Participant Resources
September 25, 2016
The Coaster Challenge is a fun and
exciting fundraising event for
Special Olympics Illinois.
Simply register, fundraise, and ride the
distance of a 5k, 10k or Marathon on Six Flags
Great America’s world class roller coasters.
-Fundraise $150 and ride a total of 5k
**Discount of $100 for Six Flags Great America
Season Pass Holders!**
-Heart of Goliath? Raise $300 and
ride a total of 10k
-For those of you that have the DEMON in
you, go for the Marathon, fundraise a
minimum of $1,000 and ride a full 26.2 miles!
Stamp your scorecard as you exit each ride
and your total distance will be calculated
when you check in at the scoring table!
WHY DO PEOPLE GIVE?
The #1 reason that people give?
Because you ask them!
What are the Levels/Benefits?
5K ($150 FUNDRAISING/$100 for Season Pass Holders)
• Free Entrance into Six Flags Great America (Value $68.99)
• Parking Pass (Value $25.00) – If packet is picked up prior to event day
• Free Breakfast
• Official Coaster Challenge Athletic Shirt
• Tracking Pass
• Medal upon Completion
• Entrance via The FLASH Pass for easy access to rides until 1pm
• Early access to Raging Bull and one surprise coaster prior to park opening
starting at 9am. Priority of seats will be given to those completing the Marathon, then 10k, then 5k.
10K and/or $300 FUNDRAISING
• All of the above
• Official Coaster Challenge Sport Backpack
• Lunch Voucher for day of the event
• Entrance via THE FLASH Pass for easy access to rides until 3pm
$500 FUNDRAISING
• All above mentioned prizes.
• Official Coaster Challenge Fit Sport Band
• 2017 Return Ticket for the Park
MARATHON and/or $1,000 FUNDRAISING
• All above mentioned prizes
• Signature Coaster Challenge NIKE 1/2 Zip Jacket
• Updrade your 2017 Return Ticket to a 2017 Six Flags Great America Season Pass
• Ability to ride continuously on Raging Bull and one surprise coaster from 9am- 11am when park opens
• Entrance via THE FLASH pass for easy access to rides ALL DAY!
EVENT RULES
This is the first weekend of Fright Fest. The park opens for patrons at 11:00am. The
park will open for participants of the Coaster Challenge at 9:00 am for a free breakfast.
The Raging Bull and one SURPRISE COASTER will be open for the period of 9-11am for
individuals wishing to complete their 5k (4 Rides) 10k (8 Rides) or Marathon (27 Rides)
prior to the park opening. Upon completion of your distance, medals will be awarded
and you are free to stay in the park until 10:00pm that evening.
Ride a total distance of 5K (16,405 feet), 10k (32,810 ft), or Marathon (138,435ft),
awards provided upon completion.
At 5:00pm the event ends and no more stamps will be given. All awards will be
presented by 5:30pm.
Park Ticket provided must be used the day of the event.
No age minimum or maximum but please review the height restrictions before signing
up children.
Coaster Challenge is subject to a number of unpredictability conditions, including
weather, ride closures. Refunds are not given.
Amounts stated are minimum fundraising requirements. Incentives are provided for
meeting those and going above.
2016 Coaster Challenge FAQ’s
What is the Coaster Challenge
The Coaster Challenge is a signature fundraising event for Special Olympics Illinos. Raise money for Special
Olympics Illinois and show the world you are a true RAGING BULL! Simply register, fundraise and ride
the distance of a 5k, 10k or Marathon (26.2 Miles) on Six Flags Great America world class roller coasters.
Fundraise $150 and ride a total of a 5k (16,405ft), or about six rides depending on which ones you do, it is as
simple as that. If you have the heart of GOLIATH and want to do a little more you can raise $300 and ride a
total of a 10k (32,810ft). For those of you that have the DEMON in you, go for the Marathon! Fundraising a
minimum of $1,000 and riding a full 26.2 miles! Have your scorecard stamped as you exit each ride, and we
will tally your total distance when you check in at the scoring table upon completion.
When is the event?
The Coaster Challenge will take place on Sunday, September 25, 2016. The event starts at 9am and closes at 5pm.
The park is open until 10pm.
What does it cost to participate?
There is a fundraising minimum of $150 to participate in the 5k, $300 minimum to participate in the 10k and
$1,000 minimum to participate in the Marathon. Sign up for the range of your choice and go!
Who Does it Benefit?
This event helps support the over 22,000 athletes and more than 20,000 Young Athletes of Special Olympics
Illinois. Your support allows the athletes to participate, at no cost, in the sport of their choice. A portion of the
proceeds funds Project UNIFY programming in the schools, helping to create a fully inclusive school community.
What is the minimum number of people that can be on a team?
There is no minimum or maximum number of people that can be on a team. We encourage groups to gather as
many people as possible to have fun on behalf of Special Olympics Illinois!
How do I turn in my money?
Please turn money in on a regular basis to the Lombard office of Special Olympics Illinois (500 Waters Edge
Ste 100, Lombard, IL 60148). Packet pickup will be September 23 in the Lombard office and September 24 at a
Gurnee location.
Who should checks be made out to?
Checks should be made payable to Special Olympics Illinois and sent to:
Special Olympics Illinois
Attn: Coaster Challenge
500 Waters Edge Ste 100
Lombard, IL 60148
Can I customize my fundraising page?
Absolutely! You have the ability to customize your page on the website with a picture (or corporate logo) and
information about you, your team and its members. Contact Jen at [email protected] for assistance.
2016 Coaster Challenge Online Registration
Haven't registered online yet? Here's how to set up your fundraising page!
Visit our official Coaster Challenge website at www.coasterchallenge.com
• Scroll to the middle of the page and click on the
tab to participate.
• You will be directed to that event’s overview page. Take note of any useful information, such as
the event contact person (the person to whom you should direct any event specific inquiries).
• Click the button.
Online Registration: Step 1 of 3
During Step 1, you will enter your Participant Type.
• Coaster Rider ($1,000 Fundraising Minimum)
• Coaster Rider 5K ($150 Fundraising Minimum)
• Coaster Rider 10K ($300 Fundraising Minimum)
Individual Participants
If you will NOT be participating as part of a team, select “Individual” as your role. You will then
be prompted to complete the Registration Questions section; once entered, click
Proceed to Step 2 of 3
Creating a Team – Team Captains
If you are the team captain, you are responsible for creating your team
• Select “Create a Team”
• Enter your Team Name
• Enter Your Team’s Fundraising Goal
New this year, when creating a team you will be prompted to select a “Team Type.” To clarify, there
are two different team types available:
• Coaster School Team: Participating through a school
• Coaster Team: A non-school team
2016 Coaster Challenge Online Registration
You will then be prompted to complete the Registration Questions section; once entered,
click Proceed to Step 2 of 3
Joining a Team – Team Members
As a team member, joining your team is easy!
• Select “Join a Team”
• Click Search to locate your Team Name.
You will then be prompted to complete the Registration Questions section; once entered,
click
and proceed to Step 2 of 3
Online Registration: Step 2 of 5
During Step 2, you will enter your Registration Details and create an account.
Once entered, click
Online Registration: Step 3 of 5
During the third step of registration, you will be asked to enter your contact information and
account details. Then click Continue to Next Step.
Online Registration: Step 4 of 5
During the fourth step you will be asked if you would like to make a donation to your fundraising
goal. After clicking Yes or No you will click Continue to Next Step.
Online Registration: Confirmation
You will receive an email (from Special Olympics Illinois) titled “Thank you for registering!” to
confirm your registration. At this time you may also share your registration through social media,
register another participant or personalize your fundraising page – all options are displayed on the
right-hand toolbar. Navigate to different areas within your account by utilizing the options
displayed within the header.
FUNdraising Tips
Who Do You Know?
The key to building a Coaster Challenge team and a successful fundraising campaign both depend
on asking people you know for support. Think about everyone whose lives you touch and ask him
or her to make a donation or join your team!
Your list can be overwhelming, so use the breakdown below to help identify people you know into
categories. Start with the easiest people to reach: your family and friends. Next, ask acquaintances and service providers. Grab a piece of paper and as you look at the list below, write down the
names that come to mind. Before you know it, you will have a complete list of potential donors and
teammates!
Family and Friends
Neighbors
High School/College Alumni
Community/Social Clubs
Your Company/Co-Workers
Vendors/Suppliers
Competitors
Religious/Church Groups
Fraternity/Sorority
Children’s Schools
Children’s Sports Teams
Businesses You Frequent
FUNdraising Tips
Other Fundraising Ideas & Hints
• The Best Idea: Register online and create a fundraising page that you can easily email to family,
friends and co-workers
• Mail Campaign: Send a letter (see sample in this packet) to your contacts and ask for their help
• Add the Coaster Challenge logo to your email signature: To make it even easier to donate,
also include a link to your fundraising page
• Build a team from work, friends, or any other strong ties you have with an association
• Find people that you know who work for companies that will match donations
• Follow-up is Key: Don’t be afraid to remind everyone of your efforts and provide them with
regular updates on your progress
• Use Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to promote your fundraising page
• Host a Fundraising Event: Organize an event to raise funds; a few examples include:
-Casual Days – have co-workers donate for the privilege to wear jeans to work for a day
-Ask a local restaurant to contribute a portion of their proceeds for a day to your Coaster Challenge
-Penny Wars – create a challenge in your workplace/school to try and collect the most points. -Points are given for pennies and negative points for silver coins and cash; others can
sabotage by placing silver coins/cash in other jars. The worker, office, class, etc., with the most points wins lunch at the others expense. All money from the jars benefits your Coast er Challenge team!
• Say Thanks! Drop a thank you note to everyone who supports you (both donors and team
members) and include a picture of event day!
Sample Letter
Dear [Insert Name]:
This September, I have committed to test my will to be a Raging Bull (and my stomach) as part of
the 3rd Annual Coaster Challenge for Special Olympics Illinois. I will ride the distance of a 5k, 10k,
or Marathon on the amazing roller coasters at Six Flags Great America. While I look forward to this
exciting and exclusive experience, I need your help to reach my fundraising goal.
Through the support of Special Olympics Illinois, individuals with intellectual disabilities are provided the opportunity to participate in year-round sports training and competition. These programs
allow athletes to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and most importantly, reveal their inner champion!
I have set a personal fundraising goal of $[insert amount] and hope that you’ll join me in supporting
this most worthwhile movement. Please visit my online fundraising page at [insertyour custom
URL here] and click the “Support Me” button. From here, you can make a secure donation via credit
or debit card. Or if you’d prefer to make an offline donation, please make your check payable to
“Special Olympics Illinois” and mail it directly to me or to: Special Olympics Illinois, Attn: Coaster
Challenge, 500 Waters Edge, Ste 100, Lombard, IL 60148. Please be sure to include my name in the
memo area so that I receive credit for your contribution.
If you want to learn more about this twirling, rolling, fast and furious fundraiser, visit
www.coasterchallenge.com for all of the details.
Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2016 Coaster Challenge
Donor Receipts
2016 Coaster Challenge Receipt
2016 Coaster Challenge Receipt
Donor Name:
Donor Name:
Address:
Address:
Donation Amount: $
Date:
Participant:
Paid By:
Donation Amount: $
Date:
Participant:
Cash
Check
Paid By:
Thank you for your donation.
Special Olympics Illinois is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your
donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Cash
Check
Thank you for your donation.
Special Olympics Illinois is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your
donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
2016 Coaster Challenge Receipt
2016 Coaster Challenge Receipt
Donor Name:
Donor Name:
Address:
Address:
Donation Amount: $
Date:
Date:
Participant:
Participant:
Paid By:
Donation Amount: $
Cash
Check
Paid By:
Check
Thank you for your donation.
Thank you for your donation.
Special Olympics Illinois is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your
donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Cash
Special Olympics Illinois is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your
donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
2016 Coaster Challenge Receipt
2016 Coaster Challenge Receipt
Donor Name:
Donor Name:
Address:
Address:
Donation Amount: $
Date:
Participant:
Paid By:
Donation Amount: $
Date:
Participant:
Cash
Check
Thank you for your donation.
Special Olympics Illinois is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your
donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Paid By:
Cash
Check
Thank you for your donation.
Special Olympics Illinois is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your
donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
*Use donor receipts for cash and check donations that are less than $100. Checks made
for $100 or more will receive a mailed receipt from Special Olympics Illinois. All online
donors will automatically receive an emailed receipt via email. If you have
questions, contact Jen at [email protected].
Sample Emails/Facebook Posts
Help me support Special Olympics Illinois by donating to my fundraising page. I'll be taking the
Coaster Challenge and riding a total of a [INSERT GOAL HERE] on the world class roller coasters at
Six Flags Great America! All proceeds benefit the over 22,000 athletes and more than 20,000 Young
Athletes across Illinois. I have sent a personal fundraising goal of ($AMOUNT).
To make a donation go to: [INSERT LINK TO FUNDRAISING PAGE HERE]
Are you a RAGING BULL? I am! Help support me as I take on the Coaster Challenge and raise funds
for Special Olympics Illinois. [INSERT LINK TO FUNDRAISING PAGE HERE]
Take the Coaster Challenge! Get in on the fun and help support Special Olympics Illinois! Join me
on September 25 as I ride a [INSTERT DISTANCE] on the roller coasters at Six Flags Great America.
Why? To raise funds and awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois! To make a
donation go to: [INSERT LINK TO FUNDRAISING PAGE HERE]
Connect with Us!
www.facebook.com/specialolympicsillinois
www.twitter.com/SO_Illinois
www.instagram.com/specialolympicsillinois
www.youtube.com/SOillinois
Facts About Special Olympics Illinois
WHO WE ARE: Our mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of
Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing
opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing
of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
OUR HISTORY: Special Olympics began in 1968 right here in Chicago, when the First International Special
Olympics Games were held at Soldier Field. One thousand athletes with intellectual disabilities from 26
states and Canada competed in track & field and aquatics. Today, over 22,000 athletes with
intellectual disabilities and more than 20,000 Young Athletes ages 2 – 7 with and without intellectual
disabilities are served through Special Olympics Illinois with the help of more than 45,000 volunteers.
Special Olympics has become a truly global movement with more than 4.5 million athletes from more than
170 countries competing through programs accredited by Special Olympics, Inc. based in Washington, D.C.
THE PROGRAM: Special Olympics helps empower people with intellectual disabilities to realize their full
potential. Special Olympics athletes enhance their physical fitness and motor skills while building selfconfidence, friendships and social skills. Special Olympics athletes carry these benefits with them into their
daily lives at home, in the classroom, on the job and in the community. Families who participate become
stronger as they learn a greater appreciation of their athlete’s abilities. Volunteers help in every aspect of
the program and derive great satisfaction from contact with the athletes and their families. Members of the
community learn to recognize and value the contributions of people with intellectual disabilities.
ALL YEAR LONG…AND IT’S FREE! There are training and competition opportunities every day throughout
the year. Our programs are free to all eligible athletes and are possible thanks to the generous support from
individuals and businesses who believe in Special Olympics athletes. Financial support comes almost exclusively from individuals, corporations, foundations and special events. We receive no government funding
and we are not a United Way organization.
Jen Marcello
[email protected]
630-942-5612
Special Olympics Illinois
500 Waters Edge, Ste 100
Lombard, IL 60148
www.soill.org