Dempsey Challenge FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We can’t wait to CELEBRATE, HONOR, and RALLY TOGETHER with you this fall at the 16th Annual Dempsey Challenge! No matter how you choose to get involved, your participation in Challenge is making a difference in the lives of people impacted by cancer through the no cost support provided by the Dempsey Center. There is lots of fun to be had at this year’s event and we want to make sure you feel equipped to register and participate in all of the events happening! Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions:

EVENT LOGISTICS

When is Dempsey Challenge this year?

Dempsey Challenge is once again happening on one day--Saturday, September 21st. Challengers can join us in person in Lewiston, Maine or take on the Challenge virtually from anywhere, however you want!

What events are taking place?

Our 5k Run/Walk through Lewiston and Auburn, Maine is back this year for our runners, joggers, and walkers. Cyclists can take on a 5-mile Family Ride (Wendy’s Way), 15-mile, 25-mile, 35-mile, 50-mile, or 65-mile ride through Maine, depending on skill and comfort level. And, of course, for those of you who like to do both, the Dempsey Duathlon is back again! 150 people can take on this unique run/cycle event, with a pit stop at Geiger HQ in Lewiston. Virtual participants can do whatever event they wish! Choose from a signature Dempsey Challenge event, or make your own!

When can I register to volunteer?

Volunteer registration will open in Mid-August. Please follow us on social media and sign up for our email newsletters to be the first to know about registration launch.

Will there be a Survivor Walk?

Yes! We will still be taking the time to honor all those impacted by a cancer diagnosis For anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis, is in remission or has moved on from cancer care, is a care partner, friend, family member, or is bereaved, we invite you to walk around the park with us to honor your personal impact and experience We know that “survivor” doesn’t resonate with everyone when thinking of this particular moment during Dempsey Challenge While the walk holds this title, we know that it may mean something different to you We hope that you can hold to on the word, phrase, and feeling that this walk evokes for you most as you embark on this walk through the park No matter how you interpret it, we hope you will join us along the way The Survivor Walk will take place on Saturday, September 21st prior to the Fundraising Awards

When can I get my incentives?

If you are joining us in person, you can collect your incentives while in the park Please note that once you pick up your incentives, your fundraising level is considered “locked in ” If you reach another incentive level after picking up your gifts, you will not be able to collect the next level gift If you are participating virtually, we will begin shipping incentive gifts on Monday, September 23rd Your fundraising level will be locked in at 5:00pm ET on Sunday, September 22nd

What are the details for Packet Pick-Up?

After last year’s incredible response, Packet Pick-Up is back at the Dempsey Center’s flagship location in Lewiston, Maine. Challengers can pick up their t-shirts and bibs and get a tour of our Center. Here, you’ll be able to learn about all of our no-cost services and see just what you are supporting with your fundraising efforts during the 2024 Dempsey Challenge. Packet Pick-Up will take place on September 19th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM and September 20th from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FUNDRAISING AND DONATIONS

View the 2024 Fundraising Guide for tips on Fundraising!

What is my Registration Fee and Fundraising Minimum for my event?

Why are there Registration Fees and Fundraising Minimums?

The Dempsey Challenge is first and foremost a fundraiser for the Dempsey Center, a nonprofit based in Maine that provides no-cost support services to cancer patients, survivors, care partners, and their loved ones. Participation in and fundraising for the Dempsey Challenge allows the Dempsey Center to continue to provide these services at no-cost for years to come. While the Dempsey Center is based in Maine, we are able to offer select services virtually, meaning your gift will make an impact in Maine and beyond. In 2023, we served over 2,700 clients in 23 different states.

How do Double the Donation Days work?

Thanks to some incredibly generous individuals, companies, and partners, we are able to occassionally offer Double the Donation Days. These allow you to reach your fundraising goals faster--whether you are hoping to reach the Fundraising Minimum, become a Champion, or reach our highest incentive level. Only qualified gifts will be doubled--these typically are online donations and registration fees paid within a certain time period on a certain day. Doubling only occurs until the funds run out. For example, a $50,000 Double the Donation Day will double any registration fees and gifts made to the Dempsey Challenge until a collective goal of $50,000 is met. We are unable to determine when that number is hit and we often can’t confirm when the doubling has ended until after the day. Gifts are manually reviewed and then any doubled gifts will be added to Participant Dashboards in the following 10 business days by the Dempsey Center team. If your gifts are doubled, you will see it in your dashboard If you do not receive a matching gift, it is likely because the funds ran out before your gift was made

Who can I speak to about questions regarding donations and fundraising?

Please email us at info@dempseychallenge.org with any questions related to Dempsey Challenge, including donations and fundraising.