Hi all, I am planning to run the Boston Marathon on April 21 to raise money for Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries.  Having never run a marathon before, I am excited not only to tackle this tremendous physical challenge but also to raise money for such a worthy cause.  I would greatly appreciate any donation you are able to make.

The money raised will be used directly to fund the Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries Youth Programs--the Mellon Academy for Girls and the Fresh Air Camp.

The Mellon Academy for Girls is an after-school program that assists urban pre-teen and teenage girls in reaching their full potential.  The Academy serves girls growing up in environments with limited opportunities, and offers them a creative, challenging and varied program of academic support and enrichment, adult mentoring, leadership development, college preparation, and career and vocational explorations--all of which encourage goal-setting, lead to greater self-confidence and lay the ground work for success in the future.

The Fresh Air Camp, which celebrated its 101st Anniversary this past summer, is a residential overnight camp where children ages 8 to 16 can spend two weeks learning, growing and discovering on 500 acres of woodlands, fields and ponds in South Athol, Mass.  The majority of the campers come from low-income Boston neighborhoods surrounding Goodwill's Roxbury headquarters.  The camp provides a place where children can build their spirit, teach one another about teamwork, and develop physical, social and leadership skills.  It provides creative educational and recreational learning experiences, personal growth and development, enriched literacy, math and technology skills, a positive sense of community, and an appreciation of nature.

Needless to say, these much needed programs offer Boston area youths childhood experiences to which they otherwise would not have access and the opportunity to improve their prospects for a successful future.

If you prefer to send a check, please make it out to "Morgan Memorial Goodwill Marathon Team" and mail it to me at:

304 East Capitol Street, NE
Apartment 3
Washington, DC 20003

Thank you,

Rob Cowden