Event Description
What Do I Need To Know?
1. New York City's communities of color continue to bear the brunt of public health consequences related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Washington Heights was one of the neighborhoods earliest and hardest hit. Many families are still struggling with housing instability and food insecurity while children and teens continue to feel the effects of lost, in-person learning time. From the start of the pandemic, FYI has been on the ground providing families with food, helping children navigate virtual learning, and supporting our community wherever needed. FYI's goal is to continue providing that much-needed support — to help stabilize students and families in Washington Heights. In order to do this, we need your help at our annual 5K Fundraiser.
2. To comply with public health measures, FYI's 2021 5K is virtual. We will all do our very own 5K (3.1 miles) wherever is most convenient. Night owl? No problem! Early bird? We've got you covered. You and your team members can run, walk or roll any time during the weekend of Friday, November 12 - Sunday, November 14.
3. By participating, you commit to raising a minimum of $200 for FYI programs that help our students and families in need. Once you've signed up, you can create your own fundraising page to share with friends and family on social media.
4. You can run as an individual, create a team, or become a corporate sponsor!
5. Make your training plan and check out some of our favorite NYC running routes.
6. You will receive a customized t-shirt mailed directly to your home. To guarantee delivery of your t-shirt by the day of the race, please register by October 18th. We encourage you to stay connected and post pics about your training. Make sure to follow and tag @FreshYouthFYI on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and use the hashtag #FYI5K
FAQ's
What is a virtual 5K?
A virtual 5K is a race that can be run at any location. We can't gather as usual due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Instead, we will all run 3.1 miles on our own at a time and location that is most convenient.
Can I finish a 5K?
Of course! One of the reasons that 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 more money for our mission. If you haven't trained, you might want to check with your doctor before running a 5K. However, you can walk or run at your leisure.
Can I walk the course?
Yes! Approximately 50% of our participants are walkers and walking is a great way to participate with a whole group of friends and with younger participants.
Is there a minimum amount of fundraising I must 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, social media integration, fundraising tips, etc). Don't worry; we've got your back.
I've never fundraised before. How do I get started?
No problem! Once you sign up, our website walks you through how to build your fundraising profile and share it on Facebook. Our team here at FYI is here to help. We will be sending you emails periodically with all the tools you need to be an amazing fundraiser.
Are there any awards given out after the event?
Yes. FYI will give out prizes to the top individual and the top team fundraiser.
How much of the money that I raise goes to your organization?
100%. So raise as much as you can because you can be sure that every penny is going to FYI. We hold a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a silver seal from GuideStar, evidence of our fiscal transparency and accountability.
