Information for Parents

The Washburn Games provides your child with an opportunity to give back. Together with our corporate sponsors, the money your child raises directly benefits the children with social, emotional and behavioral problems. There are two ways for kids to participate:

     1) Pay a $10 registration fee

     OR

     2) Raise $100 or more for Washburn Center for Children
         and be eligible for prize drawings. Participants can
         create their own personal fundraising page
         to make fundraising easy, and track cash/check
         donations using this form.


Although The Washburn Games centers around an afternoon of fun and exploration, your child will be recognized for the contribution he/she has made to other children and our broader community. By giving children the opportunity to give back, they learn that altruism, generosity, and community involvement can be both fun for them and critically important to the lives of others.

Q&A for Parents

• Where and when is the event?
Bryn Mawr Meadows in Minneapolis near I-394 and Penn Avenue (just West of downtown) on September 25, 2011. Events are open from 1:30pm to 4:30pm.

A program will be held at 4pm, followed by the prize drawings.
• How much does it cost?
There is a $10 registration fee to participate, payable at the event. If your child raises funds for Washburn Center for Children and meets a $100 goal, this registration fee is waived. Click here to set up a personalized fundraising page for your children, and use this form to track any cash/check donations.
• Is there any incentive for raising more than $100?
The Washburn Games will award a $1,000 educational grant to the child who raises the most money for Washburn Center for Children. Additionally, children who meet the $100 fundraising goal will be entered in a drawing to win a $1,000 higher educational grant and other fun prizes (exact prizes to be determined, pending in-kind donations).


• How will the fundraising awards be given?
At the closing ceremony of The Washburn Games, the winner(s) of the educational grant(s) will be announced and recognized. The award(s) will be made into a 529 Plan for the benefit of the winning child. The funds will be held in trust until the child attends a qualifying higher education institution. More information will be provided to the parent(s) of the winner(s) after The Washburn Games.
• What is Washburn Center for Children?
With over 128 years as a non-profit agency serving children and families in Minnesota, Washburn Center for Children is the leader in helping children with social, emotional and behavioral mental health problems and their families. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and winner of the 2008 Non-Profit Award of Excellence by the Minnesota Council of Non-Profits and MAP for Non-Profits. In 2009, Washburn was honored as the Provider of the Year by the National Alliance of Mental Illness-Minnesota. The problems faced by the children Washburn serves are commonly caused by biological factors or traumatic events. Recent estimates suggest that almost 70% of the children entering the juvenile justice system in Minnesota would have benefited from the services Washburn provides. Click here for more information.
• Are contributions raised by my child tax-deductible by the contributor?
Yes. Washburn will send out confirmation of the tax deductible gift to the contributor and will seek to maximize the deductible amount to extent possible under IRS rules. IRS rules allow contributors to deduct the percentage of a contribution that goes to the non-profit after the expenses of the event are paid.
• How many children will be participating?
The Washburn Games will cap the number of participants at 500. The first 500 to register on the web site will participate.
• What will my child receive before the day of the event?
The Washburn Games will send several e-newsletters to registered participants between the time they register and the day of the event. The newsletter will feature fun facts about the events. The newsletter will also contain information about Washburn, and the kinds of challenges it helps children overcome. Finally, the newsletter will feature fundraising ideas and reminders to keep the momentum going.
• What will my child receive on the day of the event?
Upon arriving at the event, your child will receive a T-shirt to wear during the Games and a scorecard to bring to each station. Upon completing the event, your child will receive a medal in recognition of his/her participation. All items will be provided at the registration area near the Bryn Mawr Meadows parking lot.
• How will the Washburn Games be administered?
Each sports station will be staffed by numerous volunteers. The volunteers will help your child complete the activity and will record your child's score on the official scorecard.
• Is this a one-time event?
No. The 2011 Washburn Games is the second annual event and we hope it will be a family favorite for years to come. Your child will be able to track his/her progress year after year.
• What happens if it rains?
The backup location for the Washburn Games is the Midtown YWCA at 2121 East Lake St. in Minneapolis. Due to space constraints, the number of events may be limited.
• Do we have to be there the whole time?
No. You are welcome to come and go as you please.
• Does my child have to participate in all sports stations?
No. Your child chooses which sports activities he/she wants to try, and he/she can participate in any event as many times as he/she chooses.
• What is the order of the stations?
There is no specific order. Your child chooses when to try a particular activity.
• Can I participate alongside my child?
Parents are welcome to participate alongside their child to the extent it doesn't interfere with other participants or the efficiency of the event parents are strongly encouraged to accompany their child throughout the event.
• Where is Bryn Mawr Meadows?
Bryn Mawr Meadows is located in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood of Minneapolis, just West of downtown. The park can be accessed via the Penn Avenue exit of I-394.
• Where will I park?
There is a parking lot with approximately 100 spaces located adjacent to the park on Morgan Avenue. Street parking is also available.
• Will there be medical professionals on staff to assist in the event of any injury?
Yes.
• Will there be food and beverages available for purchase at the event?
Yes.