So, this started with my birthday list. For those of you who don’t know, I write an annual list of things to do each year as part of my birthday celebration. And this year’s list (my birthday is this Wednesday, November 18th, so I’ll share more of my list then) had two things on it that I decided to bring together into one. Item # 1: be able to run for an hour on my own. Item #2: raise $10,000 for Circle de Luz. Now, those things don’t naturally have anything to do with each other EXCEPT that I am not inclined to run without a purpose– you know, like from a bear chasing me or towards chocolate. So, to get myself to run for an hour, I have to have a reason. And I’ve decided to make raising money for Circle de Luz my reason.
What is Circle de Luz? Launched in 2008, Circle De Luz radically empowers young Latinas by supporting and inspiring them in the pursuit of their possibilities through extensive mentoring, programming, and scholarship funds for further education. Circle de Luz not only gives girls (we call them Hijas) the financial means to pursue an educational program of their choice after high school graduation, the organization also provides the girls with six years of dynamic programming and mentoring. Every month, we offer at least 2 programs for our Hijas (and they are constantly asking for more!). But to make these events happen, we need funds. Our programming dollars come from sales of our necklace, grants, and any other fundraising or sponsorships we are able to secure. Next year, we have big plans for our girls, but we need the funds to back up our dreams and their’s.
So my birthday list items have now been combined into one major goal. On March 6, 2010, my goal is to have at least 32 people run the Corporate Cup race (options are a half-marathon, a half-marathon relaty made up of two 5 mile legs and one 5k leg (3.1 mile), or a 5k) in downtown Charlotte as a celebration of raising funds for Circle de Luz. If you aren’t in Charlotte or can’t travel to Charlotte, keep reading because there’s an option for you, too.
Here is how it will work: We are looking for at least 32 people to commit to participating in any part of the Corporate Cup and using it as an impetus to raise funds for Circle de Luz. We’re calling it Run Big, Dream Big I. Your goal? $325. Why $325? There are 13 Hijas in Circle de Luz, and we are asking each participant to raise $25 for each girl. By raising $325, you will provide at least 2 programs for the girls sometime in the following year or pay for a full day of Circle de Luz wellness camp for one girl.
Won’t you join us by going the distance for Circle de Luz?
If you decide to go for it, what happens? Well, first, you’ll receive a packet from us of information on training for the run, registering for the run, and setting up your fundraising web-site. You will also get a sample first letter to send to your friends and family to begin your solicitation for the run. Finally, as things get underway officially in January, we will organize group runs for whoever can participate on Saturdays in January and February and provide any additional help you might need leading up to race day.
Don’t live in Charlotte but would like to participate? If you aren’t able to travel here but would like to do a run or walk in your community this spring to raise money for Circle de Luz, just let us know via email and we’ll help you work out the details and find a race that works for you in your area!
Are you thinking there is no way you’re running from anything but a bear or towards chocolate but you are willing to donate? Check out my fundraising page here. Just make sure to write a note where it says “add special instructions to merchant” that the donation is for Rosie’s fundraising run effort. That way I’ll get a note about it and can properly thank you (with a tax deductible note, too)?
