Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTRATION
 

• What if I don’t have a team?  Can I still participate?
  Dash for a Difference is designed to be a team event. Unfortunately, if you do not have a team you cannot race in the event. There are however other ways to be involved in the planning and implementing of the Dash. Please contact Lynn Weisel at lweisel@bostoncares.org to find out how to be involved.
   

• How many members can be on my team?
  Each team should have two to five members.  Each individual is asked to raise a minimum of $100.
   

• Do I have to be a member of Boston Cares to participate?
  No. 
   

• What’s the minimum age to participate?
  The minimum age is 12.  Youth 12 and older can participate as long as Boston Cares receives a completed Youth Permission Form. 
   

• What if we can no longer participate?  Can I get our money back?
  Your team deposit is non-refundable.
   

• How will Boston Cares accept payment/pledges?  Can my sponsors pledge online?
  We can accept checks payable to Boston Cares, cash, Visa and Mastercard. 
  
  Sponsors can pledge online at www.firstgiving.com/bostoncares.
   

• When is the balance due? 
  The balance is due upon check-in on April 24.
   

• Will my sponsors receive tax information from Boston Cares?
  Yes.  If you accurately complete the pledge form, we can send an acknowledgement letter to your donors. 
   

• What will I receive for participating in the Dash?
  You will receive a Dash goodie bag and an invitation to the Celebration of Service afterwards with complimentary snacks and beer.  You will also have the satisfaction of knowing you made a difference in your community.
   

THE DASH 

• Is a car required to participate in the Dash?
  A car is recommended but not required.  Some sites are at least a ten minute walk from an MBTA subway stop.
   

• Is there parking at each destination?
  Parking is available at most destinations.  For those sites where parking is tight, one teammate will be instructed to stay with the car. 
   

• Will maps or directions be provided?  Can we use maps or GPS?
  The clue provided upon successful completion of your tasks will direct you towards the next destination.  Yes, you can use a map or GPS.
   

• What happens if it’s raining?
  If it’s raining, we get wet.  This event is rain or shine.  Bring rain gear, but think sun! 
   

• Can we call friends, or use our Blackberry or cell phone to aid in solving tasks?
  Yes, you can.
   

• Can we go to destinations out of order?
  No, the Dash follows a specific sequence and you must travel in that sequence.
   

• What happens if there’s a line or bottleneck at a destination?
  Teams are starting in different places, yet traveling in the same sequence to minimize bottlenecks.  Additionally, service tasks are designed to be completed by up to five teams at a time.  In the event of a logjam, teams will proceed in the order in which they arrived.
   

• What happens when we successfully complete a task?
  After you complete a task, the volunteer checker at the site will stamp your Dash passport and give you the clue to your next destination.
   

• Do all team members have to complete all tasks?
  Unless otherwise indicated on your clue, all team members are required to participate in tasks. 
   

• What if my team isn’t finished at 2pm when the Dash ends?
  If at 2pm, you haven’t yet reached your final destination, the volunteer checker at your site will provide you with a clue to the final destination.
   

• How are prizes awarded?
  Prizes are awarded to the top three individual fundraisers and the top team fundraiser.
  
  Prizes also are awarded to the first three teams to complete the Dash.

  A prize will also be given for creativity; the team with the most creative name OR the team with the most creative t-shirt will receive an award.
   

• Is lunch provided?
  No, but we will have hot snacks, beer and soft drinks at the Celebration of Service.