Montclair Event: ‘The Amazing Fundraiser’ Returns For 2024

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) is staging the town-wide event that brings out the spirit of community -- and competition -- in Montclair. The Amazing FundRACER 5.0: The Quintessential Race returns on Sunday, May 19.

Teams of two adults will race around Montclair in a mini-version of the TV competition show Amazing Race, competing in fun challenges against friends and neighbors, all in support of the 6,000 students who attend Montclair Public Schools. The first team to cross the finish line wins major bragging rights AND the gratitude of everyone who champions public education in our community.

Each team commits to raise a minimum of $750 for MFEE. The event also seeks support and sponsorship from local businesses, aiming to reach a $90,000 fundraising goal.

“This race will test your wit, grit and sense of humor,” said MFEE Executive Director Masiel Rodriquez-Vars. “MFEE is serious about fueling excellence in public education, and this event is a seriously silly way to unite our community for that purpose.”

What is the Amazing FundRACER 5.0?

MFEE enlists 50 teams of two to compete in a fast-paced and fun-filled race across Montclair. (Racers must be 18 years of age or older or a Montclair High School senior to participate.) Contestants will travel on foot and by bike. FundRACERs complete challenges at a series of undisclosed “Challenge Stations” to earn clues that point them to the next stop. Teams are eliminated as the race progresses, building to a climactic final challenge for the top four teams and a heated sprint to the finish line.

What makes this event unique?

The relationship-building aspect of the show inspired Rodriquez-Vars and MFEE Board member LeAnne Korbel to create the event in 2016. The duo actually auditioned for the show themselves (and are still determined to get on)! This is the fifth time MFEE has hosted the FundRACER.

During the pandemic, “QuaranTEAMS” of families and friends used cars for the race, but this year it’s returning to the original format, teams of two racing on foot and by bike.

Over the years, more than 1,500 supporters of public education have participated in this event as racers, donors, sponsors, and volunteers. The event has drawn town council members, principals, police officers, teachers, parents, custodians, business owners, and students to compete. The challenges require diverse skills: Racers have donned inflatable dinosaur suits, solved math problems, scoured Jackals stadium for clues, hunted for treasure in local businesses, and built tricycles to race around Glenfield Park.

“Racers work together to support their partners and build relationships with other teams to get through the course. It's always a surprise to see the alliances that get made,” Korbel said. “My favorite part is seeing the dedication and energy the volunteers bring. It’s a true community event, exciting and memorable for everyone involved. It's just so much fun!”

Families, friends and neighbors are encouraged to come out and support racers. This year there will be designated viewing areas along the route. Stay tuned for details!

What work does the FundRACER support?

Funds raised through this event will support MFEE’s ongoing efforts to promote equity, access, classroom innovation and teacher excellence, including:

• After-school enrichment, tutoring and support for multilingual learners in grades K - 12;
• Teacher Learning Communities to provide professional development;
• Grants and programming to promote racial and socio-economic equity;
• Classroom innovation and social-emotional learning grants to teachers;
• And inclusive programming to connect and meet the needs of students and caregivers.

To sign up to race, volunteer or donate, visit https://www.mfee.org/fundracer5.

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