Frequently Asked
Questions

Where do I send my registration fee and donations that I receive?

All registration fees, made payable to The Progin Family Fund, must be sent to Courtney Newman at 403 Long Hill Road, Hillsborough, NJ accompanied by a complete race registration form. We cannot accept team registration fees via paypal as we will not be able to determine which online payments are direct donations verses participant registration fees. All donations collected by your participation on this team, also made payable to "The Progin Family Fund", should be mailed to: The Progin Family Fund, c/o Mary Takla, PNC Wealth Management, 454 State Route 28, Bridgewater, NJ, 08807.

Who are Courtney & Mike Newman?

Mike and Courtney are avid marathoners. For five years, they coached a walking / running marathon team supporting the programs offered by The Wellness Community of Central New Jersey. The Wellness Community offers free support, education and hope to those in our community affected by cancer. With the birth of their second child, they found coaching destination marathons a bit too much and went into semi-retirement.

How did this team come about?

Courtney and Mike heard the news about Ian. Courtney had not been close with him since graduating from Hillsborough in 1996, but they continued to travel in the same circle and the news broke their hearts. As a young family like the Progins, they wanted to help and didn't know how. So they decided the only thing they could do was help reduce the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis. They proposed the idea to the family that they would coach a team much like "Team in Training" where people join and then raise funds for a cause.

Why does some of the money go to The Steeplechase Cancer Center?

Typically these teams are more destination oriented, have fundraising minimum requirements and include benefits to participants like air travel, hotel stay, meals and race registration.

They kicked around where they could travel locally, but there was no better fit than The Steeplechase 5K and 25K on October 2nd. It offers walking, running, short distance, long distance and events for children. It's local, it's community oriented, and since race registration was not an expense that could be avoided, it's nice that it will benefit The Steeplechase Cancer Center at Somerset Medical Center.

Why wasn't a race planned where 100% of the proceeds would go to The Progin Family?

It was decided to concentrate on money coming in rather than the logistics of planning an event like this, especially the 25K. With people registering and each becoming individual fundraisers, a much greater community would be reached than with just a local race. To explain this further, time could be spent planning a route, involving police support, closing roads, etc., or 100 letters could be drafted to family members, co-workers and friends who don't know the Progins, but would sponsor someone's participation in this event. The 100 letters is a much more lucrative approach.

Do I have to fundraise?

Your team registration fee includes a donation to The Progin family. But why not consider sending a note or email to your contacts and ask them to sponsor you. It will make your walk or run more meaningful than it already is.

Will my fundraising dollars be tracked?

Due to the large interest in this team and reach it will have, we simply don't have the capacity to track each donation to a walker/runner. But we encourage you to track your own dollars raised and send thank yous accordingly. We are not a 501(c)(3) so donations are considered gifts and are not tax deductible.

What does guided training via email mean?

At the start of each week, you will receive an email detailing your workouts for the week. The email will include training tips as well as fundraising ideas. At anytime you can opt out of receiving these emails and just print the training program posted online.

Do I have to attend Saturday morning trainings at HHS?

These are there for your convenience in the event that you find training on your own difficult. They will also help build team camaraderie.

How involved are the Progins?

A spreadsheet of registered participants will be provided to the Progins on a nightly basis so they can feel the support as our team grows. They will manage the account where funds are deposited. Other than that, this requires no involvement from them so they can concentrate on their family needs. However, Courtney Progin is very excited about running.

How much of the money raised will go to the Progins?

Except for the race registration fee, all proceeds go directly to the Progin family. The cost of team shirts will be covered by the official team sponsor as part of their $5,000 contribution.

Will there be sponsorship opportunity for local businesses?

Absolutely. Depending on the level of sponsorship, perks include your business name on the back of the team shirt, inclusion on our team site and an opportunity to advertise your company in an email to the team. While the focus is on monetary donations, goods and services will be accepted to later raffle as an additional form of fundraising. You may go to the Sponsorship Program Page for more information.

If I sign up for the 25K and am unable to do it, can I participate in the 5K?

The race director will allow participants to downgrade events up until race morning, however the difference in event costs will not be refunded.

Where can I learn more about the event?

Course maps, directions to Amsterdam school and event start times can all be found at http://www.oymp.net/Raceinfo/steeplechase.htm.

Since part of my registration fee goes to The Steeplechase Cancer Center, what is it and where can I learn more about it?

The Steeplechase Cancer Center at Somerset Medical Center is designated as a "Comprehensive Community Cancer Program" by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer - a distinction only achieved by one in four hospitals that treat cancer patients. The outpatient facility houses the nationally-accredited Sanofi-aventis U.S. Breast Care Program, radiation therapy services, infusion therapy, the medical center's research team, oncologists' and surgeons' offices, complementary medicine services, patient navigator services, a patient resource library and the Sanofi-aventis U.S. Wellness Boutique. For more information, visit www.steeplechasecancercenter.com.

When is the deadline to sign up for the 5K or 25K?

The deadline to sign up for the walking or running team is September 20th.

However, we encourage people to sign up as soon as possible for several reasons. Your registration is a sign of love and support which shouldn't wait, you also become part of a team which is about making a difference and the sooner you sign up, the sooner you can contribute. Lastly, your early registration will help us anticipate our team shirt order.

Have another question?

Please email organizer Courtney Newman at proginsplayers@gmail.com for further information.