- Welcome!
- Registration
- Event Sponsorship
- Donate
- Sample Letters for Pledges
- FAQ's
Welcome to the QSAC 5K and WALK-A-THON
Servicing the Autism Community One Step At A Time************
Where: Flushing Meadow Park, Corona NY [near the boat house]
When: Saturday, April 4, 2009
- 9:00 am registration tables open
- 10:00 am fun/sponsored warm up session
- 10:15 am runners
- 10:30 am walkers begin & registrations tables close
- 10:40 am runners begin return
- 11:30 am walkers end
- 11:45 am recognition ceremony begins
- 12:15 pm diaper dash (for kids under 5)
- 2:00 pm wrap up
************
Team up with QSAC as we work together for the autism community - one step at a time! Grab your family and friends for a day of fun, exercise, entertainment, refreshments, a family expo, and much, much more. Walkers and runners, teams and individuals - join us for this spectacular QSAC 5K, walk or run, around the sparkling Meadow Lake.
For added fun, the first 200 individuals who raise $100 or more will earn a commemorative 2009 QSAC 5K T-shirt. Those individuals or teams who raise $1,000 or more will be recognized along the race course in one of our fabulous recognition posters.
If you are not going to be able to participate in race but would like to donate please click on the donate button below. You can donate to a specific individual, a team or the event itself.
Registration is easy... Each walker or runner needs to register individually to ensure we have waivers for all participants. It also helps us tally the number of participants. Special note: if you register online, your check-in on the day of the race will be extremely speedy...
Registration fee
Pre Registration - $25 per person
Day of Race Registration - $30 per person
Special Incentives
- Individuals who reached the $100 incentive level will receive a commemorative t-shirt at check-in.
- Individuals or teams who reach the $1,000 incentive level will receive one (1) recognition poster displayed along the race course.
If you are not going to be able to participate in race but would like to donate please click on the donate button below. You can donate to a specific individual, a team or the event itself.
Event Sponsorship Opportunities
Title Sponsor $10,000
- Sponsor’s name/logo exposure:
- listed as Title Sponsor of the Walk and included in the title of the race
- printed prominently on the front of the official Walk T-shirts
- included in list of sponsors
- prominently mentioned in all press releases produced for the event
- recognized in pre and post-event promotional materials (Note: in materials not printed at time of signed contract)
- placed on race website
- placed on start/finish line banner
- placed on all donor posters placed throughout race course
- Sponsor may set up an information booth at QSAC 5k and the opportunity to develop promotional campaigns tied into the event
- Sponsor will be recognized at Award Ceremony
- Sponsor may provide promotional material and products to give to race participants
- Includes 25 registrants
Gold Sponsor $5,000
- Sponsor’s name/ logo exposure:
- included in list of sponsors
- placed on race website
- mentioned in all press releases produced for the event
- recognized in pre and post-event promotional materials (Note: in materials not printed at time of signed contract)
- Sponsor will get (1) one donor poster located on race course
- Sponsor may set up an information booth
- Sponsor may provide promotional material and products to give to race participants
- Includes 10 registrants
Silver Sponsor $3,000
- Sponsor’s name/logo exposure:
- included in list of sponsors
- Placed on race website
- Recognized in pre and post-event promotional materials (Note: in materials not printed at time of signed contract)
- Sponsor will get (1) one donor poster located on race course
- Sponsor may provide promotional material and products to give to race participants
- Sponsor may set up an information booth
- Includes 4 registrants
Bronze Sponsor $1,000
- Sponsor’s name/logo exposure:
- included in list of sponsors
- Placed on race website
- Includes 2 registrants
For more information, please call Carol Castelli at 949-632-2047 or email carolc@qsac.com
PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: QSAC 5k 2009
To ensure that your company logo is included on the walker sponsor brochures and posters, please return this form to the following address by January 31, 2009. Please keep in mind that there are a variety of other corporate sponsorship opportunities available after the initial logo deadline. Two ways to send us your camera ready art
- Upload your camera ready art –
Email to carolc@qsac.com (or use YouSendIt.com)
- Mail your camera ready art on a disk
Brylyn Marketing
c/o Carol Castelli
333 Hudson Suite #901
New York, New York 10013QSAC is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization,
see www.QSAC.com
Potential contributors may obtain a copy of QSAC’s financial report from the Attorney General by writing to the Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271, or directly to QSAC Inc., 253 West 35th Street – 16 floor, New York, NY 10001.
Donations
If you cannot participate in the event, but would like to make a contribution towards the QSAC 5K and Walk-a-thon, please click this button:
As always, QSAC accepts contributions of cash, stocks, bonds, and gifts of property. If you prefer to mail a check, please make it payable to QSAC 5k 2009 and send it to the following address:
Attn: QSAC 5k 2009
QSAC, Inc.
253 West 35th Street, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Please include with your contribution your name, mailing address, and phone number. If you would like to make a donation over the phone with a credit card you can do so by calling us at (718) 7-AUTISM, ext. 2016.
All contributions to QSAC are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Sample Letters for Pledges
The following two letters are to be used for formal (employer, business, service provider, etc.) and informal (Uncle Joe, neighbor, friend, etc.). If you know of a corporation who might be interested to SPONSOR the event, please email us the contact information as soon as possible at carolc@qsac.com. Alternatively, you may print the sponsorship package from the website, deliver it and ask us to follow up. Thank you for your assistance in ensuring a successful event.
Click here to download sample letters.
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs should help you with any questions that you have about the QSAC 5K and Walk-a-thon. If you have other questions, please feel free to contact Carol Castelli directly at carolc@qsac.com or call 949-632-2047
When:
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Where:
Location – Flushing Meadows Corona Park (near the boat house)Race Course:
Our race will be a 5K which is approximately 3.1 miles around the lake. We specifically selected a race course that would appeal to both athletic and not-as-athletic walkers/runners.
Schedule (times may change so please check back later)
Registration Opens 8:30 AM
Opening Ceremonies 9:15 AM
Walk Begins - runners 9:30 AM (approximate)
Walk Begins – walkers 9:35 AM (approximate)
Awards Ceremony 11:00 AM
Expo and Registration Areas Open 8:30 AM-2:00 PM
Directions:
The boat house at Flushing Meadow Corona Park is located directly off exit 11 on the Van Wyck Expressway. Please pull into the large parking lot.
Parking:
Please use the large parking lot located directly off exit 11 on the Van Wyck Expressway. Parking is free.
Are pets allowed at the walk?
Sorry but no, pets are not allowed. The reason is twofold. We are expecting many families with kids and some children may have a fear of animals and even the sweetest pet could cause a meltdown for someone else’s child. Additionally, we need to maintain organization of space – this is also for the safety of your pet. Please be sensitive to this issue and leave your pets at home. Only service dogs are permitted into the walk.Are strollers and wheelchairs allowed at the walk?
Yes. Strollers, wheelchairs and even wagons for the little ones are all welcome.Are bikes, rollerblades, scooters or skateboards allowed at the walk?
Yes QSAC 5k allows for the above at users own risk. Please note that we ask that “Heely Shoes” not be used in the event lot space.I may not make it to the walk when Check-In/Registration opens, can I arrive late?
Sure, Check-in will be open until the walk concludes. We suggest that you check-in when first arriving. Please go directly to the Registration area when you arrive.
Do I have to send in my donations? Can I bring them with me to the walk?
While you can always bring your donations to the walk, it is preferable that you mail them in as soon as you can to:
QSAC, Inc.
253 West 35th Street 16th floor
New York, NY 10001
Attn: QSAC 5k 2009What if people want to give me cash?
Sending cash through the mail is not advisable. If you are able, the safest option is to send a personal check covering the full amount, along with the names of the cash donors, to QSAC and we will be able to credit your friends and family for their generosity. Make sure you include valid and complete mailing address so we can properly thank them for tax purposes. If this is not possible, you can also always bring the cash donations and appropriate donation forms to the walk.What if my donors don't want to donate online?
Donors mail their donations directly to QSAC at:
QSAC, Inc.
253 West 35th Street, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Attn: QSAC 5k 2009
Please have them indicate your name and team name on the memo section of the check.Can I continue to collect donations after the walk? Where do I send the checks?
Absolutely, please mail them to QSAC at:
QSAC, Inc.
253 West 35th Street, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Attn: QSAC 5k 2009
Will the money turned in at the walk show up on my web page and my donation report?
Absolutely. You should see your fundraising efforts reflected on your web page and donation report within four weeks of the event
I turned in a packet at the walk and do not see all the checks processed yet?
All donations to QSAC should be deposited, processed and posted to your web page within four weeks of the day of the event. If this amount of time has passed and you still do not see your donations on your web page, please contact Carol Castelli by e-mail at carolc@qsac.comHow long will it take before the checks I mailed show up on my page?
Please allow 3 weeks pre-walk and 4 weeks post-walk for your donations to be deposited, processed and posted to your web page.Can I enter donations received via check to my webpage?
There is no way to enter these yourself. Please send all donations directly to QSAC:
QSAC, Inc.
253 West 35th Street, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Attn: QSAC 5k 2009Once processed, the donation will be reflected on your webpage.
Are donations tax deductible?
Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.
QSAC is a registered 501(c)3 organization. Tax ID Number 11-2482974Who should checks be made payable to?
Please ask your supporters to make checks payable to QSAC 5k 2009
Incentives/Fundraising Rewards
To receive a commemorative T-shirt does each member of the team need to raise $100?
Yes, all incentives are per individual walker only.If my team raised $1,000, do we get a recognition poster?
Yes, all teams or individuals who raise a minimum of $1,000 will receive a recognition poster displayed on the race course. Note, there will be a limit of one per team or individual who reach the $1,000 minimum goal.If I don't pickup my T-shirt at the event, can I get one mailed to me?
Unfortunately, T-shirts are only available at the walk.Does each team member receive a commemorative T-shirt?
Each individual who raises $100 will get a T-shirt. T-shirts will be available only to the first 200 registrants and meet the incentive requirements.If I don’t get my $1,000 in to QSAC by the February 2, 2009 deadline, can I still get a recognition poster?
We will work with our printer creating the posters to do all we can to try to ensure all individuals and teams who earn more than $1,000 level receive a recognition poster. If donations are received after the printer’s deadline we cannot guarantee the printer can produce the poster.What happens if it rains on the day of the walk?
Rain or shine we will be walking as scheduled.What do I need to bring with me the morning of the walk?
Remember to bring the Check-in materials you received via email as well as any donations you have not mailed in. When you arrive at the QSAC 5K, please proceed to the Registration/Check-in area.How does Check-In work?
On day of race you can check-in at the Registration area. Registration will be divided into 2 groups. There will be registration tables for individuals who have already signed up on the walk website and separate tables for those who have not. Obviously, the process will be quicker for those who have already registered online, so we highly encourage you to do so in advance of Walk Day. Please note that online registration will close on March 28, 2009 so that we have time to compile records for our registration personnel.At check-in, individuals should turn in any donations not already sent in to QSAC or placed online. Additionally, registration personnel will direct the $100+ registrants to an area where they can pick up their T-Shirts.
Do I need to check-in even if I am not turning in additional donations?
Yes, we want to make sure we have waivers for all participants. It also helps us know how many people attended. If you are pre-registered online, it is a very speedy process. If you reached the incentive level of $100, you will receive a t-shirt after your check-in.
I don't know if my company does matching gifts. How do I find out?
Every company handles its own matching gift program differently. Please contact your company's Human Resources department to see if they offer a matching gift program and/or for instructions on how to double your fundraising efforts through matching gifts.Where do I send my matching gift form?
Companies can send your matching gift through the online donate process on QSAC.com/race or mail to:QSAC, Inc.
253 West 35th Street, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Attn: QSAC 5k 2009
Should I start a team or join as an individual?
If you have a friend or family member joining you, please start a team. If you are attending alone, please join as an individual.Should I register my kids?
Yes, please register everyone who will be attending (even toddlers in strollers). This helps us know how many people to plan for and gives us an accurate head count the day of the walk. Additionally each registered participant will receive a commemorative race number.I have a family member who wants to join my team but may not be able to attend the walk; can they join my team anyway?
Yes, family members can still support you by joining your team and fundraise as a team member even if they are too far away to attend or will be out of town for the event. They can go online to Donate under your team’s name or send their donation through the mail noting your team’s name on check. Send mail to:QSAC, Inc.
253 West 35th Street, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Attn: QSAC 5k 2009 Team [insert team name here]Can I start a team with 2 people?
Sure, there are no minimum requirements for team size.Is there a fee to participate?
Yes, each team participant pays the individual registration fee - $25 pre registration or $30 day of registration. We encourage each person to reach out to their friends and family for support – set your goal now and start fundraising!What is the cut-off to register/Join a team?
Anyone can register up to 9:00 am day of race but unfortunately those wishing to have a recognition poster placed on race course and commemorative T-shirt must have their $1,000 to QSAC by February 2, 2009. There is no “cut-off” to register, although those who pre-register during the last week may not have the information available at the registration desk. Please have everyone register as early as possible to give us a good headcount so that we can plan for a better event. Registration is also available on site the morning of the walk.I am a member of a team now and would like to start my own, can I change this?
Yes. To do so, please email us at jmoran@qsac.com with your name, the name of the team that you are currently a part of and the name of the new team you’d like to create.I registered but am not listed on my family's team. How do I fix this?
Chances are that you accidentally registered as an individual. Please send a message to jmoran@qsac.com with the name of the team you want to be added to.I joined the wrong team. Can this be fixed?
Yes. Please send a message to jmoran@qsac.com with the name of the team you accidentally joined and the name of the correct team you would like to join.Some of my family want to come but not walk, do they need to register?
Please make sure to register each person that will attend (even if they do not walk). It helps us know how many people to plan for when ordering water, t-shirts, etc.If I am registered, do I need to do anything else to be pre-registered?
No, if you are already registered online, you are all set.Is it better to register online or register the morning of the walk?
There are many advantages to registering before the walk; here are just a few…
1. For those who have registered online before walk day, check-in at the walk is a quick and easy way for you to check-in without waiting in line. You can pick up your check-in package at assigned pre-registration location to be named at a later date which will move things along for you the morning of the walk. Everyone who is not already registered will have to register the morning of the walk.
2. Knowing how many people to expect will help us plan for a better event for everyone. We order all items based on how many people we have pre-registered for the walk.
3. Each team that registers will receive a webpage within QSAC’s 1st Annual 5K website. This will give friends and family a place to go where they can donate directly to you online or get a donation form and mail a donation directly to us that will be credited to your page. You can also customize this page with a photo and special message.
Walk Participant Questions:
What is the Expo?
Our Expo is comprises booths of local service providers and resources who want to talk to you and your family about products and services offered. These vendors will not be selling any items at the Walk. Most goods and services highlighted are unique to the autism community (therapy, camp, products, services, schools, etc.).Will lunch be available?
Near the start/finish line we will have a picnic area.
I know a local service that would be a great fit for the Expo, how do I get them involved?
We are always looking for new information for our participants. They can register for a booth or get more information about participating by contacting Carol at carolc@qsac.com. Please talk to them about the event and ask them to visit www.QSAC.com/race for general information about the walk.
Booth Vendor Questions:How do I get an Expo booth?
You can register for a booth by contacting Carol at carolc@qsac.com:What is the fee for the Expo Booth?
For profit companies - $300 before January 31, 2009
Non-profit companies – $200 before January 31, 2009
Electricity is not available
Exhibitors must bring all display materials (table, chairs, boards, easels, etc)
Registrations received after January 31, 2009 will be subject to a $50 fee
Are donations tax deductible?
Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.
QSAC is a registered 501(c)3 organization. Tax ID Number 11-2482974Sponsorship levels range from $10,000 to $1,000. Please visit the “To Donate” page on our website QSAC/race or email Carol at carolc@qsac.com for more specific Sponsorship opportunities and information.
What volunteer opportunities will be available?
There will be a variety of volunteer positions available on both the day of the walk as well as the previous day. We need volunteers to setup, tear-down, man registration tables, hand out water along the walk route, directing traffic and parking, etc.How do I find out what volunteer opportunities are available and how do I sign up to volunteer?
Email Carol at carolc@qsac.com, she will provide you with volunteering details as well as register you as a volunteer.I want to volunteer with a team; can I only register myself and bring everyone else the morning of the walk?
It is important to know all the volunteers ahead a time to properly plan against our needs and assign specific tasks to each of them. We urge you and your friends to pre register. Anyone who has not registered come with you to the Volunteer meeting the morning of the event to see where they could be placed.Can I get a community service sheet for the hours that I volunteer?
Sure, after the walk, please submit your request at the registration booth.What time should I arrive and where should I go?
All registered volunteers will receive an email about a week before the walk with detailed information (directions, parking, where to go and what time be there, etc.).Can my teenager volunteer with me?
Yes, when you register please let us know that there are multiple volunteers who want to register. We will make sure that you are scheduled to volunteer together. If your teenager is 16 or above and would like to volunteer on his/her own, please let Carol know.