FAQ

FAQ

What is the Trailblaze Challenge?
The Trailblaze Challenge is an endurance event where participants can tackle challenging hiking terrain - 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 Michigan 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 Make-A-Wish Michigan grant more wishes!

Is there a fee to participate?
Each trailblazer is asked to raise a minimum of $500 for the 22-mile hike to cover their expenses and to help Make-A-Wish continue its mission to grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses. A $75 personal donation is required at the time of registration for the 22-mile hike and will be credited toward your overall fundraising goal.

Are pets allowed?
Pets are sometimes allowed on the first few (shorter) training hikes. Please ask your hike lead before arriving to the trail. We ask that everyone leave their pets home for the actual Trailblaze Challenge.

Are there any training hikes I can join?
Yes! Group training hikes are offered starting in June through September. Our hike leads rotate weekends and just ask that you let them know you will be joining the hike so they know to wait for you before heading out on the trail.There will also be mid-week shorter hike options and social meet up’s. Please view the training schedule below for West Michigan and Southeast Michigan! 

Training Schedule

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 group training sessions and informal meet-ups.

Are there fundraising incentives?
Yes! Incentives will be announced in the coming weeks!

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.

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?

Cash and checks and be turned in at the Make-A-Wish Michigan office, located at:

20750 Civic Center Drive

Suite 180

Southfield, MI 48076

We will process your donations and add them into the system so they will appear on your fundraising page. Make sure to print out the Mail In donation form and include it with your cash or check donations

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 rsmith@michigan.wish.org with questions.

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

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