Jack's Running for Rwanda

Hi family and friends! As many of you know, I am staying pretty busy these days and running is one way I try to stay in shape. With two little ones around, I need to get any advantage as possible! Running has always been a great challenge for any age and I believe it not only rewards me mentally and physically, but by me running, I am setting the example I want my kids and family to see. It’s also a platform for so much more (read more below…)

I have a close connection with a Denver based nonprofit called Hope Shines, Inc. (www.hopeshines.org). I am also close friends with the Executive Director and have seen and followed their progress in youth development over the last few years with excitement and optimism in the work they are doing. Their mission supports extremely poor and impoverished children in Rwanda with a year-round after-school program, an annual day camp offered in the summer, and a basic needs program that covers school fees, supplies, uniforms, and even annual health insurance. Essentially, they manage these programs that directly improve children’s confidence, discipline, health, and academics, all with a goal of breaking them from the poverty cycle in which they live.

My connection to Rwanda is also unique in that my aunt and uncle have two amazing adopted children from Rwanda, both of whom I have a close relationship with. Again, this year, I am running the half marathon distance (13.1 miles) at the Colfax Marathon races (www.runcolfax.org) held here in Denver on May 19th. I love this race because they have a such a huge charity focus component and it’s a great platform for me to challenge myself to finish the race upright and to raise much-needed funds for this great charity.

Please consider a donation towards my goal of $2,500 or even just read up on what this organization does/is doing and join me in furthering this mission. I know there are many charities out there so I hope you will support this one and me as I continue to train for next month's race!