Using social media to fundraise across generations -- in the spirit of George Eastman’s philanthropic legacy -- the George Eastman House Photo Finish 5K returns for its third year Saturday, Oct. 5, to raise funds for Rochester non-profit causes. This “philanthropy challenge” is a new way of fundraising, allowing dozens of organizations to raise funds via a single event, and Rochester has embraced it. Over the past two years, nearly 2,000 runners and walkers participated in the race, raising over half a million dollars for more than 60 non-profit organizations in and around the Rochester community.
WHO: Local charity organizations, runners, and interested participants for the Photo Finish 5K
WHAT: Eastman House is hosting an information session on Wednesday, July 24 to explain how to set up a charity page and create a team
WHERE: George Eastman House’s Curtis Theatre, which is accessible through the Eastman House Café entrance off the parking lot; 900 East Ave, Rochester, NY
WHEN: Wednesday, July 24
TIME: 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
WHY: The 5K route—which is certified to be accurate by USA Track & Field—begins and ends at Eastman House, and includes the Neighborhood of the Arts and ArtWalk and passes by numerous Rochester landmarks, many built or supported by George Eastman. The Photo Finish 5K embodies Eastman’s philanthropic spirit and his ideals of wellness and health. Eastman often used his philanthropy to encourage others to give, resulting in the creation of Rochester’s United Way and Red Cross chapters, as well as Strong Memorial Hospital. He wanted Rochester to be the healthiest and best city in the world in which to live and work and, although he gave money to organizations all over the world, he gave most of his fortune to Rochester causes, hospitals, and universities.
Charity teams or individuals can access online tools at www.crowdrise.com/photofinish5k2013. Interested participants can register online for the Photo Finish 5K at www.photofinish5k.eastmanhouse.org. The sessions are open to the public and one can RSVP by calling (585) 271-3361 ext. 445, or emailing photofinish5k@geh.org. Attendees are encouraged to bring their laptops, so they can get started during the session. Brown bag lunches or meals from the Eastman House Café are welcomed.
An additional component to the Photo Finish 5K is a global reach, since participants need not be in Rochester. The race can be run or walked anywhere, while still raising money for a chosen Rochester-based charity. Numerous prizes will be offered to participants, for both best finishing times and top fundraising teams, including $1,000 in cash for charities in each of five categories.
Photo Finish 5K is sponsored by MVP Healthcare, Rochester Area Community Foundation, and Medved Running and Walking Outfitters. If you're interested in becoming a sponsor of the event, email Kate Herrmann at photofinish5k@geh.org.
