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| Andy's Run For The Homeless |
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| The New York City Marathon is one of the biggest marathons to run and why not, it's in the largest city in America with a population rich in culture and history. It is also home to over 37,000 homeless people. More than 8000 of these are families. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, there were 643,067 sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons nationwide on a single night in January 2008. Additionally, about 1.6 million persons used a warming center, a homeless shelter or a transitional housing program during the 12-month period between October 1, 2007 and September 30, 2008. This number suggests that roughly 1 in every 200 persons in the US used the shelter system at some point in that period.
In 2007 Anne Mahlum started a non-profit organization in Philadelphia to help the homeless of that area by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence,strength and self-esteem. Participants engage in a structured 6-9 month program that ultimately provides help with job training, job placement and housing. She calls it Back on My Feet and it has since grown into an organization with chapters in Baltimore, Washington D.C.,Chicago,Dallas and Indianapolis that has a staff of 31, hundreds of members and thousands of volunteers.
Though I personally live in a small town, I visit many of these bigger cities to enjoy the architecture, the museums, the culture and the cuisine. These large cities are so full of life and history yet are home to so many in need.
When I learned of this fundraiser, I jumped at the chance to participate, for now I had an opportunity to run one of the biggest marathons on my personal bucket list as well as a way to help raise funds for a very worthy organization and do my part, as little as it is, for the homeless here in America.
I'm asking, please, help me to help those in need.
My goal is to raise $5400.00 for Back on My Feet, and with all of your help I know we can reach this mark.
I thank you for your support and donation to this cause.
Andy |
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| Disney Marathon 2011, my 4th marathon. Can't wait to run NYC! |
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Total Donations: $5,150.00
Goal: $5,400
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