History of
Old Bill's Fun Run
In 1997, an anonymous couple donated $500,000 to create an innovative, collaborative fundraiser that supports all local nonprofits by inspiring everyone to give: Old Bill’s Fun Run for Charities. They haven’t missed a year since.
Today, one out of every three households participates in this festive, casual event and its associated Giving Period. Whether it’s $2 from a piggy bank or $2 million from a hedge fund, all gifts are important and impact the community.
Old Bill's 25th Anniversary Song Contest Winner
Missy Jo "The Spirit of Love" (nonprofit partner: Teton Music School)
Old Bill’s Strives for Sustainability
Old Bill’s reflects Teton County’s community values, and sustainability is high on the list. The Community Foundation prioritizes leadership in this area, and continues to make adjustments to the event to use compostable, recyclable and reusable materials and resources whenever possible.
Sustainability Efforts
Recycling & Composting
In 2011, Old Bill’s eliminated plastic water bottles from the event. In lieu of single-use plastics, Jackson Community Recycling/Teton County Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling hosted a water table again this year, featuring free reusable Silipint cups and compostable cups. Cups were composted after the event, thanks to Terra Firma Organics. Old Bill’s and the Community Foundation have been committed to eliminating styrofoam from the event. Participants are encouraged to BYO reusable water bottle!
Jackson Curbside Recycling generously provided recycling receptacles and disposed of the recycling for no charge. Jackson Community Recycling/Teton County Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling provided a container for cardboard recycling needs generated by the race and participants.
Recycled Goods
Young Old Bill’s runners all receive medals recognizing their accomplishments. The medals were made by volunteers at the Senior Center of Jackson Hole from recycled and eco-friendly materials, and the runners in the competitive categories were able to recycle their race bibs at the finish line.
In addition, winners of the runs always receive money to recycle – or rather donate – to their favorite participating nonprofits in lieu of prizes.
Alternative Transportation
Friends of Pathways hosted a free bike valet on the Town Square on Run Day. Participants enjoyed the run, entertainment, nonprofit booths and a yogurt parfait knowing their bikes were in the hands of Pathways staff and safe on the Square.
The Community Foundation also encouraged Old Bill’s participants to travel to/from the event on the free START Bus Town Shuttle.
Folks who park their bike at the bike valet or ride the bus to Old Bill’s were eligible to enter a raffle to win $50 toward the participating Old Bill’s charity of their choice.
Eco-Conscious Printing Practices
The Community Foundation is committed to printing only the necessary amount of Old Bill’s brochures and related collateral. Wherever possible, event printing is done on post-consumer recycled content paper using vegetable-based inks. Online donations and runner/walker registration are enthusiastically encouraged!
Sustainability Success
In 2012, Old Bill’s received green event certification through the Council for Responsible Sport. The event achieved Silver Certification, a status good for two years, and it was the first in Wyoming to have this honor. In 2016, Old Bill’s became the first event in the nation to achieve Council for Responsible Sport “Inspire” certification.
