Dear friends—

As you all know I have recently begun working for Covenant House in their New York offices and my work will be with their programs and staff in Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Mexico.  In the short time I have been here, I have been privileged to visit each of those sites and also the Covenant House centers in Newark, New York and Vancouver.  In each place I have been deeply deeply touched by extraordinary individuals who provide such spirit-filled service to thousands of kids who enter their doors each year—kids overflowing with potential and talent and filled with the resilience and grit it takes to survive on the streets—kids who would be dead or at a dead end if these remarkable programs did not exist.

I have been so happy to become a part of Covenant House--this worldwide human rights movement for young people.  And I want to do anything I can to draw support for this work.  So—in order to do that—and for the sheer craziness and challenge of it--I am currently training for the NYC Marathon 2009 which will take place on November 1, 2009 as a part of the New Jersey Covenant House Home Team.

I don’t know if I shall end up running or walking or crawling to the finish line but to say I am excited and happy to be doing this would be an understatement.  I begin almost each day these days before dawn—under the stars—making my run and by the time I begin my day at my desk job I feel a tremendous energy and joy--and like I’ve already accomplished something important for the day.

I have set a personal fundraising goal of $15,000 and more than one third of that has already been raised so I am certain we can accomplish this together.  It is an audacious goal but it will mean that there will be beds for the kids that show up at our centers—beds that have had to be closed down in some centers because of the economic downturn that has affected so many across the planet and many of you as well.  I also know that many of you are already giving to other causes.  So I ask you to give to Covenant House only if you feel so moved.  But do give whatever you can to wherever your heart dictates.  There is so much generosity and goodness in all of us that is begging to be expressed especially in these times when so many are suffering. 

If you wish to donate here—there are some instructions below.  But no matter what you do—please do not fail to keep Covenant House kids and staff in your prayers and spirit—and in your hopes and dreams for a kinder world.  This is where the power of your love will be felt and shared.  And I could not be happier to welcome you into this most astonishing family.

Gratefully and running with you

Peggy

PS  I would like to acknowledge the great generosity of Rev. Dorothy Greene who is not listed below but who donated $5000 as one of my sponsors.  I thank each of you, who like her, have given with such open hearts.   

Each year, Covenant House serves 70,000 homeless, runaway and at-risk youth in six countries, first by fulfilling their immediate needs of food, shelter and clothing, and then by giving them the support they need to become self-sufficient and independent young adults.  Covenant House has residential programs that offer education, vocation, medical and legal services to the young people who walk through their doors.  For more information about the work they do, please visit

www.covenanthouse.org.

If you wish to contribute by credit card, please donate on this page which is simple, fast and totally secure.   If you wish to pay by check or cash, please send your donation to Gina Butler (checks made payable to Covenant House New Jersey) at 330 Washington Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102 and note my name in your correspondence.  Covenant House New Jersey is to be congratulated for organizing this fundraiser in collaboration with the NYC marathon—a first for Covenant House—and another reason to try to make it a roaring success.  The funds collected will not only be given to Covenant House New Jersey but will be distributed to the Covenant House sites most in need.