Nov. 4, 2007 I will pound the pavement of the Big Apple for 26.2 miles in the ING NYC Marathon. Thru this, I'm raising $$ for THREE amazing charities (check 'em out on the 'links' page): Invisible Children, Charity:Water, and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief and Rescue Association.
It may seem like a lot to raise funds for three groups at the same time - I picked these three groups b/c I have volunteered with and/or am personally connected with each of these organizations. I totally believe in their missions, their passions, and their work, and want to help ensure each of them continues their great work. Each one, as well, helps make the planet a better place to live - and the planet can use all the help it can get! (p.s. all three are registered 501 c-3 non-profits)

Invisible Children, a non-proft organization started by three young San Diego filmmakers, was created to improve the quality of life for war-affected children in Uganda by providing access to quality education, enhanced learning environments, and innovative economic opportunities for the community. Since their initial film, they've taken their message across the US, met with Oprah, and started a school and other programs for Ugandan children - all which need economic support for continued growth.

Charity:Water is a non-profit organization promoting global awareness about extreme poverty and provoking intelligent giving. Their current goal: raise money to build wells in Africa, bringing clean water and greater health to African nations. They've already built dozens of wells, currently have many more underway, and need funding to continue completion and building of more wells to bring fresh, clean water - and thus, a hopeful and healthy future - to Africa.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief and Rescue Association is a non-profit organization created to rescue and rehabilitate homeless and/or abused dogs (Chessies, Chessie-mixes, and non-Chessies). I've fostered two dogs for them, both were scheduled to be put to sleep when I got them -- both now are healthy and have amazing families. CBRR does great work, and offers new life for animals who would otherwise never get a second chance. Volunteers work tirelessly, giving thousands of their own dollars, gas, food, and hours annually to help save animals. Funding is needed to continue rescuing needy animals by providing money for food, vaccinations, transportation, foster-care, etc.

According to the NYC Marathon website, the average fundraiser will collect a minimum of $2,500 to 3,000 for one charity. When spread across three groups, that's simply $1,000 for each one.
Please check out their links (click 'links' page for info on each one), choose one (or more!) you'd like to help.
You can also help by forwarding this website to friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, anyone you know who you think might want to make a difference by helping one of these organizations by giving a dollar or two. The more people who know about this website, the more chances for giving.

If you've been looking for a way to help animals, people, and/or entire communities, here's a GREAT place to start!

And please remember to sign the guestbook, as well - it'd be great to hear from you, and fun to let others know you've helped, too!

Thank you in advance for your help!

Love,
becky. :)