Running 200 Miles for Families in Need

“With great power comes great responsibility.”

This is what Uncle Ben told Peter Parker (Spiderman), just before he (Ben) passed away. The truth is that this really applies to all of us in that we all have some great power, talent, gift or resource. And I would be remiss if I didn’t first look into the mirror and hold myself accountable for how I can be of service to the needs of others. While I do not have the resources to simply donate the funds necessary to feed all these families in need, God has given me a voice to speak for those who can’t, the legs to run long distances and the mindset to endure the suffering.

And so, on November 15 at 7am, I will use my gifts and begin my 200 mile run. All told, it will take me about 60 hours to complete, with no sleep. While I did complete 152 miles in the beginning of October and we met our fundraising goal then, there is still a need to reach our goal of feeding 2000 families this Thanksgiving. That’s where I would appreciate your help.First, in order for me to run continuously for 60 hours, it would be great if you could join me for a few or more of these miles. Your energy and kindness will inspire me. The run will take place through the towns in which we serve the families in need…Streamwood, Hanover Park, Bartlett, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Elk Grove, Elgin and South Elgin. Each town will have one or two check points, about 5 miles a part that will be used as aid stations where I can hydrate and refuel. Please reach out to me if you’d like to run with me.Second, my goal is to feed one family for every mile run. So over the 200 miles at $30 per family of five, we will need to raise $6000. I absolutely believe we can do this together. While some of you may have already donated, if your heart is inspiring you to do so again, please do so. After all, I will be running again. If you haven’t already, then I am asking you to “run” this race with me and give according to the measure you have been blessed with.

Imagine for a moment, what it would be like to deliver a complete Thanksgiving Day meal to a family who would otherwise not have one, let alone even know where they may even be getting their next meal. Imagine seeing the look on the children’s faces, when they answer the door, and then realize that what you are delivering is better then presents on Christmas morning…because it is.

If you’ve ever been hungry, and I mean haven’t eaten for days hungry (I have), you would know how much this one meal would mean to these little ones. And for the parents of these kids, what we are actually delivering is HOPE. Hope that this meal will help them care for their family…Hope that there are people who really care…And Hope that maybe, just maybe, everything will be alright. This was my exact feeling when a dear friend of mine delivered a couple bags of groceries to me 10 years ago, when I had reach a very low point in my life.

So whether you run with me, donate, or both, thank you kindly for standing with me to support these families in need. Our community and world will be a better, kinder place because of you.

You can help me feed families in need this Thanksgiving through the links below, every $30 you pledge will feed 1 family.  

*Note the Legal Name that you will see on the PayPal Screen is The Lorraine M. Walsh Memorial Foundation, which is the official name for the Basket Brigade, for the lady in who’s memory the Brigade was founded.

The Basket Brigade of Suburban Chicago is a division of The Lorraine M. Walsh Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity. Donations are tax deductible. FEIN: 47-5225925.