1. What is the mission of CCAI?
The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute is dedicated to raising awareness about the millions of children aronnd the world in need of permanent, safe, and loving families and to eliminating the barriers that hinder these children from realizing their basic right to a family.
2. Who can participate?
Anyone. All CCAI staff, volunteers, supporters, families, and friends who donate towards someone's fundraising goal. If you're not participating, come support the runners/walkers that are!
3. Why are we doing this?
As an organization that is committed to permanent, safe, and loving families for every child, this is a great opportunity to come together, enjoy each other’s company and to help raise funds for our core programs including the Foster Youth Internship Program®, Angels in Adoption®, Congressional Resource Program, and 20/20 Vision.
4. What does "give or get" mean?
It means that you either commit to giving that amount yourself or getting it by requesting donations from friends and families to support your goal.
5. What does someone get for participating?
We will provide customized CCAI 5K t-shirts, bibs, and finishing medals on the day of the event for all runners and walkers.
6. Can I donate to my friends 5K page?
We absolutely encourage friends supporting one another. However, keep in mind the credit for the donation will go to the person who set up the giving page (not to the donor). This way, all funds donated on their page will count to the amount they have raised. This also ensures that no gifts are double counted.
7. What happens if someone doesn't raise their minimum of $200?
When the participant registers for the race, they must pre-authorize a charge on their card. CCAI will then charge the card on file after the race for the difference, if applicable. For example, if someone raised $170, CCAI will charge the card $30 to meet the $200 minimum.
8. Can I finish a 5K?
If you're decent health, the answer is yes. One of the reasons the event is a 5K (3.1 miles) is so that we can have the broadest participant base possible. That makes the event more fun and raises money for our mission.
9. Do I need to run?
You can choose to walk OR run...whatever you prefer.
10. Is there a minimum amount of fundraising I need to do?
Yes. There is a low mandatory minimum fundraising level of $200. Most participants easily raise more, and we know you can too. We provide you with the tools to make fundraising easy (your own web page, sample e-mail, social media integration, fundraising tips, etc.) - don't worry, we've got your back.
11. Are there any awards given at the event?
Yes. In addition to finisher medals for all finishers, there are awards for the top three overall male and female finishers, as well as for the top three male and female finishers in each age group and the top three fundraisers in the entire event.
12. How much of the money raised goes to CCAI?
100%
13. Is the event safe?
The event is permitted, licensed, and coordinated with municipal enforcement officials. As a precaution, there is always at least one ambulance and/or dedicated medical professionals on-site at the event.