Bells Big Bed Race Pivots to Become Make the Bed Challenge!

Since we couldn’t know for sure what the situation would be like this spring for large in-person gatherings, Make the Bed Challenge is a twist on our typical spring spectator event – Bell’s Big Bed Race.  It’s a more socially-distanced, all ages and abilities, super fun, short-distance relay race and fundraising challenge to support Bell programs that help our York County neighbors have a safe, stable place to sleep at night.

(Watch this  VIDEO of how the race works this year, Scroll down for quick FAQs)

Ready to Register? CLICK HERE

Get in on the Fun!

Gather your team (of five people) and REGISTER HERE.  Each team will select a time slot from available dates in April to show up for their individual, one-at-a-time relay-style race against the clock to make a bed, complete with sheets, pillows, and comforter. Races take place in the parking lot near Collusion Tap Works, 105 S. Howard Ave., York. Our event videographer and resident photographers will be on hand to capture the action and excitement you bring, and then share the fun on Bell’s social media all month long.

What You Need to Bring to the Challenge

Yourselves! We provide the bed, sheets, pillow,  and quilt to make the bed.  (See FAQ below)

Many Ways to Win!

• Fastest Team – first and second place
• Most Creative Team Theme – have fun with costumes, etc.
• Bell Ringer – most money raised by your team through our Make the Bed Fundraising Challenge; engage your network to vote and donate for your team.
• Old Bedheads – all teams members are 50+ yrs old
• Short Sheeters – all team members are 15 yrs or younger

Official timekeepers will guard the times for each team, keeping them a secret until Friday, May 6, when all winners will be announced and trophies presented  during Give Local York. (location TBA)

Make the Bed Challenge FAQ

Q: When is the race?

A: Each team signs up for an individual time slot (chosen at the time of registration) for a Wednesday (4 to 6pm) or Saturday (12 to 2pm) in the month of April.

Q: What does the actual “race” look like?

A: This is a one-team-at-a-time version designed specifically to not have a crowd of people gathered since we don’t know where we’ll be exactly with viruses/variants.

Each team shows up at their designated time and will be video recorded and timed.  All team members stand at one end of the 30′ race area; the bed will be at the other end. One at a time, team members run/walk/roll (if in wheelchair; no roller or inline skates, etc.) to the bed and back to make the bed: First person puts on the fitted sheet then returns to tag the next person, who runs over and adds the flat sheet and returns to tag the next person, etc. until the bed is completely made, at which point the entire team hops onto the bed, rings a bell to stop the clock and then pose for their team photo.

Q: How do we know who wins if we’re all racing at different times?

A: Each team’s time is recorded when you race. Everyone’s race times will be kept SECRET until Friday, May 6, when we will announce the winners and present the trophies during Bell’s Give Local York festivities. (Watch Bell’s social pages for snippets of video from each race #BellMaketheBed)

Q: How many people are on a team?
A: Five.

Q: Where is the race?

A:  Parking lot near Collusion Tap Works, 105 S. Howard Ave., York

Q: Does my team have to bring a bed?  Sheets and stuff? 

A: Nope. The bed will be there waiting for you when you arrive to race, complete with all necessary linens.

Q: Do we have to push the bed? 

A:  Not this year. This will be a relay-style foot race.

Q: What should we wear?

A: Everyone should wear appropriate footwear for running. Other than that, have fun and be creative!

Q: Does our team also have to raise money?

A: You do not, however, we do encourage teams – as well as people who aren’t racing – to set up a fundraising page on our Make the Bed Fundraising Challenge platform so your network of friends, family, coworkers, etc. may all have an opportunity to support Bell’s work and help our York/Adams County neighbors have a safe, stable place to sleep at night.  There will be a trophy awarded to the team/person/group raising the most money through their peer2peer fundraising page.

Make the Bed Fundraising Challenge –  Because it’s important to keep our bed race energy rolling – and  keep crucial funds coming in for Bell’s emergency shelter, residential services, and supported housing programs – the in-person 2022 event is being replaced with the Make a Bed Challenge and a month-long Make the Bed Fundraising Campaign in April as we lead into Give Local York, May 6!