The Philly Marathon was held on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 7am.
Thanks to all of your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes, I was able to finish in 3 hrs and 56 mins.
I am still collecting donations for Grasi--please consider donating to this cause.
Track my training and progress at: http://sarahs-marathon-training.blogspot.com/
Join our Facebook group: Money raising for the Children's Village
After running the Philly Marathon for the first time last year, I knew as soon as I crossed the finish line that I wanted to run it again. Next time, though, instead of making my training for and completion of the race only a personal journey, I wanted to run for a cause that I believed in. . .
I was blessed to spend the month of June 2009 in Latvia, volunteering at the Children's Village of Grasi (http://www.grasufonds.lv/W/grasufonds/1en.htm). It was one of the happiest times of my life. The joy of seeing these children happy in their play, confident in their work, and loved in their relationships is indescribable. I know that it is the support of Grasi that has helped these children to recover from the difficult and often terrible experiences in their lives.
This orphanage is a very special place, offering a unique care environment that markedly differs from the institutional atmosphere of most Eastern European orphanages. Specifically, Grasi consists of three homes where 7-8 children live with a full-time caregiver, much like any large family. The children attend public school, complete daily chores in the home, and also engage in various extracurricular activities.
As Latvia faces an economic crisis, though, Grasi is facing significant financial difficulties. Grasi's funding has been cut by over 30% this year. As a result, they have had to let 3 of their 8 dedicated caregivers go and have reduced the remaining employees’ salaries by 20%. Perhaps most upsetting, though, is the fact that these financial difficulties may force Grasi to relinquish the care of children at the Village to other institutions.
I am hoping to raise $3400 for Grasi by the date of my marathon, Nov. 22, 2009. I ask you to please consider donating to this cause if you are able. Even the smallest amount will make a difference: $5 a day provides food for one child; $36 a day provides care for one child.
Thank you for your help, love, and support,
Sarah
Thank to you my offline donors!
Lydia and John McNichol $20
Lydia and John Kachur $50
Liene Indrane $100
Nick and Natalie Hromiko $50
Helen Paros $100
Beverly Kolehmainen $100
Anonymous $25
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Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
In order for your donations to reach the Children's Village in Latvia, I have partnered with a US-based Charity, Worlds Links International Adoption Agency (www.wliaa.org). WLIAA is a well-respected adoption agency committed to helping the orphaned children of Eastern Europe. WLIAA will transfer your donations directly to the Children's Village. Only a small percentage (7.5%) of donations will go to WLIAA to help cover overhead costs of this partnership.
You can also go to: http://grasivillage.myucn.org/. United Charity Network is another excellent nonprofit that has agreed to help raise funds for Grasi. They also promote many other programs for at-risk children in Eastern Europe.