What if my donors do not want to donate online?
Donations  can be collected by you personally and turned in the day of the walk.   Please use our donation/pedge form that can be found at HERE.   Donations can also be mailed directly to the Autism Society of Nebraska.

     Autism Society of Nebraska
     PO Box 83559
     Lincoln, NE  68501-3559 

What if people would rather give me cash?
It is safest and best for record-keeping if you receive donations in the form of checks or money orders.   Cash donations can be accepted but in order for us to credit your friends and family for their generosity you must turn in a donor tracking form the day of the walk.   You can download a form HERE.

Do I have to complete a donation sheet for each check?
This is the best way to ensure that you receive the credit you deserve for all your fundraising efforts and necessary to ensure that we can credit your friends and family for their donation.  You can download a donation form HERE.  Online donations do not need to be included on your donation sheet.

Can I continue to collect donations after the walk?  Where do I send the checks?
Absolutely!  Please mail donations with the appropriate donation form to:

Autism Society of Nebraska
PO Box 83559
Lincoln, NE  68501-3559

Are donations tax deductible?
Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.  The Autism Society of America is a registered 501(c)3 organization.  The tax ID number for our Nebraska chapter is 14-1540002.

Who should checks be made payable to?
Please ask your supporters to make checks payable The Autism Society of Nebraska.

I think my company matches.  How do I get this started?
Every company handles its own matching gift program differently.  Please contact your company’s Human Resources department for instructions on how to double your fundraising efforts through matching gifts.

Where do I send my matching gift form?
You can send your matching gift form to:

Autism Society of Nebraska
PO Box 83559
Lincoln, NE  68501-3559

Should I register as a team or an individual?
When you register with Firstgiving you will first do so as an individual.  This is where you will create your own fundraising page.  If you have friends or family member joining you, please start a team.  Then when they create their own registration/fundraising pages they will be able to also join your team.

Should I register my kids?
Yes, please register everyone who will be attending the walk.  This helps us plan for the day of the event.

I have a family member who wants to join my team but may not be able to attend the walk.  Can they still join my team?
Yes, absolutely!  Family and friends can register as VIRTUAL WALKERS and still support you by joining your team and they can even create an online fundraiser page as a team member even if they are unable to attend.

Is there a fee to participate?
Yes.  There is a registration fee to participate in the Autism Puzzle Walk.

Early Bird Registration closes April 17       $15 adult; $5 12 and under
Registration Fees:  April 18 - April 30       $20 adult; $10 12 and under
Virtual Walkers                                        $15

You can register online up until April 29, 2010.  Fundraising pages will be active and donations can be received until well after the walk; however, online registration will close on April 29th.  Please encourage everyone to register as early as possible to help us get a good headcount for the event.  Registration is also available onsite the day of the event.  

Some of my family would like to come, but not walk.  Do they need to register?
Please make sure to register each person that will attend (even if they do not walk).  It helps us know how many people to plan for and all attendees who have registered will receive a walk T shirt.

What is a virtual walker?
Were you excited to participate in the Autism Puzzle Walk only to discover that you have another committment that day?  No problem!  You can still support the Nebraska autism community as a virtual walker.  Simply register as a VIRTUAL WALKER during the online registration process.  You will still be able to sign up with a team or even create your own fundraising page.   Virtual walkers will be eligible to earn the incentive prizes and will receive their prizes and Autism Puzzle Walk T-shirt in the mail after the walk.

What are incentive prizes?
New this year you will be eligible to receive prizes based on the amount of money you fundraise for the Autism Puzzle Walk!   Virtual Walkers will be mailed their prizes after the walk.

Raise $50 and receive an Autism Bracelet.

Raise $125 and receive an Autism Bracelet and a BPA Free Water Bottle.

Raise $250 and receive an Autism Bracelet, BPA Free Water Bottle, and Family Swim passes to Swimtastic.

Raise $500 and receive an Autism Bracelet, BPA Free Water Bottle, Family Swim passes to Swimtastic, and a Walk Sweatshirt (mailed to you post walk)

Raise $1000 and receive an Autism Bracelet, BPA Free Water Bottle, Family Swim passes to Swimtastic, and a Walk Sweatshirt (mailed to you post walk), and a $25 gift card to an area business.

Is there a cut off time on fundraising to determine top fundraisers and incentive prize levels?
Yes.  When determining top fundraiser winners and incentive prizes we will calculate your online total on your personal Firstgiving page as of 10pm on Friday, April 29th.  That total will be added to any cash turned in at the walk by 10am to determine your levels.  Online donations will be continue to be accepted however they will not count towards the prizes or incentive levels.

Is it better to register online or register the morning of the walk?
What is important to us is that you join us the day of the walk to support the Nebraska Autism Community!  However, it does help us plan for the event better if we know ahead of time how many participants to expect.   We order shirts and food based on our pre-registration numbers.  Also by registering ahead of time you will have the opportunity to create a firstgiving fundraising page.  That page is an amazing resource to share with friends and family who may want to support you in your endeavor.   You can also customize this page with a photo, video and a special message about your reason for participating.

Is Corporate Sponsorship tax deductible?
Funds given in exchange for sponsorship deliverables can be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please check with your company’s accounting and tax experts about what can be declared charitable and what is a business expense.  The Autism Society is a 501 (c)3 tax exempt organization–Tax ID Number: 14-1540002.

Are pets allowed at the walk?
We respectfuly request that you leave your pets at home.   Therapy dogs will be allowed and we are expecting our friends at Domesti-Pups to join us.  Domesti-pups provides service dogs for persons with disabilities and pet therapy programs.

Are strollers and wheelchairs allowed at the walk?
 Yes.  You might even consider bringing a wagons for the little ones!

Are bikes, rollerblades, scooters or skateboards allowed at the walk?
For everyone’s safety, we can not allow these items.

I may not make it to the walk when Check-In/Registration opens.  Can I arrive late?
Yes.  Check-in will be open until the walk ends.  Please go directly to the check-in area when you arrive.

Do I need to fundraise in order to get a walk T shirt?
All registered walkers will receive a T-shirts.  

If I don’t pickup my T-shirt at the event, can I get one mailed to me?
To reduce costs we will not be able to mail T-shirts to walk participants.  We will do our best to ensure that those participants who pre-registered receive a shirt in the size of their choice. However, when this is not possible, another size may be substituted. 

What happens if it rains on the day of the walk?
We walk in all weather!  Rain, sleet nor snow will keep us away!

What do I need to bring with me on the day of the walk?
Besure to bring your donations to the walk. Registration forms will be provided at the walk for those who have not pre-registered.   If you have donations, please place them along with a donation sheet inside an envelope.  This envelope can be turned in when you check in the morning of the walk.

How can sign up to volunteer at the walk?
We would love to have you volunteer!  Please contact autismsociety@autismnebraska.org to find out more information.

What time will I need to arrive if I volunteer? 
All registered volunteers will receive an email about a week before the walk with detailed information.