There is a VBF Walk / Run for for everyone!You can invite your whole city to a competitive 5K at a public park, or just your close family and friends for a stroller-friendly family fun walk through your own neighborhood.
No time to plan a race?Join families across the country by hosting a Virtual Purple Polka Dot Race, and get your state or country represented.
Jody Lee founded the Purple Polka Dot Race in 2015 to honor her daughter, Meghana, who was born with a port-wine stain. Four years later, the annual PPD run at Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, Michigan has a HUGE following of dedicated supporters – both virtual and in-person. Today, the race is one of the largest and most successful national events held to raise awareness and funds for VBF’s mission.
Read more below about how YOU can raise awareness for vascular birthmarks by hosting a virtual race, planning your own run / walk, or supporting the Purple Polka Dot Race itself. All proceeds donated to VBF will go directly towards our mission of helping those affected by vascular birthmarks.
This year, the Lee Family’s goal is to have a virtual PPD Walk / Run in all 50 states and around the world to ensure that Meghana’s inspirational message of acceptance and hope is shared far and wide. Ask your family and friends near and far to register as a VIRTUAL RACE PARTICIPANT.
Register as a Virtual Race Participant here. Share the registration link with your family and friends across the U.S.: Our goal is to have a virtual race in all 50 states.
After signing up for the race, you can set up a Give2myVBF PPD Team Page to raise funds to support your team from anywhere in the world. Simply fill out our simple request form, and we will generate a personalized Team Page for you to share with your supporters to ask for contributions to this awesome cause. Just add your Team Name, Story & Photos (if any), and we’ll set up your PPD Team page, along with general information about the race, for you to customize and share with your supporters. Funds generated through your page will go towards the PPD Team’s $20,000 goal.
Every virtual race participants who registers early will be mailed a SWAG BAG, which includes a PPD T-Shirt and other goodies you can rock on the day of the race from anywhere in the world to raise awareness and show your support.
Email Kristin at kristin@birthmark.org to request a PPD Team Page or with any questions about team fundraising. We’re here to help!
Pick a location that is convenient and accessible for your audience. Some factors to consider in choosing a location include facility use cost, proximity of the nearest restrooms, parking, and safety for children present. Be sure to ask if your facility will waive any usage fees since you’ll be raising funds for a non-profit.
Some options include:
Sponsorships are a great way to ensure coverage of event carrying costs, including facility rental fees. You can contact international, national or local sponsors to assist with costs related to hosting your virtual 5K walk/run. Contact at least 10-15 sponsors well in advance of your race.
Some possible sponsors include:
Think of any item you use at home and contact the company!!
Consider a raffle as another way to raise money for the families of the VBF. Raffle items can include both goods and services.
Contact VBF to set up your personal fundraising page. We can customize your fundraising page with photos, stories and details about your event. Those who wish to support your event, but cannot attend in person, can make a gift to VBF through this page. We can also work with you to process event registrations through out website.
Create a Facebook awareness page (Purple Polka Dot Race will help you with this). Facebook is a great way to get the word out about your event.
The Lee Family founded the Purple Polka Dot Race (PPDR) in 2015 to honor their daughter Meghana who was born with 10 fingers, 10 toes and a special birthmark on her cheek and chin that they later found out was a port wine stain (PWS). VBF was there to provide the Lee Family not only with answers to some of their questions, but also with a sense of community and support system unlike any other. Their sweet and sassy 3-year old receives laser treatments for her PWS, which cause her to have temporary purple polka dots on her face. Their mission is to raise awareness and encourage acceptance for all those out there who are also sporting their very own “purple polka dots”!
Three years later, the annual PPD run at Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, Michigan has a HUGE following of dedicated supporters – both virtual and in-person, and has transformed into one of the largest and most successful national events held to raise awareness and funds for VBF. VBF is inspired by the Lee’s family’s dedication to our shared mission and is profoundly grateful for all they’ve done for VBF and our entire birthmark community.
The 4th Annual Purple Polka Dot Race will be on August 11, 2019 at Eastwood Beach at Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, Michigan. Learn more, or Register here.
This year, the Lee Family’s goal is to have a virtual PPD Walk / Run in all 50 states and around the world to ensure that Meghana’s inspirational message of acceptance and hope is shared far and wide.
You can support the Lee Family’s race by making a donation here, or hosting a virtual PPD race of your own. Every virtual race participant will get a swag bag and T-shirt to rock not the day of the race from anywhere in the world.
For more information and updates about the Purple Polka Dot Race or to become a sponsor, please visit the Lee family’s website at: https://purplepolkadotrace.com or e-mail Jody Lee at purplepolkadotrace@gmail.com
