Challenges!! We face many, its when you step up and challenge the problems that face society that you really learn about your abilities and beliefs. BE BOLD and CHALLENGE YOURSELF.
A group of my friends and I have decided to run the Dublin International Marathon to raise funds for a volunteer organization that I support and mentor with, from the Twin Cities called Bolder Options.
While training and running the 26.2 miles is a challenge in itself, it pales in comparison to the challenge that Bolder Options chooses to tackle. Bolder Options matches at-risk youth with adult mentors to train for and complete either three 5K races or three 20-30 mile bike rides. Mentors also help their youth with homework and other academic goals, bring them to various community events, and help them explore the world of community service by committing to at least one volunteer activity together. Mentors meet 2-4 hours/week for three months, then 2-4 hours/month for the remainder of the year that they are matched.
I have been a mentor myself from September of last year. When I challenged myself to dedicate a lot of my free time to mentoring I wasn’t sure how much of a difference I would be able to make. However 6 months later I can say with confidence, I really believe we can make a difference - pretty evident in the kid I mentor, who has made great strides in coming to terms with his problems. I can also say that this is one of the most fulfilling things I have done in a long time.
The mission of Bolder Options is “Teaching Youth to Succeed in ALL of Life’s Races.” Many of the Bolder Options youth are truant in the schools, have committed a crime, or have challenging circumstances at home, but all just need a chance to succeed. You can find out more information about Bolder Options by visiting www.bolderoptions.org.
Bolder Options is funded by a combination of federal and private grants, local business support, special event fundraisers, and largely by private donations. With the support of donors like you, Bolder Options will serve approximately 120 youth in 2005. Some of our support comes from races held around the Twin Cities, in fact the Twin Cities Marathon this year features a Bolder Options wave as part of its TC 1M, with proceeds going to Bolder Options
Each member of Team Dublin has set out to raise $3800. I’m asking for your support: please consider making a donation to Bolder Options in honor of my Dublin Marathon. Consider it an “investment” the future of these kids that you choose to support. I will post a link to the online donation site soon. You can also track my fundraising progress at that website, and see more about the Team Dublin at www.bolderoptions.org/dublin.html.
I’m also asking for your thoughts and prayers, as I embark on seven months of training to complete 26.2 miles. I’d love to have you join me for a walk or run in the upcoming months!
Visit me and my friends at this blog to share our failures and success as we work towards our goal of 26.2 miles at Dublin this October
