MREF announces the 2025 Backpack Challenge Readathon

Calling all readers! The Marketing Research Education Foundation (MREF) will host the 2025 Backpack Challenge Readathon from August 1-31. The Backpack Challenge is an industry fundraiser aiming to help underserved children in the U.S. – just by reading books!

Sixty-two percent of students arrive on the first day of school without the essential supplies they need to succeed. This year, our goal is to send 600+ backpacks full of supplies to students in need.

How to get involved

Anyone can participate in the Backpack Challenge. We encourage you to invite your coworkers, kids, friends, and family. There is no charge to participate, however you are welcome to donate when you register. $25 = 1 backpack full of supplies!

To participate, join a book club to track your minutes reading or listening to audiobooks. This is the perfect opportunity to open a book for a good cause! If your company is not sponsoring a club, please feel free to join the MREF club.

We can’t wait for you to join us!

• Participants will log their minutes as individuals or as part of a company team and will be able to see their progress compared to others in the leaderboard.

• The top two individuals in each category – reading and listening – will each receive a prize.

• There is a portal to share photos and encourage each other.

Registration and details can be found at https://runsignup.com/Race/MN/SaintPaul/MREFBackpackChallenge.

Become a sponsor

All Backpack Challenge Readathon sponsors get a book club. This allows you to invite your employees, clients, friends, and family to join you in logging their minutes reading – either a book of their choice or one chosen for the club. Participation for employees is free, though they can donate to the effort. Sponsorships start at $250 (10 backpacks). Contact Alana Gates at alana@mrgivesback.org for more information.

About the Marketing Research Education Foundation (MREF)

The Marketing Research Education Foundation’s mission is to unify, inspire, and activate the marketing research community to focus its collective resources to educate children and youth worldwide. With the collective contributions of more than 100 organizations in the industry, the MREF has made a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of children and their families.