Why isn't the Hot Chocolate Run happening this year?
This was a decision we made in the late spring of 2020. Massachusetts' phased reopening plan will not allow for road races or public gatherings on the scale of the Hot Chocolate Run this year. And, as an agency that prioritizes safety, we would never compromise the health and safety of the thousands of people like you who make the HCR experience so extraordinary.
Is registration really free?
Yes indeed! Since we are not incurring most of our usual expenses this year, we're offering registration at no charge. You will have the opportunity during the registration process to jump-start your fundraising with a donation. When you raise (or give) $30 or more, we'll reserve a mug for you (you didn't think we'd forget the mugs, did you?)
What do I do with cash/check donations?
Log in to your page and then choose "Manage my page" from the menu on the upper right. Then click the "Fundraising Challenge" on the left side of the page, then "Enter cash/check donations." Follow the instructions on that page. You will need to fill out this form to record your cash/check donations.
What about donations I raise through a Facebook Fundraiser?
This year we are piloting a Facebook Fundraising integration! This means that when you connect your Hot Chocolate Challenge page to Facebook, any donations raised through Facebook will magically appear on our HCC fundraising page. To set this up, log in to your page and click "Manage my page." Then click "Create a Facebook Fundraiser" on the left-side menu, and follow the prompts from there.
If you do not follow these steps, any donations raised on Facebook will not appear on your page. They will not count towards your total unless you record the donations manually. To do so, follow the "cash/check donation" instructions above so your fundraising page. And please also send us a note letting us know you're doing this, so we can keep track: hotchocolaterun@safepass.org. Otherwise we won't have any idea you're fundraising.
What are this year's prizes?
We will recognize our Top 3 individual fundraisers and our Top 3 fundraising teams at our closing ceremony (details TBD!) We have wonderful prizes for our top fundraisers - gift cards to downtown Northampton! Please note that our deadline for purposes of our top fundraisers is the Friday before race day (12/4/20) at 9:59 pm. Donations will be accepted through December 31, but if you're competing for prizes, please make sure your donations are in by Friday evening.
Are there hats and buttons this year?
We love swag, and 2020 is no exception. We'll recognize fundraisers at every level with prizes. Stay tuned for details.
How do I find my friend's fundraising page?
Search for their name here. After searching you can click on their name to take you to their public donation page.
I want to fundraise, but don't know how!
Thank you for taking this step! Start by sending a quick email to your friends and family with your fundraising page link. You can also post your link to Facebook with a short message about why you're participating this year. Check out a list of more tips here...and don't hesitate to get in touch at hotchocolaterun@safepass.org if you have any questions. We'd love to help you get started or talk to you more about the programs that you support with your fundraising. Thank you!
Why are you asking me to fundraise?
We rely on you to fundraise to help us run year-round services to survivors: an emergency shelter, a 24/7 hotline, and legal advocacy and bilingual counseling services. Our fundraisers are the reason we're able to do more each year to meet the needs of our community. That's why it's important for you to get involved.
Do I need to register my child/family members?
We suggest that you sign up each family member individually. We'll reserve one mug per fundraising page that reaches $30 or more.
I already registered, but now want to join a team. Is it too late?
Not too late! Log in to your page and then choose "Manage my page" from the menu on the upper right. Then click "Join a team (or form a new one!)" on the left side.
How do I register a team?
The best way is to have each individual follow the "Register" link on the homepage. Everyone will have an option to join an existing team or form a new one. If you've formed a team and want people to join, just be sure they know the name of the team.