FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions:
When will the event take place?
The Ireland Event will start on Sunday August 9 and end on Saturday August 15, 2009.
Will I need a Passport? Yes. All
Will I need a Visa? All of the countries we visit do not require a Visa at this time. If this changes information will be communicated to you.
Are my expenses Tax Deductible? In most cases all expenses directly associated with a fundraising event are fully tax deductible, this includes your registration fee, transportation fees and hotel expenses for the day before and the day after the event. Also, usually tax deductible are your fundraising expenses, like postage, thank you cards and house party expenses directly associated with fundraising. Now the little disclaimer, since we are not tax attorneys we highly recommend you consult with one, and we’ll also defer to the IRS and for some light IRS reading you can go to http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf
How is the weather? Go to www.weather.com and enter
Is the route challenging? The route is considered to be moderate with challenging hills every day. Each day is designed so that everyone
What happens if I can’t Ride or Walk a particular part of the route or day? No problem, we are there for you. If you are out on the route we will pick you up. If you start the day being unable to ride or walk, you can come with us in the van and become an honorary Crewmember for the day.
Are bikes supplied or do I have to bring my own? If you register as a Rider then a bike will be supplied for you and it is included in your registration fee.
What kinds of bikes are supplied? We rent current model, brand name, 21+ gear, Hybrid bikes. We rent the bikes from local suppliers in each country so brand name will vary. We use Hybrid bikes because of the varying road conditions and the use of foot or bike paths.
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If I register as a Rider can I choose to Walk on a particular day? Yes, but we just ask that if you register as a Rider, that you try to Ride every day.
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If I register as a
Are there laundry facilities? There is limited use of washing machines and some dryers. We stress limited!
How do I get to the event? Transportation to and from the event is at your expense. Our events are usually situated near a train station or within a reasonable distance to a major city. In most cases there are enough people arriving from a single destination so that group transportation can be arranged and this will be communicated to you prior to the event.
When can I arrive at the event? You can arrive anytime on Sunday after 2:00pm (14,00h) and before 6:00pm (18,00h). This will give you time to unpack, meet everybody, and be ready for the safety meeting at 6:30pm (18,30h).
When can I leave the event? Our events usually start on a Sunday and end on the following Saturday, you should check the event specific dates. Everyone must be out by 10:00am (10,00h). Please book your train schedules accordingly.
What happens if I need to leave early? If you need to leave early, you can do so at any time. We will try our best to get you to a train station, but we may not be able to accommodate your schedule.
If I leave early can I get any of my money back? No. Unfortunately we cannot offer you a refund if you leave early. The event has been confirmed as a group, it’s how we get lower rates and are able to pass these savings on to you.
Are all my meals and snacks included during the week? Each morning’s breakfast is included, as well as each night’s dinner with the exception of a “free” night when you can have dinner on your own in a local town. All event water and snacks are also included. When in a town for lunch, lunches are not included in the cost of the trip. Alcohol is also not included. If you want different or additional snacks or meals you will be responsible for paying for them.
If I decide not to eat with the group can I get a discount or part of my money back? No. The event has been confirmed as a group, it’s how we get lower rates and are able to pass these savings on to you.
Will I need additional cash/spending money? Yes. You will need to buy some of your own lunches, there is usually a night or two when dinner is on your own, any alcohol you consume, and any additional snacks you may want. In addition you may want to buy souvenirs.
What kind of food is served? This depends on the country we are visiting, but in general local cuisine, to get a flavor for the country. Dinners usually consist of three or more courses a soup or salad, main course (Meat or Fish) and a dessert. Breakfasts are hearty with eggs, meats, cereals, juices, coffee or tea, fruit, yogurt, and other items, local to the area we are visiting.
I’m a vegetarian; can you accommodate me? Yes, but make sure you tell us before hand and note this on your registration form. If you are a strict vegetarian and will not eat anything that is cooked on the same grill as a meat product, this may not be the event for you.
I have food allergies, what can I do? Make sure you note this on your registration form. We will try to make every effort to accommodate you, but there are some things we may not be able to avoid. If this is the case, you will be notified before your registration is accepted.
I have medications that need to be refrigerated; can you make accommodations? Yes, but please make sure you note this on the registration form. Please note that at times your medications will be kept in a cooler on ice. If this is not acceptable, this may not be the event for you.
What is a siesta? This is a period during the day when all the shops close. If the country we are traveling to recognizes a siesta, most businesses will close around 2:00pm (14:00) and start to re-open around 4:00pm (16:00)
What is military time? Military time is a form of time stated in a 24-hour period. Most time descriptions in are noted in military time. An example would be 1:00pm = 13,00 and 12:00am = 24,00 (midnight).
What are the sleeping arrangements; will I have to share a bed? We try to choose properties that have a combination of full/queen sized beds and twin beds. Rooms are allotted as registrations come in, in some cases you may be sharing a full or queen size bed, think of it like sharing a tent only you are not sleeping on the ground. If it makes you feel more comfortable you can bring a sleeping bag, but one is not required.
Do I have to share a room? Yes. If you do not want to share a room there is a supplemental cost of $1,000. You might want to convince a friend to come along with you as a
Who will I be rooming with? If you do not come with a friend you we will match you up with a person of the same sex who is also traveling solo.
What happens if I don’t get along with my roommate or I want a different roommate? There are no extra beds for someone to move to if they are not getting along. If, when you get to the event you would like a different roommate, we will try to accommodate you.
Is any part of my Registration Fee refundable if I decide not to go on the Event? No, once you have paid your Registration Fee, it is not refundable.
Is my Registration transferable if I decide not to go and can get someone else to go in my place? Yes, if you cannot go on the event and can find a replacement your deposit/registration fee is transferable.
Am I required to meet a fundraising minimum? This depends on which Registration option you choose. Read each carefully.
What happens if I don't reach my minimum fundraising requirement before arriving at the event? If you arrive at the event without meeting your minimum Fundraising Requirement, then you will be asked for a credit card and you will be charged the balance.
What happens if I cannot meet my fundraising minimum that I set for myself? We will help in anyway we can. We have lots of tips and suggestions, just ask! We will also post ideas that have worked in the past on our website under the fundraising link.
Are donations refundable? No. Once our office receives a donation, it is not refundable. These are donations and not pledges or promise to pay.
How much is the registration fee? This depends on which Registration Option you choose, make sure you read the options carefully.
Why is the registration fee so high? The registration fee covers your expenses while on the Event, including meals, lodging, snacks, and sweep vehicles.
Can I pay the registration fee with donations? No.
Can someone else pay my registration fee? Yes.
Do matching gifts count toward my minimum fundraising? YES! We encourage you to ask all your donors if their company has a matching gift policy. This is a great way to raise over and above your minimum.
What is a matching gift policy? Matching gift policies can vary from company to company, but many companies will match an employee’s contribution to a non-profit company, registered as a 501(c)(3).
What is a 501(c)(3)? This is the designation given to non-profit companies by the IRS.
Are the beneficiaries registered 501(c)(3) organizations? Yes.
Is …For A Cause, Inc., a registered 501(c) (3)? Yes and all your donations are fully tax deductible.
Will my cell phone work in
If there is an emergency, how can someone contact me? You will be provided with a phone number where someone can leave a message for you. Keep in mind that if we are out on the route you may not receive the message till we get back. Also, please remember this number is for emergency situations only and there is a minimum 7-hour time difference.
Will my health insurance cover me while in
Will I need health insurance coverage for this trip? Yes, all participants will be required to fill out a health insurance form prior to leaving for the trip. As noted above we highly recommend that you take out additional travel insurance that includes medical and emergency evacuation.
What should I bring for clothing? During the day you will be Riding or Walking please bring appropriate Riding or Walking clothing, including light rain gear. In the evening we will be in local towns for dinner. Comfortable clothing is fine. You will need long pants or skirts below the knee; this is for both men and women. Churches follow a strict dress code and no clothing above the knee or sleeveless shirts are allowed.
Where does the money go? Your donations go to the beneficiaries, depending on who you designate as a primary beneficiary either children with AIDS or those affected by breast cancer. If you choose an additional beneficiary your donations will be divided between ...For A Cause (us), the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation or Breast Cancer Network For Strength, Illinois (formerly Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization) and your beneficiary.
If I choose an additional beneficiary, what percentage of my donations will go to them? Your donations will be divided 33/33/33 between the three beneficiaries as noted above.
What should I do if I have a question that is not answered here? Please send us an email with any questions.
