Difference Maker Challenge
New this year! A fundraiser incentive to give you cool swag and helps us REACH ONE MORE!
Official Rules:
Difference Maker Challenge — Official Rules
250 FOR 250
250 Years. $250. One Mission.
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Welcome Home 5K participants are invited to take the challenge beyond the finish line by fundraising in support of the Eagle OPS mission.
Funds raised through the Welcome Home 5K support Eagle OPS Foundation’s overall mission of connecting relationships and resources to bring our heroes home — creating opportunities for veterans to find community, connection and continued support.
DIFFERENCE MAKER LEVELS
Participants who raise the qualifying amount through their individual Welcome Home 5K fundraising page will earn a special Difference Maker dog tag to attach to their 2026 finisher medal.
BRONZE DIFFERENCE MAKER
Raise $50–$149.99
SILVER DIFFERENCE MAKER
Raise $150–$249.99
GOLD DIFFERENCE MAKER
Raise $250 or more
HOW IT WORKS
• Fundraising totals are based on donations credited to the participant’s individual Welcome Home 5K fundraising page.
• Each participant may earn one Difference Maker tag, representing the highest fundraising level achieved.
• Levels are not cumulative. For example, a participant who raises $250 or more will receive the Gold Difference Maker tag, not Bronze, Silver and Gold.
• Only donations received and successfully processed by the fundraising deadline will count toward the participant’s final total.
• Donations made directly to Eagle OPS Foundation that are not credited to the participant’s Welcome Home 5K fundraiser will not automatically count toward their Challenge total.
• Difference Maker tags have no cash value, are non-transferable and may not be exchanged for another fundraising level.
FUNDRAISING DEADLINE
Final Difference Maker levels will be determined based on fundraising totals as of [November 13th, 2026 at 2300].
Donations may continue to be made after the deadline in support of Eagle OPS; however, donations received after the deadline will not change the Difference Maker level earned.
RECEIVING YOUR TAG
Qualifying participants will receive their Difference Maker tag on race day at the Eagle OPS Tent.
Participants must be registered for the 2026 Welcome Home 5K to earn a Difference Maker tag.
VETERAN & GOLD STAR FAMILY RECOGNITION TAGS
Veteran and Gold Star Family recognition tags are separate from the Difference Maker Challenge and do not require fundraising.
Registered Veteran participants are eligible to receive the special VETERAN / I SERVED recognition tag.
Registered Gold Star Family participants are eligible to receive the special Gold Star / NEVER FORGOTTEN recognition tag.
Receiving either recognition tag does not prevent a participant from also earning a Bronze, Silver or Gold Difference Maker tag through fundraising.
ADDITIONAL TERMS
The Difference Maker Challenge is a fundraising recognition program and is not a raffle, drawing, contest of chance or cash-prize competition.
Eagle OPS Foundation reserves the right to verify fundraising totals and participant eligibility, resolve discrepancies, and make reasonable adjustments when necessary.
Lost, damaged or unclaimed tags may be replaced only while supplies are available.
Difference Maker and recognition tags are available while supplies last.
Eagle OPS Foundation reserves the right to modify or discontinue the Challenge if circumstances beyond its reasonable control make doing so necessary.
THE GOAL: 250 FOR 250
America turned 250 in 2026.
We’re challenging Welcome Home 5K participants to raise $250 or more and become a Gold Difference Maker.
Every dollar raised supports the Eagle OPS mission and helps us continue creating community, connection and opportunities to REACH ONE MORE.
250 YEARS. $250. ONE MISSION.
REACH ONE MORE.
