by Elizabeth Jodice
With their running shoes laced up and eyes on the finish line, more than 70 Lasallian Volunteers (LV), LV alumni, and friends ran in the Memphis marathon, half marathon, and 5K December 4 to raise money for the Lasallian Volunteers program. The fundraiser brought in approximately $50,000 with more donations expected.
Second year LVs, like Samantha Almanza at San Miguel School of Providence, helped to plan the event and fundraise as well. Samantha ran last year on the Newport, RI marathon relay team and completed the half marathon this year. She said she never knew running 13.1 miles could be so much fun. “Crossing the 13 mile marker and entering the stadium to the finish line was such a powerful moment that all I could exclaim was ‘St. John Baptist de La Salle!’ when we saw a group of LVs at the finish line,” she said.
The race is a chance for current LVs, alumni, and supporters to give back to the program. Participants stayed at Christian Brothers University together, which fostered a sense of community. The weekend is an opportunity for the LVs to share their service experience with family and friends, along with bringing together LVs who served during various years. “Our program is over 20 years old but still I am amazed at the people who come and say yes this program is worth the time and energy to fundraise personally and also train for a challenging race,” said Director of Development Mari Anzicek, who completed the half marathon.
The Memphis run was the second LV run for Kathleen Glackin at De La Salle Blessed Sacrament in Memphis. “It’s a different way for us to tell our story and to let those we work with know that we are willing to push ourselves to support them,” she said. “Having the chance to tell my students that I was training for a half-marathon and having them ask about it afterwards was really special.”
LV Alex Branch, the recreation and activity coordinator at La Salle School in Albany, NY, participated in an LV run for the first time and ran his first marathon. He called the race another way for Lasallians to express their dedication to the mission. “Whenever I saw other LVs, Brothers, and LV alumni on the course, my step brightened,” he said. “Our community across the country is strong, and I think that comes in large part from our commitment to the mission.”
This is the fourth run fundraiser LVs have organized. Previous races took place in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Rhode Island. Money raised funds general expenses including volunteer training and support, recruiting and development.
We are only $6,000 away from reaching our goal of $57,000. Help us by making a donation today!