FAQ

What is the Trailblaze Challenge?
The Trailblaze Challenge is a 23.4 mile hike where participants can tackle the terrain of the Maine Hut Trail - all in one amazing day! This is a hike, not a race, and caters to all levels from novice to advanced outdoor enthusiasts. As well as being an extraordinary physical test, the real challenge is to raise much needed funds to grant the wishes of children in Maine with critical illnesses. A wish gives children renewed energy and strength, brings families closer together and unites communities. By supporting the Trailblaze Challenge, you will help grant more than 80 wishes this year.

How do I sign up to participate in the Trailblaze Challenge?
To begin this life-changing journey, you'll need to attend an online information meeting held via Zoom. These meetings are designed to inform you about the mission of Make-A-Wish and describe in detail the weekend-long hike event. Following the information session, you will receive the link to register as a hiker for this year's Trailblaze Challenge. Info sessions fill up quickly. Reserve your spot today by clicking "RSVP" at the top of this page. Once registered for an info session you will receive an email with a link to join the Zoom meeting ahead of your selected meeting date.

What's included in my hike experience?

• Specialized training program including a workout calendar and bi-weekly group hikes
• Training Clinics: hiking saftey, equipment and stretching, and fundraising tips
• Support and coaching from experienced hikers and staff
• Hotel accommodations on hike weekend at Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel (3-days/2-nights)
• Trailblaze Challenge shirt for hike weekend
• Trailblaze Challenge bandana for hike weekend
• Transportation to and from the trail on hike day
• Friday night pasta party to carb load before the big day
• Trail support at multiple locations throughout your journey on hike day, including hydration, snacks, first aid and encouragement
• Saturday evening post-hike celebration to share trail stories
• Sunday post-hike victory breakfast before heading home
• Inspiration through Make-A-Wish wish stories and interactions with wish families 

Is there a fee to participate?
Each trailblazer will be asked to raise a minimum amount of funds to cover their expenses and to help Make-A-Wish Maine continue its mission to grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses. A $100 personal donation is requested at the time of registration and will be credited toward your overall fundraising goal. The Trailblaze Challenge is open to the first 100 registrants.

Are pets allowed?
Pets are allowed on the first few (shorter) group training hikes. After that, we ask that you please not include pets in group training hikes. Pets are not allowed on the trail for hike weekend. Please be sure to follow all leash requirements as stated by the parks and properties we will be visiting.

How will I reach my goals?
Make-A-Wish will support hike participants each step of the way by providing each participant with a personalized fundraising webpage, as well as sponsorship and fundraising materials, tips and advice. Each Trailblazer will be provided with a specialized training program and will be invited to attend bi-weekly group training sessions and informal meet-ups.

Is my information secure?
Yes. We use industry-standard SSL encryption techniques to make sure that your credit card information, passwords, and personal information travel securely over the Internet. There is an encryption engine on our database server so that your data is securely stored.

How is credit card information handled?
Credit card information is not stored in our database. During the donation process, we send donor credit card information to an online processing terminal using a secure connection. The information passed back is an approval or denial of the credit card donation.

I forgot my Username and Password. How can I find out what they are?
Remember that your username and password are case sensitive. Click here to find your password. You will receive separate emails with your username and password.

How can I see who has donated to me?
Go to the Login section on the site. Enter the Username and Password that you used when you registered for the event. In your Participant Center, click on "View Progress". You will see Donor Name and dollar amounts in the Donation History section.

How can I view my team's activity?
Log in to the site using your username and password, and then click on the ‘My Team’ tab. This will allow you to view your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.

What do I do with check or cash donations that I receive?
Turn your check or cash donations in to the Events Manager at Make-A-Wish Maine or mail to 66 Mussey Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074. They will add it into the system and count it towards your fundraising goal. Make sure to print out the Mail In donation form and include it with your cash or check donations.

The Mail In Donation Form can be located by first clicking “donate” on your supporter page and then at the top of the page, you’ll click on “download a printable donation form”.

All of my donors are not showing up on the scroll mechanism. Why?
As your supporters donate to you or your team, they have the option to make their name visible or anonymous in the scroll. Please contact with questions.

How does utilize the contributions?
To get more information on how uses contributions, please visit our website at .

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