MCM Charity Partners Save the Day

Turn that frown upside down! No need to fret if the Lottery didn’t turn out as hoped. There is still a way to participate in the MCM through the Charity Partner Program. More than 90 charities seek motivated runners to join them to Run for a Cause. This is a chance to raise awareness, run with purpose and generate funds for charity.

These organizations hold guaranteed entries to the MCM in October in exchange for support. Partnerships also offer camaraderie and a sense of community. Some even host pasta dinners and team rallies. So, yes, there’s still a way into the MCM and joining a charity group might be the ideal option. Here are five tips for identifying the right charity group for you.

1 – Visit the MCM Charities page

You can make a difference for an organization that supports the military community, impact a health-related cause, provide aid around the globe or help those in need. The benefits of joining a charity group are immeasurable. According to Nicole Jones of InterVol, “The more exposure our organization receives, the more people we can give the priceless gift of health.” Links to all MCM Charity Partners are featured on the MCM website.

2 – Explore options

How do you want to impact the world through your participation in the MCM? How will the funds you raise be used? Kelly Makimaa of Girls on the Run – DC says the funds “enable more girls in 3rd through 8th grades in DC to gain access to the character development programs.” What will benefit from your fundraising?

3 – Contact charities

MCM Charities are eager to hear from runners. Organizations have posted the email contact information and often phone numbers to connect runners with the right person who can provide helpful details to support a good decision. Often the group coordinators have run the MCM before and can be a reassuring, motivating and helpful guide on the journey to event day.

4 – Learn requirements and benefits

There are lots of perks with running for a cause. Some organize training runs. Others have MCM Weekend rallies or pasta parties. There are groups with hotel blocks, team shirts and even coaching services. Often bonds are formed that last beyond the 26.2 mile journey. Stephanie DeVotie of Hire Heroes USA shares that the organization hosts a group run and breakfast on Saturday morning of MCM Weekend and then takes a team trip to the expo later that day. They also partner with fellow MCM Charity, Travis Manion Foundation, for a pasta dinner on Saturday night.

5 – Commit, Fundraise & Train

Last year, MCM runners collectively raised over $2 million for Charity Partners. A great way to end a marathon journey is knowing your participation made a difference in the world. This October, as your friends and family will cheer for you, your charity team will make this an even bigger and better celebration. Fundraising can be easy and most charities help runners build crowdfunding campaigns. Philanthropy goals range anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to over a thousand.

Those runners who are already registered may still commit their participation to a charitable endeavor without having to claim one of the group’s coveted entries. Just ask the charity contacts how to make that happen.

Not for you? Then don’t forget, there’s also MCM Four Star Registration. This package offers a fantastic bundle of benefits starting with guaranteed entries for up to two runners. This comprehensive bundle includes entries, hotel nights, hospitality, transportation and more! Choose from packages based on length of stay, days of the week and one or two runners. New in 2018 is a post-event celebration tent located at the MCM finish line, invitations to the very special MCM Hall of Fame dinner and a private victory reception on Sunday evening at the Gaylord.

Smiling yet? Of course you are! MCM Charity Partners can’t wait to hear from you.

Thanks for visiting this archived blog. The content and details are specific only for the event year highlighted in this article. For current information, please visit the event page within the MCM website.