ABOUT MDs Chessed run

FAQs for MDS Runners

When and where is the MDS Chessed Run?
The MDS Chessed run will take place on Lag Baomer, Tuesday May 9th. We will be running along a track in Votee Park, located in Teaneck.

Who is participating in the race? 

All MDS students grades 4-8 will be running in the race. All MDS students grades 1-3 will be manning the color stations and water stations along the race route along with their teachers.

How long is the race?
The race is 2k. You should not feel pressured to finish it within a certain time. You can run. You can walk. You can even skip and dance. Just make sure to have fun!

To make things a little more fun, along the route, the runners will be sprayed with colorful paint dust. While runners may start the race nice and clean, be prepared to get messy. By the end of the race, we will see a beautiful rainbow of runners. 

Do I need to fundraise in order to run?

Every student - no matter how much they raise - is being offered the opportunity to run in the MDS Chessed Run. Our goal is that every student in grades 4-8 will solicit at least 3 different donations - of any amount. Whether the donation is big or small, the students should be proud of their efforts. It's not about the dollar amount they raise; rather, about their effort to help support an incredible organization.

How am I supposed to fundraise? I am just a kid!

You will be surprised with how much you can accomplish. There are many people close to you, who would love to help you raise money for such an incredible organization. Reach out to them and ask them for support. Remember, the more passionate and excited you are about Chai Lifeline and the race, the more passionate and excited they will be to give. You will be amazed! Are there prizes for fundraising? How does it work? Classes which collect a certain amount of donations will be awarded certain prizes, as a celebration and recognition of their accomplishment. The more donations they raise, the more prizes they will get. It's not about the dollar amount. It's about working hard to get numerous donations. There are no individual prizes - only class prizes. This is a team effort. Visit Teamlifeline.org/MDS to see the prizes.
 

Yes! There are many other creative ways you can fundraise. If you are a good baker, you can make a bake sale. If you are good at math, you can tutor someone younger. If you are responsible, you can babysit or work at shul groups. Be creative and do something you enjoy.

Is there a text of what I can say when I fundraise? 

Feel free to amend this text, but try something like this:

Hi [insert name here]. I hope all is well. I am reaching out to tell you about an exciting event I will be participating in. This Lag BaOmer, MDS will be having their first ever Chessed Run in support of Chai Lifeline. Chai Lifeline is an organization which supports children who are battling cancer and other serious illnesses. I think this is a very worthy organization to support because [insert personal reason]. I will be running 2k/5k to fundraise for Chai Lifeline. It would mean so much to me if you would contribute to my campaign. You can donate to my personal page by going to TeamLifeline.org/MDS.

How will I be getting to the MDS Chessed Run?

We will be bussing to Votee Park in Teaneck after 8:15 AM Tefillah. Buses will leave at 9:00 AM. And we will be returning to MDS for dismissal. Please make sure to come to school on time.

What do I need to bring to the race?

We will be providing water, lunch, and sunscreen. You may want to bring your own snack or drink. You may also want to bring a change of clothing because your clothing will get dirty from the color powder. And of course, bring your fun positive energy! What should I wear for the race? Will my clothing be ruined from the paint? All students should arrive at school in their MDS Color Run t-shirts which we will be distributing in school on Monday May 8. Girls must wear skirts, and boys must wear pants, throughout the day. No shorts. The paint is washable, but to be safe, don't wear your favorite clothing. It may get ruined. Also, you may want to pack a change of clothing to change into after the race in case your clothing is dirty from the paint.

FAQS for MDS Parents

Is this event open to parents?

Parents are welcome to join and cheer on their children. But there is certainly zero expectation for parents to come. Unfortunately, we can't provide lunch or transportation for parents. If you would like to volunteer to help out with the race, please contact Parents Council at ParentsCouncil@manhattanday.org

How can I help my child fundraise?

This is a great opportunity for us to empower the MDS students. The children can learn firsthand the importance of raising money for charity and chessed. Encourage your son or daughter to pick up the phone themselves and to call a grandparent, an uncle or aunt, or a friend. Encourage them to raise money by offering a service or selling a product. They will feel great about the money they personally raise. And of course, feel free to help support the important cause yourself as well. Will there be security? MDS is bringing a security team from Global Security. There will also be a presence from Teaneck Police and Bergen Hatzalah.
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