Charity fundraising benefits everyone!

I am always inspired by runners who chose to run for charitable causes. Whether it’s their mission, or whether it,s the only way to secure a bib, charity dollars raised always go to organizations in desperate need of funding and help to change lives. And there are many of runDisney runners who have raised thousands and thousands of dollars.

The premise is fairly simple. Certain approved charities have contracted with race organizers for a set number of bibs that are withheld from general registration. The bibs are then made available to individuals who commit to fundraising a certain amount of dollars for the charity. Usually, if a runner misses their fundraising goal, they are on the hook to cover the gap themselves.

Once a race has sold out, this is pretty much the only way to get a bib.

I was not sucessful in getting a Disneyland 5K bib during general registration (thank you, form error), and that’s been sitting in the back of my mind for months. I already have my reservations and my Anaheim trip planned for Dumbo Double Dare, and right now the Disneyland 5K is the only thing standing between me and a perfect season. That being said, there’s still a chance, even with my Club runDisney membership that I could miss out on a Princess Weekend race – a perfect season is still not guaranteed.

So… I set out to find a charity bib for Disneyland 5K, way, way, way late. A quick Google search found a list of participating charities, and one-by-by one I found their dreaded “sold out” messages. I got onto a few waiting lists, but there’s certianly no guarantee there. I had just one left to check, and dwindling optimism that I could make this happen. I could hardly believe my eyes when I found availability with the A-T Children’s Project. I grabbed the bib as fast as I could, and then I took a deep breath. I need to raise $750 for this organization.

Now I’d never heard of A-T before, but I am getting educated! According to their website, “Ataxia-telangiectasia, or A-T, is a rare genetic disease that attacks children, causing progressive loss of muscle control, immune system problems, and a high rate of cancer.” It sounds like a particularly awful disease, confining children to wheelchairs, and, sadly, robbing these kids of a chance to grow up. Most kids with this disease don’t live past their teens.

Reading about how the A-T Children’s Project is helping has inspired me to help this organization raise funds to find therapies for these children and look towards a cure. Truly, this time, I’ll be running for kids who can’t.

If you would like to support my fundraising efforts, please click the link. All donations are tax deductible. Thank you so much for your support!