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Forms & FAQ's
All forms needed for participating in Steppin' Up are here in one convenient directory.
Scroll to the bottom of the page for answers to most commonly asked questions.
2020 Forms
FirstGiving Guide – Create an Account
FirstGiving Offline Donations Instructions
Commonly Asked Questions:
What does the event raise money for?
Every dollar raised for TPN goes towards providing essential services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and stalking--every dollar counts! TPN's services are all free, and with cuts in funding over the last several years, TPN must do a tremendous amount of fundraising to KEEP those services free. Steppin' Up is our largest fundraiser of the year, raising critical funds for both our emergency shelter and prevention education programs for local schools. Download our event brochure.
Is there a registration fee or fundraising minimum?
No there is no registration fee or fundraising minimum. TPN is grateful for every contribution. Every dollar raised goes directly towards helping TPN continue its life-changing work of supporting those affected by domestic and sexual violence and stalking. You can sponsor yourself at any amount or gather pledges.
Event Timeline
8:30 -9:45 a.m. Sign-in for all participants and last-minute donations
9:45 a.m. Pre-Event Rally
10:00 a.m. Walk/run begins and ends at the Claremont Middle School
11:15 a.m. Refreshments and Post-Event Rally
Do I have to be part of a team to participate?
No, you can come as an individual or group and not be a team. Individuals or group members can sponsor themselves at any amount or gather pledges.
What does it mean to be a team leader?
Team Leaders are individuals who gather together friends, co-workers and family to join them in "Steppin' Up." Teams can be any size and teams set their own fundraising goals. Team Leaders decide how involved they want to be in organizing a team. Some teams choose to wear a common color or have team T-shirts, some carry a banner for their group or business. We offer "10 Steps for Team Leaders" to assist Team Leaders. TPN is so grateful to every Team Leader for helping raise funds, bringing energy to this event and making it bigger and better each year!
What if money comes in to our team after the event?
TPN is happy to receive donations at any time! If, however, you want your donations to count toward your team's total, you must turn that money in before or on the day of the event-- before the Walk & Fun Run begins. Some teams enjoy a friendly competition and like to be one of the top three fundraising teams. Those determinations are made based on money turned in before the event begins.
Can our team do a special fundraiser?
Absolutely! Over the years teams have had a lot of fun finding creative ways to fundraise together. From dress down days at work and raffles to bingo and Pampered Chef (or other home parties), teams have found new ways to boost their fundraising efforts. Please read our fundraising policy before beginning.
What is the route?
Steppin’ Up is a 5K (3.1 mile) route around downtown Claremont, beginning and ending at the Claremont Middle School. There is also a modified, one-mile route available. The roads are not closed and sidewalks are used.
Is the route wheelchair accessible?
The route is through downtown Claremont. The roads are not closed and sidewalks are used. The conditions of the sidewalks are variable. The modified 1 mile route is more accessible.
What if I can't walk that far? Or walk that day?
There are many ways to “step up”! There is an alternate, approximate one-mile route as well. Some participants walk at home or from another location (even while away on vacation!) as “virtual walkers.” Some walk laps around an indoor track on another day. You don't have to do the full 5K to participate! Some even “step up” by choosing our event day to do a good deed in honor of TPN and survivors of domestic, sexual and stalking violence.
Is the Fun Run timed?
No, the run is not officially timed. However, there is a large display clock at the end of the route so you can time yourself. There are prizes for the top finishers so be sure to stay for the rally. Individual runners are welcome and encouraged to participate in the 5K; there is no registration fee. Please note that roads are not closed for this event; all participants use sidewalks. Runners do start first. The event is not a “competitive” run.
Are the roads closed?
No, the roads are not closed for this 5K. Walkers, runners and strollers use the sidewalks. There may be police officers at some of the larger intersections to help participants safely cross the road, but traffic is not stopped for this event.
Can I bring my kids?
Absolutely! And it is fine to bring strollers. Roads are not closed for this event and participants use the sidewalks. Children add an important presence to this event--reminding us all that we are working for safer, stronger homes, communities and schools for the next generation.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Crowd-friendly dogs are welcome at Steppin' Up! Our event photographer loves to get photos of pets “steppin' up” with their families! Do be aware that this is a family friendly event with many children of all ages. If your dog barks, we ask that you take a break from the crowd, so people can still hear the rallies before and after the event. We also ask that you please pick up after your dog at the Claremont Middle School and along the route. You may also want to bring along water for your pet, although there is a water station and dog bowls halfway along the route. Stay for the rally after the Walk & Fun Run...your dog may win a raffle prize!
What time will the event be over?
The event is wrapped up by noon.
8:30 -9:45 a.m. Sign-in for all participants and last-minute donations
9:45 a.m. Pre-Event Rally
10:00 a.m. Walk/run begins and ends at the Claremont Middle School
11:15 a.m. Refreshments and Post-Event Rally
How do I register?
There is no registration fee for Steppin' Up. Participants fundraise by collecting pledges or sponsoring themselves for any amount. On the event day, everyone must sign in (this gives us an accurate head count). Individuals or groups not part of a team may turn in money on event day, however team registration will take place throughout the week prior to the event.
There is an optional Team Leader form for your use if it is helpful. You will not need to turn in this form when you register your team.
TEAM REGISTRATION WILL TAKE PLACE THROUGHOUT THE WEEK PRIOR TO THE EVENT. Call 603-543-0155 for details.
Given the popularity of the event and the growing number of participants, we are asking team leaders to register their teams during the week before the Steppin’ Up event.
How do I turn in money?
The purpose of registration is to turn in the money your team has raised. We want to make this process as easy as possible. You will be able to call the office to set up a registration time with staff during the week prior to Steppin’ Up event day, or all day Friday, May 4. If all your team fundraising has been through First Giving only, you can register by phone.
We will be able to accept last minute donations the day of the event, but with most of the registration completed beforehand, Steppin' Up day will be much easier for all.
All event PARTICIPANTS must sign in the day of the event, in order to enter raffles and to receive thank you gifts. Please make sure to tell all your team members to sign in. This also allows us to get an accurate head count of participants. Sign-in opens at 8:30 in the Middle School gym.
Thank you for helping us to keep up with the exciting growth of Steppin’ Up!
If you are part of a team, get your pledges/money to your team leader the week before the event.
Individuals or groups not part of a team can bring their money on event day.
What if I have pre-registered but have more money to turn in?
Additional pledges/donations can be turned in on the day of the event or after the event. After the event they may be brought or mailed to: Turning Points Network at 11 School Street, Claremont, NH.
How do I raise money online?
You can set up a FREE online fundraising page by going to FirstGiving. Click on the green "Fundraise" button to set up your own page. Check out our tip sheet, set up a page, email a link to family and friends near and far and watch your donations soar!
What if I have trouble setting up my online fundraising page through FirstGiving?
Please see our FirstGiving tip sheet here.
For those having difficulties, FirstGiving has an FAQ page dedicated to answering the common questions people have about using the site and setting up pages.
Find it here: Contact FirstGiving Support
FirstGiving also offers online support Monday-Friday from 9 AM - 5 PM.
Email:
Web: http://support.firstgiving.org
If these methods don’t answer your question, TPN can be a secondary resource, in the understanding that our knowledge is somewhat limited, and that First Giving's online support page and email is the best way to get information.
Where do I park?
This event is growing; please do plan ahead to allow time to find parking. There are several parking options: the Claremont Middle School lots (in front, along the side and out back), Arrowhead Recreation lot at 18 Robert Easter Way or the Monadnock Park parking lot on Chestnut Street.
You are encouraged to carpool by using the Claremont Savings Bank parking lot and riding in one car to the Claremont Middle School.
What time should I get there?
The pre-event Rally begins sharply at 9:45, the Walk & Fun Run at 10:00. We encourage you to arrive by 9 am to allow time for parking, the sign-in process, team photos and a cup of coffee by planning to arrive early. If you have money to turn in that day, you will want to arrive by 8:30.
Is there a rain date?
No. Steppin' Up is a rain or shine event! Though we always hope for mild and sunny weather, we have seen all kinds of weather—even drizzle, rain and chilly temperatures haven't dampened the spirits of our faithful walkers, runners and strollers!
I’m also a business owner, are there other ways to support Steppin’ Up?
Yes! There are many ways you can help!
In addition to organizing a team, businesses and organizations are invited to help sponsor Steppin' Up! Receive additional publicity and recognition by helping sponsor this event. There are many sponsorship levels. TPN is also seeking donations of raffle prizes as well as bottled water and food for our rally.
Contact Jenn Ucci, Development Director at jenn@turningpointsnetwork.org or call 603-543-0155
Do you need volunteers?
Yes! An event this size couldn't happen without volunteer help in planning the event AND on event day. We need donations of baked goods for our rally and volunteer help posting flyers throughout the community. Call us at 603-543-0155 for more information about various volunteer opportunities, or send an email to Rachel at rachel@turningpointsnetwork.org
Where do I get more forms?
You can download all forms on this site by clicking on the forms listed at the top of this page. You can also call TPN at 543-0155 for additional copies of any forms.
Where can I get event updates?
Stay up to date with event details by liking TPN's Facebook page. You can also follow event updates by joining our Facebook event “Steppin’ Up To End Violence.”
Team Leaders, be sure TPN has your email address so you can be added to the Team Leader Email list for periodic updates. Email Kerry to be added to the list kerry@turningpointsnetwork.org
Are there prizes or T-shirts given out?
TPN enjoys showing our appreciation by offering a small thank-you token to EVERY participant.
In the past this has been an item such as Chapstick or a magnet for adults and pinwheels for children. We also have been very fortunate to receive a variety of wonderful raffle prizes for the rally after the Walk & Fun Run. We have categories for individuals, Team Leaders, runners, Power of 10 ($1,000+ teams) and children. Everyone is given a raffle ticket at sign-in. We also appreciate all those crowd-friendly dogs, so be sure to stay for the rally...your dog may win a raffle prize!