The Unity Challenge Starts Now - A New Trophy, A New Legacy
We are excited to officially relaunch The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio’s Unity Challenge as part of the return of our Community Festival & Walk!
Last year, Thompson Hine made history by winning the inaugural Unity Challenge and earning the honor of keeping the original Traveling Trophy permanently. Now, we begin again—with a brand-new trophy and a fresh opportunity for your team to build the next legacy.
Challenge Timeline :
- Challenge Begins: Now
- Fundraising Deadline: Friday, May 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Winner Announced: Monday, May 11, 2026
All funds must be received or submitted online by the May 8 deadline to count toward your team’s final total.
This Year’s Challenge: Fundraise. Unite. Win.
The Unity Challenge is a team fundraising competition supporting The Diversity Center’s School and Youth Programs, which empower students across Northeast Ohio to build leadership skills, foster inclusion, and create communities where everyone belongs.
The team that raises the most funds by May 8 at 5:00 PM will win the new Unity Challenge Traveling Trophy and be recognized as the 2026 Unity Challenge Champion.
Every dollar raised makes a direct impact.
How to Participate
Create Your Team
Designate a Team Captain, register your team, and set a fundraising goal.
Fundraise and Share
Share your team’s link with colleagues, friends, and family. Encourage participation and track your progress.
Creative fundraising ideas include:
• Dress-down days
• Raffles or giveaways
• Matching gift campaign
• Team-based giving competitions
• Office fundraising challenges
Join from Anywhere:
The Unity Challenge Traveling Trophy is open to both in-person and virtual teams.
Organizations with remote employees, multiple office locations, or out-of-town participants can still compete. Virtual team members can walk and fundraise from wherever they are while contributing to their team’s total.
This makes it possible for entire organizations — regardless of location — to unite behind a shared goal and compete to become the 2026 Unity Challenge Champion.
No matter where your team is located, you can still build your legacy.
Every contribution brings your team closer to the trophy.
The Prize: The Unity Challenge Traveling Trophy
The winning team will:
• Receive the official Unity Challenge Traveling Trophy
• Be recognized publicly as the 2026 Unity Challenge Champion
• Be celebrated across The Diversity Center’s website and social media
• Establish their team’s legacy as leaders for inclusion in Northeast Ohio
Winner will be announced on May 11, 2026.
Start Today
This is your opportunity to unite your team, support youth across our region, and compete for a lasting legacy.
Create your team. Start fundraising. Make an impact.
Questions? Contact Cierra Hilson
chilson@diversitycenterneo.org
216-752-3000 ext. 5222
