In six weeks, on Sunday April 29, I will be running the Big Sur Marathon for the third time.
    | The first time that I ran the race was 1996, just after Marsha, my then partner had just come through two cycles of chemo therapy and surgery in a ninth month battle with breast cancer. I ran it in celebration of Marsha's triumphant victory over cancer, and I ran it because keeping my first marathon in my mind during the process was the primary way I kept my sanity during the hell that we (and our kids) went through in that time. I didn't bust any records believe me... but it was a truly amazing experience. I didn't run the race again until five years ago in 2002. At that time, Marsha went with me to keep me company at Deetjen's Big Sur Inn, and drive my "support vehicle". I did a little bit better that year, but not much. In the years since that last time, I've skipped the race because it happens to be the same weekend as the first weekend of the New Orleans Jazz Fest and that event, as many of you know has been a major priority in my life over the last several years. But this year, with many changes going on in my life, and new determination to get "back in the saddle" as it were, I've decided to once again target this marathon along the edge of the continent as a symbol of my goals and my determination. The only catch is that I'm not in any way ready for this race. I started training for it on January 1, but shortly thereafter I came down with the flu, followed by several weeks of other health problems... but hey... that's old news. I'm back in training, but I'm slow and sluggish and way way out of shape. Yesterday, after my weekly long run, I was seriously thinking of throwing in the towel and heading out to New Orleans for the first weekend of Jazz Fest, but then I got home and found an email waiting from the Big Sur Marathon folks talking about a program in which runners were working to raise money for area charities. I thought to myself, "hey! I could do that!" So, that's why I'm setting up this page. I am running the Big Sur Marathon not just for me, but to raise money for some folks who need it. The catch is... inspired by one of the primary points on the course, Hurricane Point, a spot at the top of the longest hardest hill in the race... I've picked my own groups - All non-profit groups from New Orleans - because I have very special feelings about them. I am seeking donations from you for three charities in New Orleans: New Orleans Habitat for Humanity which is the primary organization rebuilding homes for folks in the Crescent City. The New Orleans Musicians Clinic which, just like it sounds, provides health services and information for the incredible number of musicians in New Orleans who would otherwise have no health care. The Tipitinas Foundation which, through their annual campaign, Instruments A Comin', provides band instruments for students in the New Orleans schools. As you can imagine... these three organizations perform some very necessary services during this post-Katrina hell that continues to plague New Orleans. I will be flying out to the Tipitinas Instruments A Comin' benefit immediately after I finish the race (assuming that I'm not in the hospital of course), and I will deliver all contributions directly to their respective charities on Tuesday May 1. I paid $100 to enter the race and I am donating - with all the hopes and dreams I hold for the event - an additional $131.00 ($5.00 for each of the 26.2 miles I will be running) that I plan to divide three ways between each of the organizations that I mentioned. I am asking that you do the same. Not necessarily the same amount as me... maybe less, maybe more ($2.62 would be ten cents per mile - $26.20 would be a dollar a mile - $262.00 would be $10 a mile), but something, whatever it is, that you feel you can afford. Below you will find links to each organization and information on how to donate. You can make out a check to any of the organizations and mail the check to me at 49 Holly Heights, Petaluma, CA 94952 and I will collect all of the checks and deliver them personally to the respective charities. If you want to make it really easy, do it now and just click on the donate now button below whichever organization you're interested in and use your credit card to donate through my own Mercury Public Media secure paypal donation spot. If you want to donate to all of them, click the final link with the Mercury Media logo and I will combine all of the donations and split them three ways. Whatever way you choose, your donatoin is tax deductible. I am really excited about this opportunity to raise money for these incredibly worthwhile charities and I hope you'll join me. ALL OF THE MONEY DONATED WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THESE CHARITIES. If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a note at thom@mercreate.com or phone me at 415-215-2793. Please give... Thanks, Thom P.S. You can get more information on any of these charities by clicking on their logo, and you can of course donate directly to the organizations through their own websites. If you do, do me a favor and please drop me a line to let me know. I'd like to know how much we finally are able to put together. |
To donate now, click the "DONATE" button at the bottom. | |||
  |  |   |  Divide it between all three!  |