Old Bill's Fun Run for Charities facts for kids

Old Bill's Fun Run For Charities, often called Old Bill’s, is a special event that helps raise money for good causes. It happens every year in Jackson, Wyoming. This event is managed by the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole.

Old Bill's started in 1997 and was the first event of its kind in the United States. Since then, it has helped charities in Jackson Hole collect over $121 million. The money raised must be used to help people in Teton County, Wyoming.

Thanks to Old Bill's Fun Run, the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole has been recognized as one of the best community foundations in the United States. It has consistently helped many local groups.

How Old Bill's Began

The idea for Old Bill's Fun Run came from a secret couple. They were known as Mr. and Mrs. Old Bill. Their dream was to encourage everyone in Jackson Hole to help others. They wanted to make giving to charity easy and fun.

With the help of the Community Foundation, they created a unique way to raise money. People could donate to many different groups with just one simple payment. Mr. and Mrs. Old Bill, along with other big donors, would then add extra money to these donations. This extra money is called a "Match Fund."

A part of the Match Fund, $250,000, is also set aside each year. This money helps the Community Foundation give grants to local groups. To celebrate everyone's kindness, the giving period ends with a big Fun Run. This run is a popular event that brings the whole community together.

How the Fun Run Works

Each year, Mr. and Mrs. Old Bill donate $500,000 to the Match Fund. The Community Foundation of Jackson Hole then asks other generous people to become "Co-Challengers." These Co-Challengers also donate money to the fund.

Co-Challengers can donate at different levels:

• Titanium: $100,000
• Platinum: $75,000
• Gold: $50,000
• Silver: $35,000
• Bronze: $25,000

Donating to Your Favorite Groups

In the months before the event, people donate money to their favorite local charities. Old Bill's makes giving very simple. Donors only need to fill out one form and write one check. This allows them to give to as many local groups as they wish.

Local charities can raise as much money as they can. The Community Foundation adds extra money to the first $25,000 that each charity raises. This means your donation can go even further! If a charity raises more than $25,000, they still get all of that money, but it doesn't get extra matching funds.

The Big Celebration Day

On the second Saturday of September, over 4,000 people gather for a huge celebration. The day includes a Fun Run and Walk for everyone. There is also entertainment, tasty food, and booths where you can learn about different charities.

This special day, combined with the easy way to give, has made a big difference. It has helped people learn more about the important work of Jackson Hole organizations. In the last nineteen years, these groups have raised over $121 million. Old Bill's has also helped create a more caring community in Jackson Hole.

Understanding the Match Percentage

After all the donations are counted, the Community Foundation figures out the "match percentage." First, 20% of the total matching money from Co-Challengers is set aside. This money is given to local charities through a special grant process twice a year.

The rest of the matching funds are then compared to all the donations made by people like you. This comparison creates the match percentage. This percentage is then added to the money each charity raised. This means your donation has an even bigger impact!