I am Powerful - Running for CARE

Empowerment is an amazing thing. You can do big and small tasks if you feel you have the tools. For many people in developing nations, poverty prevents them from living productive lives. Poor sanitation, lack of food, prevalence of disease, lack of economic opportunity and specter of war denies millions of people the opportunity to lead better lives.

For over 50 years CARE has been providing the tools and assistance to those who need them so desperately. It comforts me a great deal organizations like CARE are out there:

CARE tackles underlying causes of poverty so that people can become self-sufficient. Recognizing that women and children suffer disproportionately from poverty, CARE places special emphasis on working with women to create permanent social change. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives.


Not only does CARE provide need assistance, they also work at the grassroots level through the CARE Action Network (CAN). Through CAN, CARE donors can communicate with and educate their political leaders on issues related to poverty: HIV/AIDS, nutrition, clean water, etc... I am proud to be a CARE donor and CAN member.

Because I have been empowered to accomplish so many things through my running, I want to use my running to help CARE. On January 14, 2007, I will be running in the P.F. Chang Rock N Roll Marathon in Phoenix, AZ. This is my first marathon. I am using this race to raise money for CARE, so they can continue their work. Today is the kick off of my campaign. I have an ambitious goal - $2620. I chose that figure, because a marathon is 26.2 miles. I hope you will join me in my support of CARE.

There are various levels of giving:

____ Marathon Level $100 +

____ Half-marathon Level $75 - $99

____ 10K Level $50 - $74

____ 5K Level $25 - $49

____ Other Amount (Please Indicate) _________________

You can send your donation to:

CARE
Attn: Andrea Porth
70 E. Lake St.
Suite 1430
Chicago, IL 60601

Please indicate in the memo portion of the check the Rock N Roll Marathon. This way we can keep an accurate count of how much has been raised.

Also if you are interested in the CARE Action Network (CAN), include a note indicating your interest, with your name, address and email address.

I appreciate any donation. For more information about CARE, go to www.care.org

If you have questions about CARE, please feel free to leave a comment to this post.

Thanks,
Charlie