FAQ

What is the Trailblaze Challenge?
The Trailblaze Challenge is a 28 mile hike and a training program that takes place from January through June, to help prepare participants to tackle 28 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail in one amazing day! It's not a race. It's a journey. In this program, there are no winners or losers. Our goal is to bring people together to build community and support families who are faced with the harsh realities of critical illnesses. When you take your first step on your journey as a Trailblazer, you are paving the way for a brighter tomorrow for children right here in your community.

The program is open to participants of all levels, from novice to advanced outdoor enthusiasts. All hikers must be 16 years of age or older. Hikers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian/registered TBCSD participant at all times.

When are info sessions?

Tuesday, January 16th, 2024 - 6pm @ Wheelhouse Credit Union. 9212 Balboa Ave. San Diego, CA 92123
Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 - 6pm @ Helix Brewing. 8101 Commercial St. La Mesa, CA 91942
Thursday, January 18th, 2024 - 6pm @ Columbia Sportswear Employee Store. 3209 Lionshead Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92010.
Monday, January 22nd, 2024 - 6:30pm @ YMCA Mission Valley. 5505 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92110
Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024 - 6pm @ Milestone Running PB. 1892 Garnet Ave. San Diego, CA 92109
Wednesday, January 24th, 2024 - 6pm @ Helix Brewing. 8101 Commercial St. La Mesa, CA 91942
Thursday, January 25th, 2024 - 6pm @ Zoom Session (Link will be emailed before session)
Saturday, January 27th, 2024 - 10am @ YMCA Mission Valley. 5505 Friars Rd. San Diego, CA 92110
Tuesday, January 30th, 2024 - 6pm @ Mesa Rim Mission Valley. 405 Camino Del Rio S, San Diego, CA 92108
Wednesday January 31st, 2024 - 12pm @ YMCA Oceanside. 4701 Mesa Dr, Oceanside, CA 92056
Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 - 6pm @ Columbia Sportswear Employee Store. 3209 Lionshead Ave Carlsbad, CA 92010

What's included in my hike experience?

• Specialized training program including a workout calendar and bi-weekly group hikes
• Training Clinics: hiking boots, socks and other trail essentials, hydration and nutrition and cross training
• Support and coaching from experienced hikers and staff
• Hotel accommodations on hike weekend for Big Bear and summer camp accommodations on hike weekend in Wrightwood. (3-days/2-nights)
• Trailblaze Challenge shirt for hike weekend
• Trailblaze Challenge bandana for training hikes & 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, 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 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. 

How to I utilize Matching Gifts from companies?
Double your donation! Many companies will match tax-deductible donations made to charitable organizations. Ask local businesses if they will match your donation to Make-A-Wish and encourage others to do the same. Pro-tip: Ask your company about matching donations early, as they take a couple of months to process.

Are pets allowed?
We love your furry friends, but for the safety of your pet and other participants, pets are not allowed on training hikes or on the trail at hike weekends.

Can I bring friends and/or family?
Friends and children are not permitted on training hikes. Hike leaders are there to support registered participants only. During hike weekend, friends and family are permitted (and encouraged) to cheer you on at the halfway point and the finish line. However, unregistered visitors cannot join you on the trail.

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, that includes a resource library of trail maps and notes, weekly Trail Talk emails (topics range from gear recommendations to safety, navigation, preparedness and more), educational clinics, community support, informal meet-ups and more!

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 Make-A-Wish San Diego team at our local chapter office. We 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. Double check that your donation is mailed to the San Diego office and not Make-A-Wish America in Arizona.

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 Grace da Silva at gdasilva@sandiego.wish.org with questions.

How does Make-A-Wish San Diego utilize the contributions?
To get more information on how uses contributions, please visit our website at https://sandiego.wish.org.

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