Frequently Asked Questions

For more information, contact us at 5K@sharingnetworkfoundation.org or 908-516-5566.

 


Registration, Fundraising & Contributions

How do I sign up for the 5K Celebration of Life events?

The simplest way to sign up is online at sharingnetworkfoundation.org/5K and click Sign Up! You can start or join a team or sign up as an individual. After you successfully sign up, you will be able to easily personalize your fundraising page and send it out to your friends and family to encourage them to support and join you.

How much does it cost to register for the 5K?

$30 per person (15 and older)
$15 per person (14 and younger)
Registration fees will increase after online registration closes at noon on Thursday, May 16 (Ocean Grove) and Friday, June 7 (New Providence).

What is the registration deadline for the 5K Celebration of Life events?

Online registration will close at noon on Thursday, May 126 for Ocean Grove and Friday, June 7 for New Providence. Participants can sign up onsite for both events during Early Bib Pick-up/Check-In and on Event Day at the ‘Day of Registration’ Tent.

How can I retrieve my Username & Password if I forget either of them?

When you start the sign up process you will see a prompt for returning users to enter your username and password from previous 5K event. If you forget your username or password, you can request that your login information be emailed to you. For further assistance, please feel free to contact us 908-516-5566 or 5K@sharingnetworkfoundation.org.

Is there a minimum age or skill level to participate?

The 5K Celebration of Life are family-oriented events and we encourage people of all ages and skill levels to participate. Participants under the age of 18 must have a legal guardian sign a waiver on their behalf if they will be participating in the walk and/or the race.

I already signed up as an individual. Can I still join a team?

Yes, please contact us at 908-516-5566 or 5K@sharingnetworkfoundation.org and we can assist you in updating your individual or team status.

I signed up for the USATF Certified Timed Race, but my family is walking. Can I do both?

Yes, all registered certified race participants are welcome to join the walk at 10:00am.

How do I begin fundraising?

There are many fun and easy ways to fundraise. The best way to start is by personalizing your fundraising page online with your story and a photo and sending the link out to family and friends. Be sure to include why this cause is so important to you. Visit Team Central for more FUNdraising tools and tips!

What are personal and team fundraising goals?

During the sign up process, our website suggests a fundraising goal for teams ($1,000) and participants ($250). You will not be held accountable for reaching these fundraising goals. Fundraising goals will appear on your team or personal page to encourage contributors to help you support our mission. You can change your personal or team fundraising goals anytime, by logging into your Participant Center.

What are the fundraising incentives, and when will I receive my prize?

You will receive your prizes at the conclusion of the 5K Campaign. Fundraising Reward Levels are below:

NOTE: Event registration fees DO NOT count towards fundraising totals and incentives!


*$5,000 & Up:
Participants who raise $5,000 and over through their Personal Fundraising Page will receive a $300.00 gift card code to NJ Sharing Network's online store.

*$2,500 - $4,999:
Participants who raise $2,500 - $4,999 through their Personal Fundraising Page will receive a $200.00 gift card code to NJ Sharing Network's online store.

*$1,000 - $2,499
Participants who raise $1,000 - $2,499 through their Personal Fundraising Page will receive a $100.00 gift card code to NJ Sharing Network's online store.

*$500 - $999:
Participants who raise $500 - $999 through their Personal Fundraising Page will receive a $50.00 gift card code to NJ Sharing Network's online store.

*$250 - $499:
Participants who raise $250 - $499 through their Personal Fundraising Page will receive a $25.00 gift card code to NJ Sharing Network's online store.

Are fundraising incentives inclusive of registration fees?

Per IRS codes, registration fees are not tax deductible because they cover the fair market value of the event. They will not count towards fundraising incentives.

How can I see who has contributed to my team or personal fundraising page?

First, log into your Participant Center using your Account Username and Password. Then under the Progress tab, you will be able to view all contributions made to your personal page as well as send thank you notes to your contributors.

Can I upload a photo to my team or personal fundraising page?

Yes. The image, no larger than 4 Mb, will be automatically resized to fit in a 300 x 400 pixel space. The Personal Fundraising page layout does not support a second photo.

To whom should I make checks payable?

All checks should be made payable to the Sharing Network Foundation, Memo: “5K”. If the contribution is for a specific team, please also include the team name in the memo. Checks can be mailed to: NJ Sharing Network, Attn: Foundation, 691 Central Ave. New Providence, NJ 07974

Are contributions tax deductible?

All contributions to the Sharing Network Foundation are tax deductible however, per IRS codes registration fees are not tax deductible because they cover the fair market value of the event.

What are matching gifts and how will they help me reach my fundraising goal?

Some companies offer their staff members a chance to match gifts that their employees make to certain charities. Matching gifts programs vary from company to company. Be sure to contact your Human Resources department to find out if your company offers a Matching Gifts program, how the program in your company works and to obtain the proper forms needed to submit in order for your matching gift to be counted towards your final individual fundraising goal. Please visit the Matching Gifts section of this website for an easy search link that allows you to search for your company's matching gifts policy.

What is the Foundation’s EIN number?

The Sharing Network Foundation’s EIN number is 20-2737719.

Event Information

Will there be a virtual component for the 5K Celebration of Life?

We are planning for an in person event with our participants' safety as our top priority. For those not comfortable participating in person, we encourage you to participate wherever you are.

What is the course route?

The course route will be posted on our website leading up to the events. Make sure you check back regularly for up-to-date information. Note: The course will feature a USATF Certified Timed Race in addition to the 5K Walk.

Am I guaranteed a race shirt?

All pre-registered participants are guaranteed a race shirt. All other registered participants will be given race shirts on a first come, first served basis.

How do I get directions to the event site and where do I park?

We will be posting parking maps and additional information closer to event day. Please check back regularly for up-to-date information.

What if it’s raining?

The 5K Celebration of Life events are rain or shine! Registration fees are non-refundable.

Can I run with headphones or a stroller?

USATF prohibits the use of strollers and headphone on the race course during the 8:30am USATF certified timed 5K race. The 10am walk is stroller and headphone friendly.

Will there be a place for me to store my belongings?

We will have a secure bag check available, but due to the size of the event, we can only offer limited space. Please plan in advance to ensure your belongings are secured.

Can my pet participate?

We love animals just as much as you do, but for everyone's health and safety, pets are not permitted at the 5K Celebration of Life. Therapy dogs with proper paperwork and identification will be allowed.

How can I learn more about organ and tissue donation, NJ Sharing Network, or getting more involved?

Visit NJ Sharing Network at sharingnetworkfoundation.org to learn more about our mission and work to save lives through organ and tissue donation. Also, be sure to visit our tent on walk/race day!