On November 12, months of planning and training paid off for the 12th annual LVs Run. Twenty-two Lasallian Volunteers (LVs), three Alums, and 13 family members and friends participated in LVs Run in Tucson, Arizona. This event surpassed its goal of $60,000. Donations are still being received.
Rachel Bowers, a second-year LV serving at San Miguel School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and a member of the run committee, offered this reflection on her experience.
After many hours of planning the logistics, making phone calls, sending emails to donors, and long connecting flights to the desert of Arizona, LVs found themselves together again, but this time in the beautiful city of Tucson. This event was made possible due to the behind-the-scenes work of the San Miguel Tucson community, the LV staff and the run committee, which consisted of myself, Jo-Ann Mullooly, DJ Edwards, Viviana Ortiz and Katie O’Leary. Organizing such an event meant to take on extra responsibilities aside from serving at our ministries. The 2017-2018 cohort surpassed their goal of $60,000, which will be used to keep the program going and the mission alive.
LVs Run is an opportunity for current LVs to share the mission of the program. First-year LV Jessica Kaluzny said, “Fundraising is a beautiful way for the cohort to spread the mission of the program we have grown to love and tangibly see just how many individuals support us! It was such a great way to unify past and present members of the ever-growing Lasallian family!”
For many of the current LVs, the weekend is an opportunity to gather together. First-year LV Jin Su Seo shared, “LVs Run was such a memorable experience because we reconnected and were able to see how each of us has grown as Lasallians since the beginning of our service year.”
As I was running through the desert for two and a half hours, I reflected on everything that led up to that very moment. I thought of how grateful I am for all of the organizations, Christian Brothers, families, friends and students who have faith in Lasallian Volunteers and showed that by making donations towards our goal and overall, the mission of the program. I am proud to say that I am a finisher of the TMC Everyone Runs Half Marathon, and I know it was not just myself who contributed to this success, it was also those individuals who believe in the mission that inspired me not to give up.
All in all, the 12th annual LVs Run was a huge success. It was a fun and exciting weekend packed with faith, service and community!