Frequently Asked Questions

What is Walk to End to Lupus Now™?
Do I need to register for the Walk?
Is there a registration fee?
How do I get a t-shirt?
How do I pick up other fundraising incentive prizes?
How long do I have to collect and turn in donations to qualify for an incentive prize?
Why should I raise money?
Where does the money go?
Are donations tax deductible?
What should I do with checks and cash donations?
How do I get credit for my company's Matching Gift?
Where can I find directions, transportation & parking information?
Why did the Walk start time change?
How long is Walk route?
What happens if it rains? 

What is Walk to End to Lupus Now™?

Lupus Foundation of America’s Walk to End Lupus Now is America’s largest Lupus walk program with thousands of walkers in nearly 60 cities across the nation raising money for lupus research, increasing awareness of Lupus, and rallying public support for the estimated 1.5 million Americans who suffer from its brutal impact.

Do I need to register for the Walk?

Yes, you must register. Use this step by step guide of the registration process then Click here to get started. If you have friends or family joining you day of the event, they can register on site. We also ask that all who attend to fundraise and/or make a donation to support the mission of the LFANC

Is there a registration fee?

Yes. Every walker over the age of 13 years old and up is required to pay a $10 registration. If you are 12 years old or younger, you are free. Scholarships are available upon requesting an application by emailing info@lupusnc.org.

How do I get a t-shirt?

All individual walkers who raise $100 or more (in their own name) on or before walk day will receive a T-shirt at registration. Donations made to another walker’s fundraising page do not count. NOTE: T-shirts will not be available to those raising $100 post event.  Only one shirt per person will be given.

How do I pick up other fundraising incentive prizes?

T-shirts will ONLY be distributed the day of the walk. Approximately 4 weeks after the fundraising deadline, certificates for all other incentives will be emailed from WalkToEndLupusNow@lupus.org (please add to your address book to ensure you receive it). Only once you select your incentive item, it will be shipped to you. NOTE: The Lupus Foundation of America reserves the right to substitute an incentive item of equal or greater value.  Prizes are not cumulative.

How long do I have to collect and turn in donations to qualify for an incentive prize?

Donations will continue to be collected up to 4 weeks after the walk to qualify for one of our prizes. Incentive items are not cumulative. Fundraisers may select one item at or below the level achieved. Matching gifts are included in fundraising totals if the fundraiser provides the appropriate matching gift form when turning in the eligible donation. Click here to see a list of fundraising deadlines.

Why should I raise money?

By raising funds for Walk to End Lupus Now, you are helping us fulfill our vision of a world free of Lupus through Lupus research, education, support and advocacy programs to help improve the lives of all people impacted by Lupus. With every dollar you raise, you have the power to bring us that much closer to solving the cruel mystery of Lupus. Knowing that they are making a difference is what keeps our walkers coming back year after year. 

Where does the money go?

Funds raised from this year’s walk will help:

  • Lead special research initiatives, fund innovative studies, and advocate for increased public and private investment in Lupus research to advance the science and medicine of Lupus;

  • Translate research findings into useful programs, information, and tools for people with Lupus, and ensure health professionals know about new means to diagnose and manage the disease;

  • Provide caring support to people with lupus, their families and their caregivers, and help guide them through the complexities of living with Lupus; and,

  • Conduct outreach efforts to increase public understanding of Lupus, and share stories of those who suffer from the disease to rally public support to join the fight to end lupus. 

 

To learn more on how the LFA, NC Chapter uses contributions, visit the “How Donations Are Used” portion of our Chapter website.

Are donations tax deductible?

The LFA, NC Chapter is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization and contributions are tax deductible. Our Tax ID number is 56-1487119.

What should I do with checks & cash donations?

You can mail your check donations to:
Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter
2820 Selwyn Ave. - #701
Charlotte, NC 28209

Be sure to write your walker name, team name, and city on each check. Allow 3 weeks for processing. Please do not mail cash.

You can also bring your contributions with you on walk day. Download the Offline Donation Form to record gifts received in checks and cash. Double or triple your fundraising with Matching Gift Programs offered by your and your donors’ employers! Ask your Human Resources department about matching gifts. If you haven’t already, search our Matching Gift Database to see your employer will match your donation to the Lupus Foundation of America.  Click here to begin your search.

How do I get credit for my company's Matching Gift?

Matching gifts forms from a company can be completed online or sent to the LFA, NC Headquarters. The LFANC recieves a notification of any online matching gift forms that have been submitted for our approval.  Once received by LFANC, matching gift forms are processed within 3-5 business days; once confirmation of original gift is made, the forms are submitted to the matching gift company. Matching gift amounts will be credited to your account only when the check has been received from the company, however they will be counted in your total for prizes and contests as soon as the paperwork is complete with the company.

Want an easy way to double your gift to the LFANC? Doubling your gift is easy if your employer has a matching gift program. 

Where can I find directions, transportation & parking information?

Visit the Event Details page for more information. 

How long is the Walk route?

To ensure a fun, safe, and cost effective event the walk has been condensed to one route that is is 1.25 miles. Walkers will now get to enjoy the entire route together with their friends, family, and teammates.  Walkers can make their way around CPCC campus and through the beautiful campus and streets surrounding Charlotte. Don’t want to walk? Sign up to volunteer instead! If you can attend, but physically can't participate in the walk, you can hang out with the others at the Start/Finish area to cheer on the walkers as they return.  If you are planning on attending the event we ask that you do register as a walker. This provides us with an estimate of the number of people that will be attending the event.

What happens if it rains?

The walk is held rain or shine. Lupus doesn't take a day off; so neither can we! In the event of serve weather, the LFA staff will make a determination as soon as possible and notify all registered participants.