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| Oct 31, 2010 - Marine Corps 10K (Karen, Tyler & Jon) |
If you train for and run races, whether ultra marathons or Ironman distance triathlon to your first 5K or sprint distance triathlon... You know that you can't do it alone. Yes, ultimately it's you who commits, trains with discipline, goes the distance, and crosses the finish line... but your family, coaches, friends, race supporters and volunteers are key to your success and ability to accomplish great things. Without them, the race isn't possible and it isn't as meaningful.
If you've ever raised money for a charity, you also know it isn't easy and you can't accomplish your goal without the support and generosity of others.
If you're anything like me, after the race day has passed or the fundraiser goal is met, you smile, breathe a sigh of relief, rest for an afternoon (maybe) and then say "what's next?!"
I'd like to pause and thank the many people who helped me blow out my fundraising goal for the Knights of Heroes and also thank the many Marines and supporters who made the Marine Corps Marathon the most inspiring race I've ever done.
I first heard of the Knights of Heroes this spring when my nephew Tyler picked them as our charity for the Marine Corps 10K. Reading the description of their organization was one of those "ah ha" moments and I knew in a heart beat that Knights of Heroes was something I wanted to support and be part of. They sponsor a camp every summer in Colorado that mentors boys whose fathers died in military service. And now this year they are adding a camp for the wives and daughters and I am honored to be part of planning and volunteering for this camp. Because of so many generous donations, this important summer camp for these amazing women and girls is now possible.
My husband and I both have such huge respect for our military and for the men and women who sacrifice everthing to serve our country. Since my brother was a Marine and we were running the MC10K in his memory and with his son, it was a perfect fit to also support children who lost their fathers in military service. Even though my brother died in a car accident, not in combat, the common thread reinforced that this charity was 'the one'.
Although I instantly felt a huge connection with Knights of Heroes, I always feel awkward asking for donations. So I got creative and did a series of charity Yoga Boot Camp classes to raise money. These classes were a huge hit - People loved sweating and stretching for a good cause!
In addition, I got a cool donation from the Baltimore Ravens (a signed Joe Flacco picture and goodie bag) and did an auction on Facebook!
My other "secret weapon" for fundraising was selling Underarmour shirts for the charity. Everyone LOVES Underarmour! I am so grateful to UA for generously donating shirts to the cause. UA Rocks.
You can see pics and still buy a UA / Knights of Heroes charity shirt to support this awesome cause!
All these efforts paid off and I more than doubled my goal, raised over $4500 and was the top fundraiser for Knights of Heroes this year! I am so grateful for all the individual supporters in my "ring of honor" and generous donations.
Special thanks to...
Baltimore Ravens
Underarmour
Jeff Sherman's Fit Body Bootcamp
Elizabeth Jacobs Salon
Maryland Athletic Club
Three days after the Marine Corps race, surprizingly my muscles aren't sore but its the perfect time to pause, reflect and thank all the people who helped me achieve my goal. So, what's next?! Well, its officially off season for me so lots of YOGA and no races until next spring! But planning for the Knights of Heroes girls summer camp begins NOW. And I couldn't be more honored and excited to give back to the wives and daughters of our fallen heroes.
