Dear Family and Friends, 

We will be running in the Boston Marathon on April 19, 2010 to raise money for GoKids Boston.  This will be a first marathon for each of us.  When we decided to run in support of a charity, we looked for an organization that matched our personal beliefs and values. We were excited to discover GoKids Boston, whose mission is to improve the health and wellness of kids with a special focus on underserved school-aged children. They provide kids with the personalized instruction and support needed to become physically active, improve fitness, eat nutritiously, and gain self-confidence.

We see this as an opportunity to set a good example for our own kids at a time when in-activity and childhood obesity is becoming the norm.  Over the past few years, we have made a commitment to living a healthy lifestyle.  We make time to work out, play sports, and do outdoor activities as a family.  Rick coaches several of our children’s sports teams.  Katie is in the process of developing a nutrition education program at the kid’s elementary school.  Running the marathon will be another step in encouraging our own kids to live healthy lives.  We also believe our children will learn something from watching us work together to raise money for charity. 

Our preparation will add up to over 300 hours of training, running 1,300 miles in the cold Massachusetts winter, cross training, lifting weights, and sacrificing precious family time.  Your support and the knowledge that we will be helping an organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of children will inspire us to complete the marathon.  

We hope you will consider making a donation to this special organization and thank you for your help!!!

Rick and Katie