or walk, take a photo with your participation medal and post it on the Bronson Children’s Hospital Virtual Run&Walk Facebook page.
I have already registered but now I want to join a team. How do I do this? If you have already registered yourself, please call us at (269) 341-8100 or email us at healthfoundation@bronsonhg.org. Let us know the name of the team you would like to join and we will add you.
I selected Complimentary Shipping when I registered. When will I receive my packet? We will begin mailing packets to your home the week of September 6th. If you register after September 3rd, packets will be mailed out weekly as registrations are received. Please allow at least 4 business days for mailing to arrive.
I selected Packet Pick Up when I registered. When can I pick up my event packet? We will be hosting two, safe and socially distanced, packet pick up options at the Bronson Gilmore Center for Health Education. You can pick up your packet during the below times:
- Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 10am - 2pm
- Friday, September 17, 2021 from 3pm-6pm
How do we submit cash or check donations? You can mail checks to the Bronson Health Foundation, 301 John Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 or drop them off prior to the event. Please include participant or team name information with the cash or check to ensure it is credited to the correct participant/team.
Where does the money raised from this event go? As southwest Michigan’s only children’s hospital, Bronson Children’s Hospital is committed to maintaining a full complement of pediatric specialists to treat seriously ill and injured children. Your generous support helps ensure the high level of pediatric care that children and their families count on will be here when they need it. By coming together, we can help secure the future of children’s healthcare in our community.
Are dogs allowed? Absolutely, you may walk with any member of your family, including your pets.
How far do I need to run or walk? That is completely up to you! During a live event we provide participants with the option to do a 1 mile or a 5K (3.1 miles) route. With our event going virtual, you have the flexibility to complete a distance that is customized to you.
Do I have to fundraise or can I just participate in the walk or run? It is not required to fundraise or seek sponsors to participate this event; however, you are welcome to do so and we try to make that easy for you!
Is the event canceled if it rains? The great thing about a virtual event is that you can plan your run or walk around the weather.
If someone gives me a check or cash donation, how can I add to my participant page to reflect on my fundraising goal? You can mail your checks or cash to the Bronson Health Foundation at 301 John Street, Box C, Kalamazoo MI 49007. Please include participant or team name information with the cash or check to ensure it is credited to the correct participant/team.
Will there be awards? Yes! This year we will be distributing awards to our Top Individual Fundraiser as well as our Top Fundraising Team. This is a little different from our live events. We will also be engaging participants with challenges they can complete during the event period. More details are coming soon. And don't forget, all registered participants will recieve a participation medal!
What do the event shirts look like this year? The event shirts this year are heathered black and can be viewed on the event homepage as well as in the online event store. An event shirt is included with every paid registration.
Can I buy additional T-shirts? Additional event t-shirts will not be available for purchase. But if you are looking for additional apparel, check out our Tech Shirts in the online store.
What do the tech shirts look like this year and how much do they cost? This year’s tech shirt are heathered gold. Long sleeved shirts are $20 and short sleeved shirts are $15. All tech shirts and onesies are available to purchase before or after the registration process via our online event store.
Is the NICU reunion taking place this year? We are not going to host a NICU reunion this year. But please mark your calendars for next year: Sunday September 25, 2022.
How can I volunteer to help at the event? With this year’s virtual event, we will not have our typical volunteer positions. To support our efforts, you can register for the event and encourage your family, friends, and colleagues to participate. Create a team and find a fun way to engage your audience using social media!