FAQs

 

About the Virtual Climb


Why is the Ginormous Climb virtual?

The safety of everyone (our community, climbers, volunteers, sponsors, supporters and staff) is our primary concern. In order to follow current public health guidelines, a virtual climb is the safest way for all of us to support the children who need us!   

Is an event happening at 200 Clarendon on June 6th?

No; in order to follow current public health recommendations and regulations, there will be no in-person activities taking place at 200 Clarendon. This year’s Ginormous Climb will be completely virtual!  

Should I still fundraise toward my personal or team goal?

Yes! The Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County’s mission is as critical as ever, and every dollar you raise for the Ginormous Climb goes toward providing safety, healing, and justice for abused and exploited children.

As highlighted in the Boston Globe and New York Times, child abuse and neglect reports have declined dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. As all of us stay indoors, children no longer have daily contact with their teachers and other trusted adults who recognize the signs of abuse and report concerns about their well-being. This vital safety net is missing and kids are at risk. Your fundraising efforts are helping the CAC support these children.

Log in to your Participant Center here.

How do I participate in the Ginormous Virtual Climb?

Once you have registered, participate in the Ginormous Climb from wherever you are! Climb 1,740 steps in your house, apartment building, or a community park (if allowed by local regulations).

No stairs? Take 8,700 strides while walking in your home, on a treadmill, or around your neighborhood (if allowed by local regulations).

If you use a fitness tracker, steps and flights of stairs are easy to track! Your smart phone may also have a built-in tracker (e.g. your iPhone comes with a “Health” app that tracks steps and elevation). 

How can I connect with the CAC and other Climbers?

Make sure to follow the Children’s Advocacy Center on Facebook (@CACSuffolk), Twitter (@SuffolkCAC), and Instagram (@Suffolk_CAC) to see updates and challenges from other climbers and teams!

Use the hashtag #GinormousVirtualClimb when you share posts about your fundraising and training leading up to the big day. On June 6th, continue to use the hashtag to update everyone on how your climb is going!

Should I start at a specific time?

Tune in to the CAC Facebook page at 8am on June 6th for the kickoff, and complete your climb or walk at any time on June 6th that works for you!

Do I need to prove that I climbed/walked?

We would love to see photos of your climb (and your superhero costumes!) but you do not need to submit any official record of stairs climbed or steps completed.  

Will there be prizes?

There will not be prizes awarded for speed. Prizes will still be awarded to the top three individuals fundraisers and the top team fundraiser!  

I was planning to volunteer in person at the Climb. What can I do?

Join the Virtual Cheer Squad! As our Ginormous Virtual Climb ambassadors, the Virtual Cheer Squad is spreading the word about the Climb online, and on June 6th will virtually cheer on our climbers and walkers!

Get the Virtual Cheer Squad Checklist here!

How else can I help the CAC in their mission to provide safety, healing, and justice for children?

Join the #CommunitySafetyNet! Children rely on trusted adults to spot signs of child abuse and respond to suspected abuse with care. Due to COVID-19, children are staying at home and are less visible to the traditional network of adults who report child abuse. We've seen a dramatic drop in reports.

Visit our website to be counted as part of the #CommunitySafetyNet and to learn more about how you can help. 

 

About Registration

What is the cost of registration?

The registration fee is $40, which applies toward your personal fundraising goal.  

Do I have to join a team?

Joining a team is optional, but climbing with a group can be even more fun. All team members are assigned consecutive start times. Participating as a team member does not change your registration fee or fundraising goal -- but your efforts can help your team dominate the leader board. There are no minimum or maximum limits for team size. 

How do I start or join a team?

When you register, use the “Start a Team” button to form a new team and the “Join a Team” button if you want to join an existing team. If you decide to start or join a team after you have completed the online registration process, please contact us for assistance.  

Are there prizes?

Prizes will be given to the top three highest individual fundraisers and highest fundraising team! Winners will be contacted in summer 2020.

How do I participate as an Elite Climber?

There will not be an Elite division in 2020.

What can I do if I want to participate but cannot climb?

You can still raise awareness or funds for the children who need us! Register as a Climber or Volunteer and spread the word to friends and family that you are raising critical funds for the Children's Advocacy Center.

Or join the Virtual Cheer Squad! As our Ginormous Virtual Climb ambassadors, the Virtual Cheer Squad is spreading the word about the Climb online, and on June 6th will virtually cheer on our climbers and walkers!

[Virtual Cheer Squad checklist coming soon – stay tuned!]

Register as a volunteer to get updates.

 

About Goals & Fundraising

What is the minimum fundraising goal?

All participants commit to the minimum fundraising commitment ($125). Your non-refundable $40 registration fee will be counted towards your fundraising goal. 

How do I set my personal fundraising goal?

You may set your personal fundraising goal beyond the required $125. Aim high! Challenge your friends and teammates to outdo your ambitious efforts.  

Are donations made on my behalf tax deductible?

Yes. Donors will receive a gift receipt and acknowledgment email on completion of their donation. The Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.  

Where can my contributors go to make a donation?

The fastest and easiest way is to refer your supporters to the personal fundraising page you create on the registration website. For those who prefer to write a check, checks should be made payable to Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County (please write the participant's name on the memo line) and mailed to:  

The Ginormous Climb
The Children's Advocacy Center of Suffolk County
989 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215 

Please note, there may be a delay in processing checks as the majority of our staff are currently working remotely.

How can I check my fundraising progress?

You can keep track of your fundraising efforts by utilizing your fundraising page via the registration website. When a donation is made online, it is processed automatically and is added toward your fundraising total. Donations made by check will be processed and counted toward your total within 10 business days after it is received by our office.

 

On the day of the Climb

How many stairs or strides should I complete?

We're challenging everyone to climb the number of stairs in 200 Clarendon - 1,740 steps! 

If you don't have safe access to stairs in your home or neighborhood, track your walking strides to log 8,700 steps! 

When should I start?

Check in to our Facebook page at 8am on June 6th for a virtual kickoff! Start your steps then or complete them any time during the day that works for you!

What should I do during my climb?

1. Stay safe! 2. Check out the top of this page for how to virtually connect with the CAC, your team, and other climbers.