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Registration for the "Philanthropy Challenge" opens on June 4; Rochester community challenged to pass $1m mark with 4th annual event |
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Rochester, N.Y., June 3, 2014-The George Eastman House Photo Finish 5K hits the streets for its fourth year on September 27, with registration opening on June 4-National Running Day. After three successful years, raising money for more than 90 different organizations in the Greater Rochester area, this "philanthropy challenge" is looking to break the million dollar mark in 2014. This unique event allows dozens of organizations to raise funds for their own causes. More than 3,000 runners and walkers have participated since the inaugural run/walk in 2010, raising over $800,000 total for these organizations.
"The Photo Finish 5K enables nonprofit organizations-both big and small-throughout the Rochester community to raise money through one event," said Kate Herrmann, assistant director of development, George Eastman House. "We welcome all area nonprofits and encourage the entire Rochester community to join together this year as we strive to break a million dollars raised since the first event four years ago."
The 5K route-which is certified to be accurate by USA Track & Field-begins and ends at Eastman House. It includes the Neighborhood of the Arts and ArtWalk, and passes by 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.
How can several organizations benefit from one event? The Photo Finish 5K allows nonprofit organizations of any size to raise money while Eastman House staff and volunteers handle the event organization. The registration fees help to benefit Eastman House, but participants can choose to raise money for Eastman House or any charity of their choice. Individuals or teams can sign up on behalf of a favorite nonprofit organization, which has proven particularly beneficial to smaller organizations. Eastman House is offering information sessions for individuals and organizations to learn more about the event on June 10, July 9, and Aug. 14.
The dozens of Rochester-area organizations that benefited from donations in 2013 include the ABVI-Goodwill, Cancer Action, CASA of Rochester, Community Place of Greater Rochester, Friends of Educational Excellence, Geva Theater Center, Hochstein School of Music and Dance, Nativity Preparatory Academy, Rochester Civic Garden Center, and Wilson Commencement Park.
How to start fundraising/attend an info session To facilitate fundraising, Eastman House has teamed up with Crowdrise, an innovative, online fundraising site, which encourages donations of any denomination. Crowdrise was founded by actor and activist Ed Norton, film producer Shauna Robertson, and brothers Robert and Jeffrey Wolfe.
Charity teams or individuals can access online fundraising at crowdrise.com/photofinish5k2014. Interested participants can register online for the Photo Finish 5K at photofinish5k.eastmanhouse.org. Eastman House is hosting information sessions Tuesday, June 10 at 12:15 p.m.; Wednesday, July 9 at 5:15 p.m.; and Thursday, Aug. 14 at 12:15 p.m. to explain how to set up a charity page and create a team. Each session will last roughly 45 minutes and will be held in Eastman House's Curtis Theatre, which is accessible through the Eastman House Café entrance off the parking lot. Brown bag lunches or meals from the Eastman House Café are welcomed. The sessions are open to the public; 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.
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. Learn more and register for the event at photofinish5k.eastmanhouse.org Event website: https://photofinish5k.eastmanhouse.org Fundraising website: https://www.crowdrise.com/PhotoFinish5k2014 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photofinish5K Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/photofinish5K
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