“…to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived — this is to have succeeded.”
–Not Ralph Waldo Emerson
Below is the list of the charities we have featured for each of our events, along with some information about them. We are completely transparent with our donations and post receipts and/or acknowledgement letters after each donation is made. Donations are almost always made within 24 hours of the end of each virtual race period. We typically donate in advance for medals left in stock, and we always round up.
We encourage you to visit the websites of each of these organizations to learn more about them. If you would like to make an additional contribution to any of these charities, please donate to them directly.
OCTOBER, 2024 – Run to Vote
When We All Vote: When We All Vote is a leading national, nonpartisan initiative on a mission to change the culture around voting and to increase participation in each and every election by helping to close the race and age gap. Created by Michelle Obama, When We All Vote brings together individuals, institutions, brands, and organizations to register new voters across the country and advance civic education for the entire family and voters of every age to build an informed and engaged electorate for today and generations to come. We empower our supporters and volunteers to take action through voting, advocating for their rights, and holding their elected officials accountable.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit WhenWeAllVote.org.
Donation to be made on November 1
SEPTEMBER, 2024 – Under the Sea
Surfrider Foundation: The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network. Their staff of over 75 people help support the chapter network in their campaigns, champion for policy and fight legal battles for our coasts and bring awareness to the issues facing our ocean. They have an appetite for adventure and all share a common passion – loving and appreciating our ocean, waves and beaches.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit SurfRider.org.
JULY, 2024 – Path to Victory
Victory For Veterans: The mission of Victory For Veterans is to provide suicide prevention and reduction for veterans and first responders by healing invisible wounds through holistic modalities and providing year-round Warriors for Life Online Peer Support.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit VictoryForVeterans.org.
JUNE, 2024 – Honey Hustle
The Bee Conservancy: The Honeybee Conservancy was founded in 2009 by Guillermo Fernandez in response to the news that bees across the globe were in crisis. In the fall of 2020, The Honeybee Conservancy relaunched as The Bee Conservancy to better capture the work protecting all bees and securing environmental and food justice through education, research, habitat creation, and advocacy.
For more than ten years, they have partnered with community groups, schools, foundations, and corporate teams to inspire environmental stewardship, build and distribute bee habitats, and improve access to conservation strategies and education. They empower people from all walks of life to advance pollinator and ecological security through their core program pillars: Bee Sanctuaries, Education, Habitat Development, and Community Science.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit TheBeeConservancy.org.
MAY, 2024 – May the Course Be With You
Changing Course Foundation: Changing Course Foundation is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization that has has special programs designed to help veterans and others suffering the debilitating effects of Post Traumatic Stress, offering them the opportunity to retrain their brains. They also provide a Domestic Violence Support Group, Domestic Violence Inventory Assessments, and a Batterers Intervention Program.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit ChangingCourseFoundation.net.
APRIL, 2024 – Miles for Mom
The Life Of A Single Mom: The mission of The Life of a Single Mom is to improve the lives of single mothers by providing support groups and education in three core areas: Parenting, Finances, and Health & Wellness. They do this through launching single mom groups in churches, educating single moms through Single Mom University®, and creating community.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit TheLifeOfASingleMom.com.
MARCH, 2024 – Totality
Everybody Solar: Everybody Solar is on a mission to make a positive impact on our communities by providing the gift of clean energy to nonprofits serving the most vulnerable populations. Their goal is to help these organizations thrive by significantly reducing their electricity costs through solar installations. This way, they can redirect funds directly into their missions and create a bigger, lasting effect on their causes.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit EverybodySolar.org.
FEBRUARY, 2024 – Leap Day
Leapfrog Group: For over 20 years, The Leapfrog Group has collected, analyzed, and published data on safety and quality in order to push the health care industry forward. Leapfrog’s bold transparency has promoted high-value care and informed health care decisions — and helped trigger giant leaps forward in the safety, quality, and affordability of U.S. health care. As they honor our past, they look forward to the next two decades of encouraging better choices, fostering better care and saving lives.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit LeapfrogGroup.org.
JANUARY, 2024 – Run Swift
GLAAD: Founded in 1985, GLAAD is a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change. GLAAD works to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation and creates national and local programs that advance LGBTQ acceptance. Serving as a storyteller, media force, resource, and advocate, GLAAD tackles tough issues and provokes dialogue so that authentic LGBTQ stories are seen, heard, and actualized. GLAAD strives to protect all that has been accomplished and helps create a world where everyone can live the life they love.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit GLAAD.org.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 2023 – World Peace
Seeds of Peace: Seeds of Peace has over two decades of experience organizing and implementing dialogue and leadership development programs for youth and educators in communities in conflict across the globe. In the face of devastating violence in Israel and Palestine, their alumni are leading search and rescue missions, organizing aid campaigns, providing mental health support, advocating for equality, and assisting with diplomatic efforts. They are mobilizing for the return of hostages to Israel and calling for the protection of civilian life in Gaza. They are bringing their voices to international media. This is what their alumni leaders do during times of darkness.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit SeedOfPeace.org.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2023 – Quest for the Golden Doubloon
The Ocean Cleanup: Founded in 2013, The Ocean Cleanup is developing and scaling technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans is one of the biggest environmental issues of our time, impacting nearly 700 marine species. The aim is to put themselves out of business once the oceans are clean. They are fully reliant on donations from individuals, corporations, governments and institutions.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit TheOceanCleanup.com.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2023 – Maui Strong
Maui Food Bank: Maui Food Bank’s mission is to help the hungry in Maui County by collecting and distributing food through community partnerships. The Maui Food Bank is Maui County’s primary safety net for hunger relief. The Food Bank provides safe and nutritious food to anyone in Maui County who is at risk of going hungry. Of those served, 40% are children and youth. Working with more than 100 distribution partners and programs, the Food Bank distributes safe and nutritious food to individuals, families, kids, the working poor, seniors on fixed incomes, the homeless and anyone who is at risk of going hungry. This includes people in need living in the rural communities of Hana, Molokai and Lanai.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit MauiFoodBank.org.
$4000 donated to be made on October 4:
JULY/AUGUST, 2023 – Hollywood Hustle
Hollywood Sign Trust: The Hollywood Sign Trust is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes and responsible for physically maintaining, repairing and securing the Hollywood Sign; providing capital improvements for the benefit of the public at large; and educating the world about the Sign’s historical and cultural importance. Since its charter in 1992 the Hollywood Sign Trust has led a range of projects to preserve, protect and promote the Sign, including major refurbishments, the most recent in 2022, and the installation of a state-of-the-art security and surveillance system, which has been expanded and improved numerous times.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit HollywoodSign.org.
MAY/JUNE, 2023 – Sloth Running Team
Rainforest Trust: Rainforest Trust was founded in 1988 as the World Parks Endowment to save endangered species by creating new parks and reserves in the tropics, where most of the world’s biodiversity is found.The strategic plan for 2021-2025 doubles down on their mission, commits to raising and allocating $200 million, and pledges to contribute to saving half of the world’s threatened birds and mammals.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit RainforestTrust.org.
MARCH/APRIL, 2023 – The Key
Save the Children: Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Their founder, Eglantyne Jebb, saw children dying of starvation and wracked with disease after the end of the First World War. So, in 1919, she launched the Save the Children Fund to raise much-needed funds to end children’s suffering across war-torn Europe.
Today, over 100 years later, they work in the United States and around the world to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes and children are most vulnerable, they are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. They do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit SaveTheChildren.org.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2023 – Candy Hearts
Heart to Heart International: Heart to Heart International works every day to improve access to health throughout the United States and the world. Through HHI’s work, people in need receive medications, direct medical care, hygiene supplies and medical supplies.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit HeartToHeart.org.
DECEMBER, 2022 – Let It Snow
Share Winter Foundation: The Share Winter Foundation works closely with carefully selected grantees to build efficient, effective, sustainable winter sports programs and pipelines to encourage winter sports participation. They strive to make winter sports accessible to a broader, more diverse community, and hope to share winter with 100,000 youth by 2028.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit ShareWinterFoundation.org.
NOVEMBER, 2022 – Forget Me Not
Alzheimer’s Association: The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. They work on a national and local level to provide care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The Association is the leading voice for Alzheimer’s disease advocacy, fighting for critical Alzheimer’s research and care initiatives at the state and federal level.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit alz.org.
OCTOBER, 2022 – Uncle Sam Challenge
Any Soldier: Any Soldier Inc. started as a simple family effort to help their son, Army Sergeant Brian Horn, who was one of the 1,000 Soldiers who parachuted into Northern Iraq on March 26th, 2003. They knew his unit, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, was living under very rough conditions, so they were sending Brian care packages as often as they could. The Horns developed the idea for AnySoldier.com after Brian requested more and more care packages be sent so that he could give them to soldiers that were not receiving any. Marty Horn, Brian’s father, created a website that explained the project and offered Brian’s address, including the words “Attn: Any Soldier.” In January 2004, the Horns opened up the project to the other Military branches, and within one year, they went from seven Military contacts distributing “Any Soldier” packages to 3,500. To date, they have served over 1.3 million troops!
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit AnySoldier.com.
SEPTEMBER, 2022 – Golden Record
The Planetary Society: Founded by Carl Sagan, Louis Friedman, and Brice Murry in 1980, The Planetary Society‘s mission is to empower the world’s citizens to advance space science and exploration. Today, The Planetary Society continues this work, under the leadership of CEO Bill Nye, as the world’s largest and most influential non-profit space organization. The organization is supported by over 50,000 members in over 100 countries.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit Planetary.org.
AUGUST, 2022 – God Save the Queen
Halo Trust: The HALO Trust helps countries recover after conflict. Clearing landmines, to save lives, is at the heart of what they do. They work with communities that are too often forgotten once the fighting has ended, a point reinforced by Princess Diana after her visit to Angola in 1997. But the nature of conflict has evolved, so too has the dangerous debris left behind when the fighting is over. As well as clearing landmines, they deal with unexploded ordnance, from bullets to aircraft bombs, and they educate communities to keep them safe. They also build safe arms stores and systems for securing guns.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit HaloTrust.org.
JULY, 2022 – Give a Hoot
Florida Wildlife Hospital: Since 1973, Florida Wildlife Hospital (FWH) has rescued, rehabilitated, and released thousands of sick, injured, and orphaned native Florida animals. The Mission: Keeping wildlife wild by providing quality, compassionate care. Located in Palm Shores, Florida, FWH is available 365 days a year to admit wildlife patients. They care for more than 5,000 patients per year. There is never charge for animal care but they receive no state or federal funding. FWH is the only facility of its kind in the area and provides immeasurable and critical value to the community and to the lives of the wildlife cared for at their facility.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit FloridaWildlifeHospital.org.
JUNE, 2022 – Stop Human Trafficking
Shared Hope International: Shared Hope International strives to prevent the conditions that foster sex trafficking, to restore victims of sex slavery, and to bring justice to vulnerable women and children. They envision a world passionately opposed to sex trafficking and a community committed to restoring survivors to lives of purpose, value and choice – one life at a time.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit SharedHope.org.
MAY, 2022 – Stars and Stripes
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation: The mission of the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is to provide college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. They are dedicated to serving the families of service members from all branches of the armed forces who have died as a result of combat casualties, military training accidents, service-related illnesses, suicide, as well as other duty-related deaths as ruled by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit FallenPatriots.org.
APRIL, 2022 – Stand with Ukraine
United Help Ukraine: United Help Ukraine is a non-profit organization started in 2014 by a small group of people who met at a protest in Washington D.C. Most of them had a personal connection to Ukraine. They are a grassroots, entirely volunteer-based organization. Their focus areas are providing medical supplies for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, personal protective, medical, and survival equipment, providing humanitarian aid, supporting wounded warriors and their families, and raising awareness of Ukraine’s struggle for freedom and independence.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit UnitedHelpUkraine.org.
MARCH, 2022 – Anchors Aweigh
Find Your Anchor: Simply put, the goal of the Find Your Anchor movement is suicide prevention, awareness, and education. The premise behind Find Your Anchor is that each person needs an anchor. “Establish an anchor — a dependable, stable, secure base that you can hold on to, one that keeps you firmly planted, no matter what winds or storms may come.” Find Your Anchor doesn’t assume to be the anchor, or have all the answers, rather, it sets out to create a community of anchors, all with the help of some little blue boxes.
The physical form of Find Your Anchor is a small blue box packed with various materials designed to inspire, soothe and offer support – such as a 52+ Reasons to Live deck of cards, an infographic on depression, list of resources, a letter, posters, a bracelet, stickers, some other sweet nothings, and a whole lot of good vibes. These boxes are then planted in public places (the library, the Vegas strip, etc.) to be found by those in need; specifically those close to suicide in one way or another. Boxes can also be requested for someone personally struggling, or if you know someone struggling and want to help. They also encourage individuals to add their own inspiration and anchors to their box before passing it along to someone new as a way to organically grow the community. In the end, they just want to get a little more love into the world.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit FindYourAnchor.us.
FEBRUARY, 2022 – TwosDay
Mission 22: Mission 22 is a national community supporting active service members, Veterans, and their family members, through three areas of focus:
- –Support and Treatment Programs: for active service members, Veterans, and their family members, addressing Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, suicide risk and other challenges.
- -Social Impact: uniting civilians and the military community to raise awareness of issues active service members, veterans, and their family members face.
- -Memorials: remembering and honoring service members and Veterans through large scale installations and digital initiatives, while raising awareness for issues faced on home soil.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit Mission22.com.
JANUARY, 2022 – Snail’s Pace
Environmental Defense Fund: The Environmental Defense Fund‘s mission is to preserve the natural systems on which all life depends. Guided by science and economics, they find practical and lasting solutions to the most serious environmental problems. What distinguishes Environmental Defense Fund is the combination of what they protect and how they protect it.
The EDF works to solve the most critical environmental problems facing the planet. This has drawn them to areas that span the biosphere: climate, oceans, ecosystems and health. Since these topics are intertwined, their solutions take a multidisciplinary approach. They work in concert with other organizations — as well as with business, government and communities — and avoid duplicating work already being done effectively by others.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit EDF.org.
DECEMBER, 2021 – Sheep Dog
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance: Founded in 2010, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) is a national non-profit organization founded and headquartered in Rogers, Arkansas. SDIA exists to engage, assist and empower our nation’s “Sheep Dogs” (military veterans, law enforcement, fire & rescue, and EMS personnel) to Get Off The Couch™ and reengage in living a meaningful and productive life.
These heroes have an innate desire to serve and their service gives purpose to their lives; however, after an injury or shift/tour of duty ends, that purpose is often lost. By gathering together Sheep Dogs who have suffered similar traumas & experiences, SDIA has found that the camaraderie and peer support they receive fosters healing and is critical to their overall well-being, which helps prevent suicides in our Veteran and First Responder communities.
Joining SDIA in opportunities for physical activities, camaraderie & healing (Outdoor Adventures), training to transform struggle into strength and posttraumatic growth (Warrior PATHH), and volunteer opportunities for continued service (Disaster Response), a Sheep Dogs’ innate desire to serve is again fulfilled. When Sheep Dogs #GetOffTheCouch together, their attitude and perspective are drastically improved, and many find healing and a renewed sense of purpose.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit SheepDogIA.org.
NOVEMBER, 2021 – Dalgona Challenge
Liberty In North Korea: North Koreans live in the world’s most authoritarian country. With offices in both the United States and South Korea, Liberty In North Korea is an international non-government organization that helps North Korean refugees escape through a 3,000-mile secret rescue route, and empowers North Koreans who have reached freedom to be changemakers, advocates, and leaders.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit LibertyInNorthKorea.org.
OCTOBER, 2021 – Top Run
Air Charity Network: Air Charity Network is a charitable organization that provides access for people in need who are seeking free air transportation to specialized health care facilities or distant destinations due to family, community, or national crisis. Air Charity Network serves all 50 states and its volunteer pilots utilize their own aircraft, fuel and time to provide free air transportation to medical facilities for citizens who are financially distressed or otherwise unable to travel on public transportation. Air Charity Network members also coordinate flights to fly organ transplant candidates, people involved in clinical trials, chemotherapy or other repetitive treatment, victims of abuse seeking relocation, families receiving help from Ronald McDonald Houses, Shriners Hospitals and many other charities, disabled or sick children to special summer camp programs, and for many other humanitarian reasons.
Combined, the Air Charity Network is the Nation’s largest unified Volunteer Pilot organization comprised of thousands of pilots who annually fly tens of thousands of passengers across the US.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit AirCharityNetwork.org.
SEPTEMBER, 2021 – Never Forget
9/11 Memorial & Museum Fund: The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is the country’s principal institution concerned with exploring 9/11, documenting its impact, and examining its continuing significance. Honoring those who were killed in the 2001 and 1993 attacks is at the heart of the charity’s mission. Located at the World Trade Center in New York City, the 9/11 Memorial Museum tells the story of 9/11 through media, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts, presenting visitors with personal stories of loss, recovery, and hope. As a monument to human dignity, courage, and sacrifice, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum honors the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993, recognizes the courage of those who survived, and salutes those who risked their lives to help others.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit 911Memorial.org.
$7000 ($2500 + $4500) donated on October 1:
AUGUST, 2021 – Prepare for Glory
Melanoma Research Foundation: The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s website is the premier source for melanoma information seekers.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit Melanoma.org.
JULY, 2021 – We Have Liftoff!
Higher Orbits: Higher Orbits is a non-profit with the mission of promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); along with leadership, teamwork, and communication through the use of spaceflight. Mankind’s journey into space serves as an ideal launchpad to excite students of all ages about STEM/STEAM and working to fulfill their dreams and ambitions while also building teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit HigherOrbits.org.
JUNE, 2021 – Best Furry Friends
Freedom Service Dogs: Freedom Service Dogs of America (FSD) is a Colorado-based nonprofit organization that unleashes the potential of dogs by transforming them into custom-trained, life-changing assistance dogs for people in need. FSD clients include children, veterans and active-duty military, and other adults. These clients live with disabilities like autism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), multiple sclerosis (MS), muscular dystrophy (MD), Down syndrome, cerebral palsy (CP), spinal cord injuries, post-traumatic stress (PTS), and more. FSD has been recognized nationally for its innovative approach and life-changing work. Since being founded in 1987, FSD has paired hundreds of client-dog teams at no cost to the clients. FSD provides a lifetime of support for its client-dog teams, including post-placement follow-up, ongoing training, annual recertification, and advocacy efforts.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit FreedomServiceDogs.org.
MAY, 2021 – To the Rescue
First Responders Children’s Foundation: First Responders Children’s Foundation provides financial support to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty and families enduring significant financial hardship due to tragic circumstances. The Foundation also supports educational activities and programs created and operated by first responder organizations whose purpose is to benefit children or the communities in which they live.
During the pandemic, First Responders Children’s Foundation is helping the families of first responders including nurses, medical personnel, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and paramedics who are on the front lines of dealing with COVID-19. For 20 years, First Responders Children’s Foundation has provided college scholarships for the children of those injured or killed in the line of duty, and the Foundation continues to do that now more than ever.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit 1stRCF.org.
APRIL, 2021 – I Run on Caffeine
It’s From the Sole: It’s From the Sole is a non-profit organization focused on collecting, refurbishing and giving away shoes to the homeless in New York City and other metropolitan areas. To date, It’s From the Sole has distributed over 24,000 pairs of sneakers to the homeless and less fortunate individuals in New York City, Philadelphia, Norristown, Washington, DC; San Antonio, Houston, Huntsville, Seattle, Barbados; Jamaica, Colombia, Guyana, Paris, London, Gueye, and more.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit ItsFromTheSole.org.
MARCH, 2021 – A Shot of Hope
Crush COVID (CDC Foundation): The CDC Foundation is an independent nonprofit and the sole entity created by Congress to mobilize philanthropic and private-sector resources to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s critical health protection work. This organization is a catalyst for unleashing the power of collaboration between CDC and philanthropies, private entities and individuals to protect the health, safety and security of America and the world. Your support saves and improves lives—right now and in the future.
Thanks to donors, the CDC Foundation has launched more than 1,000 health protection programs and raised over $1 billion to support CDC’s work over the past two decades. To keep people healthy, safe and secure, they have managed hundreds of CDC-led programs in the United States and in more than 140 countries.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit CDCFoundation.org or donate directly through the Crush COVID website.
FEBRUARY, 2021 – Break the Silence
Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence: Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV) is a national nonprofit organization powerfully led by survivors-volunteers who help serve victims, survivors, and families affected by domestic violence. The BTSADV family provides critical, direct support to people in need in an effort to:
- -eliminate isolation and suicidal thoughts
- -reduce anxiety
- -build trust in healthy friendships
- -inspire passion
- -provide tools to manage PTSD symptoms
- -reduce depression symptoms
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit BreakTheSilenceDV.org.
JANUARY, 2021 – Light the Way
Florida Lighthouse Association: Protecting, Preserving and Restoring Florida’s Lighthouses! The Florida Lighthouse Association is a nonprofit group of citizen activists dedicated to the preservation of the 29 remaining historic lighthouses that line Florida’s 1350-mile coastline. Once central to the economic growth and settlement of our nation, many of Florida’s lighthouses face uncertain futures.
The mission is to preserve, restore, protect, and defend Florida’s lighthouse towers, along with their material culture, buildings, artifacts and records to assure that the magic of Florida’s lighthouses and lighthouse keepers will be available for the enjoyment and understanding of future generations.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit FloridaLighthouses.org.
DECEMBER, 2020 – Run Run as Fast as You Can
No Kid Hungry: No Kid Hungry is a national campaign run by Share Our Strength, a nonprofit working to solve problems of hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world. After 25 years of successfully investing in local nonprofits and helping find the best approaches to eradicating poverty and hunger, Share Our Strength launched No Kid Hungry in 2010.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit NoKidHungry.org.
NOVEMBER, 2020 – Pursuit of Liberty
League of Women Voters: Founded in 1920, the League of Women Voters is celebrating it’s centennial anniversary. They believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy. That’s been the vision since 1920, when the League of Women Voters was founded by leaders of the women’s suffrage movement. For 100 years, the League of Women Voters has been a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization that believes voters should play a critical role in democracy.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit lwv.org.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER, 2020 [BONUS EVENT!] – Notorious RBG
Malala Foundation: Long before she became known as the “Notorious RBG,” Ginsburg was an excellent student. The daughter of an immigrant father, Ginsburg credited her luck to growing up in America where she had the chance to go to school and succeed. But around the world, forces like war, poverty and discrimination prevent more than 130 million girls from getting an education. Malala Fund, co-founded by Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, advocates for girls’ access to free, safe and quality education. Malala Fund works in regions where the most girls miss out on secondary education. Their priority countries are Afghanistan, Brazil, India, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey, and Ethiopia.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit Malala.org.
OCTOBER, 2020 – Dumpster Fire
The Ocean Cleanup: Founded in 2013, the Ocean Cleanup is designing and developing cleanup systems to clean up what is already polluting our oceans and to intercept plastic on its way to the ocean via rivers.
A significant percentage of the plastic that enters the oceans from rivers and other sources during a transfer that can take many years, drifts into large systems of circulating ocean currents, also known as gyres. Once trapped in a gyre, the plastic will slowly break down into microplastics and become increasingly easier to mistake for food by sea life.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit TheOceanCleanup.com.
SEPTEMBER, 2020 – The Dragonfly
The Dragonfly Foundation: The Dragonfly Foundation delivers the best emotional, relational, and practical support systems for families affected by pediatric cancer. At their core, what they offer is community, the feeling that you are not alone during this alien, isolating experience that strips even the closest and best-intentioned family and friends from your ranks. They live to provide understanding, support, resources and opportunities families will rely and reflect on for years to come.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit Dragonfly.org.
AUGUST, 2020 – Black Lives Matter
United Negro College Fund (UNCF): The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) was founded in 1944 to help more African American students attend and graduate from college. Since then, they’ve helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college. UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit UNCF.org.
JULY, 2020 – International Space Station
Space Station Explorers: Space Station Explorers, the education arm of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory, connects educators and learners with a growing community of partner organizations that make science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning fun and exciting through connections with the ISS National Lab. Space Station Explorers collaborates with many partner organizations on innovative programs and resources for K-12 students, educators, and the public, including opportunities to design experiments to launch to space! Join us as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of humans living and working continuously onboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies, enabling research breakthroughs not possible on Earth that will drive long-duration space exploration and benefit life on our planet.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit SpaceStationExplorers.org.
JUNE, 2020 – Koala Krawl
Australian Koala Foundation: The Australian Koala Foundation is the principal non-profit, non-government organization dedicated to the effective management and conservation of the Koala and its habitat. This charity’s main goals are to refine and update the Koala Habitat Atlas mapping of all wild Koala habitat and to get the Koala Protection Act enacted to ensure Koalas and their habitat are protected.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit SaveTheKoala.com.
APRIL – MAY, 2020 [BONUS EVENT!] – Coronavirus Relief
Direct Relief: Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 90 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Direct Relief is:
- -Providing assistance in the form of personal protective equipment, or PPE, for health workers
- -Building an ICU medication model and mobilizing private resources to build a stockpile to assist with the anticipated spike in ICU patients
- -Boosting support to safety-net facilities to address existing chronic gaps that are likely to grow
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit DirectRelief.org.
$85,000 donated!
$57,000 donated on May 1
+ $28,000 donated on June 1:
MAY, 2020 – Last Alarm
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to remember America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, this non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. The charity’s mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives and work within the fire service community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries.
For more information about this charity or to make direct contributions, please visit FireHero.org.
APRIL, 2020 – Virtual Slides
Organization for Autism Research: The Organization for Autism Research (OAR)’s mission is the apply research to the challenges of autism. This charity strives to use science to address the social, educational, and treatment concerns of self-advocates, parents, autism professionals, and caregivers. The mission of “applying” research to answer questions of daily concern to those living with autism defines their goals and program objectives and shapes their budget.
In addition to funding research, OAR’s mission includes the requirements to:
- -Disseminate new and useful information to as many members of the autism community as possible, and
- -Direct all research and programs initiatives toward enhancing the quality of life for individuals with autism.
In simplest terms, applied autism research is “practical research that examines issues and challenges that children and adults with autism and their families face every day.”
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit ResearchAutism.org.
MARCH, 2020 – Warrior Women
The Women’s Memorial: The Women In Military Service For America Memorial (The Women’s Memorial), at the Ceremonial Entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, is the only major national memorial honoring all women who have defended America throughout history. Their patriotism and bravery are a part of our nation’s heritage. Visitors to the Women’s Memorial experience the collective history of women in the military along with individual stories of registered servicewomen.
The Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization that depends on donations to equip and maintain the Education Center, theater and exhibit areas, expand the permanent artifact collection, and continue to locate and register eligible women.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit WomensMemorial.org.
FEBRUARY, 2020 – Gotta Go
Girls with Guts: The mission of Girls With Guts is to support and empower women with IBD (Crohn’s disease & ulcerative colitis) and/or ostomies through the building of sisterhood and self-esteem. The vision of Girls With Guts is to establish a national support network that assists women in their search for community, acceptance, and empowerment. Through sharing stories and experiences, Girls With Guts wants to give all women with IBD the strength to find their confidence, and keep it, despite having IBD or an ostomy.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit GirlsWithGuts.org.
JANUARY, 2020 – Always Time to Run
Give an Hour: Since 2005, Give an Hour has focused on providing free and confidential mental health care to those who serve, our veterans, and their families. They have since expanded their efforts to address the mental health needs of other populations. Through the generosity, compassion, and expertise of Give an Hour’s skilled volunteers, they are able to increase the likelihood that those in need receive the support and care they deserve.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit GiveAnHour.org.
DECEMBER, 2019 – Ugly Sweater
Sweats4Vets: Sweats for Vets provides sports-team hoodies (and other items too) that offer both warmth and pride to homeless veterans across the Greater New England area by rallying many dedicated volunteers and generous donors.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit Sweats4Vets.com.
NOVEMBER, 2019 – Honor Flight
Honor Flight: Honor Flight is a charity dedicated to honoring our veterans by providing them with all expense paid trips to Washington D. C., so they can visit the memorials that symbolize the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of American heroes. Honor Flight is dedicated to transporting as many U.S. military veterans as possible to visit the memorials of the respective war(s) they fought at absolutely no cost to the veterans.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit HonorFlight.org.
OCTOBER, 2019 – Run of the Pets
Best Friends Animal Society: The mission of Best Friends Animal Society is to bring about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets. They do this by helping end the killing in America’s animal shelters through building community programs and partnerships all across the nation. They believe that by working together we can Save Them All.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit BestFriends.org.
OCTOBER, 2019 [BONUS EVENT!] – Lend a Hand: The Bahamas
One Bahamas Fund: Creators of the ONE Bahamas Fund – Justin Timberlake, Tiger Woods, NEXUS Luxury Collection, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and members from the ALBANY community – have pledged $6 million toward Hurricane Dorian relief and rebuilding efforts to be matched by those who share their passion to help those impacted by the devastating hurricane.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit OneBahamasFund.org.
$11,500 donated on October 15th…
Thanks to matching gifts, this donation was DOUBLED to $23,000!
SEPTEMBER, 2019 – Area 51
This was a first for us here at Virtual Strides. For 57 consecutive months, we hosted a new virtual race with a unique medal and theme, and every month, we selected a charity that went along with the theme of that event to be the beneficiary. For this event, we reached out to multiple conservation charities that work in the Mojave Desert (where Area 51 is located), and for the first time ever, none wanted their name associated with our event, simply because the words “Area 51” were in the name of the event. Crazy, right?
Ultimately we decided that we would still make our planned donation, but we would not state the name of the charity until after the fact, nor would we linking to their website anywhere. The only thing we stated at the time was that we would be donating to a charity that works to protect public lands in Nevada. So that’s exactly what we did, as you can see in the donation receipt posted below.
For more information on THIS charity or to make a direct contribution, you will need to find their website yourself. 🙂
AUGUST, 2019 – Flower Power
Cancer Research Institute: The Cancer Research Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing our immune system’s power to control and potentially cure all types of cancer. They fund the most innovative clinical and laboratory research around the world, support the next generation of the field’s leaders, and serve as the trusted source of information on immunotherapy for cancer patients and their caregivers.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit CancerResearch.org.
JULY, 2019 – One Small Step
The Astronauts Memorial Foundation: In the wake of the Challenger accident in 1986, the Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) was founded. The AMF honors the past and inspires the future, memorializing those astronauts who have sacrificed their lives for the nation and the space program by sponsoring the national Space Mirror Memorial, and by implementing innovative educational technology programs.
The Astronauts Memorial Foundation captures the technology developed in the United States’ space program and applies it to the field of education. They partner with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to provide technology training to educators throughout the nation with a particular emphasis on space-related technology. In addition, at The Center for Space Education they offer space-related educational opportunities for individuals, and, in doing so, improve the quality of the workforce in the space industry.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit amfcse.org.
JUNE, 2019 – Glorious Gecko
Defenders of Wildlife: Founded in 1947, Defenders of Wildlife is a major national conservation organization focused solely on wildlife and habitat conservation and the safeguarding of biodiversity. They believe in the inherent value of wildlife and the natural world, and this singular focus defines the organization’s important niche in the environmental and conservation community and serves as the anchor for their organizational values. Defenders works on the ground, in the courts, and on Capitol Hill to protect and restore imperiled wildlife across North America and around the world.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit Defenders.org.
$3000 donated on July 1…
Thanks to a matching gift, this donation was TRIPLED to $9000!
MAY, 2019 – End of Watch
Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.): C.O.P.S. was organized in 1984 with 110 individual members. Today, C.O.P.S. membership is over 48,000 survivors., including spouses, children, parents, siblings, significant others, and co-workers of officers who have died in the line of duty. C.O.P.S. is governed by a national board of law enforcement survivors. C.O.P.S. has over 50 Chapters nationwide that work with survivors at the grass-roots level.
C.O.P.S. knows that a survivor’s level of distress is directly affected by the agency’s response to the tragedy. C.O.P.S., therefore, offers training and assistance to law enforcement agencies nationwide on how to respond to the tragic loss of a member of the law enforcement profession. C.O.P.S. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization funded by grants and donations.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit ConcernsOfPoliceSurvivors.org.
APRIL, 2019 – The Dragon Within
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: The mission of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit alzfdn.org.
MARCH, 2019 – Lady Luck
Ladybug House: The mission of the Ladybug House is to provide children, adolescents, young adults, and their families respite from the challenges of life-limiting illness. At any given moment in the United States, over 565,000 children are within the last six months of their lives. Many hospitals provide high quality hospice and palliative care. 80% of pediatric deaths occur in hospitals. The Ladybug House will provide quality of life and respite from the sometimes sterile and challenging context of traditional hospital settings. Ladybug House will provide support to families during the unimaginable in a home full of life, love and respect. They will meet families’ needs for as long as needed. Every day, every moment, and every life will be celebrated.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit LadybugHouse.org.
FEBRUARY, 2019 – Go Grand
Grand Canyon Conservancy: Grand Canyon Conservancy (formerly Grand Canyon Association) is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing premier guided educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Supporters fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires people to protect and enhance Grand Canyon National Park for present and future generations.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit GrandCanyon.org.
$2500 donated on March 1, including $250 donated in advance (September, 2018):
JANUARY, 2019 – Resolution Run
Donors Choose: Donors Choose makes it easy for anyone to help a classroom in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education. Created by a history teacher in 2000, Donors Choose is a website where teachers can post classroom project requests, and donors can choose the ones they want to support.
For more information about this charity or to make your own donations directly to the projects of your choosing, please visit DonorsChoose.org.
Virtual Strides Note: Donors Choose is different than all of the other charities we support each month. Instead of making a single donation to the charity, the Donors Choose website allows users to browse THOUSANDS of requests from teachers across the nation. With so many projects to choose from, it was difficult (but fun!) deciding which classrooms to support. We donated to a couple of local (Melbourne, FL) classrooms and then focused on the “Most urgent projects” list from around the country, in particular the ones that had matching donation offers (more bang for our bucks!) and the ones where our single donation could complete the projects’ funding. When all was said any done, we donated over $1500 between February 1st and 4th to 21 different classrooms and directly to the Donors Choose platform itself, helping buy stools, desks, sports equipment, robots, tablets, computers, general classroom supplies, and lots and lots and LOTS of books! This is a very cool website and we encourage you to check it out.
DECEMBER, 2018 – Reindeer Run Over
Toys for Tots: The mission of the Marine Toys for Tots program is to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas. The goal is, through the gift of a new toy, help bring the joy of Christmas to America’s less fortunate children.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit ToysForTots.org.
DECEMBER, 2018 [BONUS EVENT!] – Lend a Hand: California Wildfire Relief
California Fire Foundation: This non-profit organization provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect. Formed in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, the California Fire Foundation’s mandate includes an array of survivor and victim assistance projects and community initiatives.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit CAFireFoundation.org.
$13,700 donation made on December 15:
NOVEMBER, 2018 – Eat More Pie
The Hunger Project: Founded in 1977, The Hunger Project is a global, non-profit, strategic organization committed to the sustainable end of world hunger. Their vision is a world where every woman, man and child leads a healthy, fulfilling life of self-reliance and dignity. The organization’s mission is to end hunger and poverty by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centered strategies and advocating for their widespread adoption in countries throughout the world.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit THP.org.
$2000 donation made on December 1:
OCTOBER, 2018 – Return of the Run of the Dead
Boys and Girls Clubs of America: Boys and Girls Clubs of America provides a safe place for kids and teens during critical out-of-school time. This charity offers life changing programs and services to youth across the nation and on U.S. military installations worldwide. They seek to enable all young people, especially those who need them most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
When you give to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, you create opportunities for young people who might be heading to their Club for a game of basketball, a hot meal or a safe place. But, with your help, they receive so much more than that — academic support, leadership opportunities, workforce and college preparation, healthful skills and lifelong mentors.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit BCGA.org.
$3000 donation made on November 1:
SEPTEMBER, 2018 – Unicorn of the Sea
Whale and Dolphin Conservation: Founded in 1985, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) is a global organization which has led the charge on protections for whales and dolphins in all our world’s oceans. The WDC is guided by a simple principle – whales play a critical role in the health of our marine and global ecosystems. WDC’s mission is protecting whales and dolphins, to ensure they survive and thrive as key contributors to our shared planet. Projects include putting a stop to whaling, reducing the number of whales and dolphins in captivity, and increasing the number of protected areas for these magnificent creatures.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit Whales.org.
$3000 donation made on October 1:
AUGUST, 2018 – The Future’s So Bright
Project Happiness: The World Health Organization declares depression the leading cause of suffering worldwide. Project Happiness provides schools, organizations, and communities engaging, easy-to-use science-based wellness solutions. Happiness is not just a state – it’s a skill that anyone can learn. Project Happiness’ school curriculum has been downloaded in 120 countries and reaches 2.5 million people daily through social media.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit ProjectHappiness.org.
$1000 donation made on September 1:
JULY, 2018 – Bend the Knee
Arthritis National Research Foundation: The Arthritis National Research Foundation’s mission is to provide initial research funding to brilliant, investigative scientists with new ideas to cure arthritis and related autoimmune diseases. Since 1970, the Arthritis National Research Foundation has funded arthritis research to understand the causes, prevention and development of new treatments for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, juvenile arthritis and other related autoimmune diseases.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit CureArthritis.org.
$8000 donation made on August 1:
JUNE, 2018 – Tiki Run
International Rescue Committee: The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit rescue.org.
$2000 donation made on July 2:
MAY, 2018 – Because of the Brave
Operation Homefront: Operation Homefront is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive — not simply struggle to get by — in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. For over fifteen years, the organization has provided programs that offer: RELIEF (through Critical Financial Assistance and transitional housing programs), RESILIENCY (through permanent housing and caregiver support services) and RECURRING FAMILY SUPPORT programs and services throughout the year that help military families overcome the short-term bumps in the road so they don’t become long-term chronic problems.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit OperationHomefront.org.
$8000 donation made on June 1:
APRIL, 2018 – Run Like the Wind
Donate Life America: Donate Life America is focused on increasing the number of donated organs, eyes and tissue available to save and heal lives through transplantation while developing a culture where donation is embraced as a fundamental human responsibility. Over the past 25 years, Donate Life America and the Donate Life Community have registered nearly 138 million organ, eye and tissue donors in the United States – more than 56% of the adult population.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit DonateLife.net.
MARCH, 2018 – Find Your Fitness
Doctors Without Borders: Founded in 1971, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) works to help people worldwide where the need is greatest, delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from health care.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit DoctorsWithoutBorders.org.
$5000 donation made on April 2:
FEBRUARY, 2018 – Solving the Puzzle
Autism Society of America: The Autism Society of America is a national source of information, advocacy, and support that reaches local communities with a one-of-a-kind nationwide network of autism knowledge and support. An organization with over 50 years of heritage and heart, the Autism Society, and its system of 90 affiliates, is dedicated to providing trustworthy, respectful and caring services that truly impact the lives of individuals on the spectrum.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit Autism-Society.org.
$3000 donation made on March 1:
JANUARY, 2018 – Time to Run
VolunteerMatch: VolunteerMatch believes everyone should have the chance to make a difference by making it easy for good people and good causes to connect. Since its launch in 1998, they’ve facilitated over 13 million nonprofit-volunteer connections, and have helped more than 113,000 organizations better leverage volunteers to create real community impact.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit VolunteerMatch.org.
$3000 donation made on February 1:
DECEMBER, 2017 – Southernmost Point
Seacamp: Seacamp Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to marine science education. The organization’s mission is to create awareness of the complex and fragile marine world and to foster critical thinking and informed decision making about man’s use of natural resources. As a residential summer camp and educational program, Seacamp Association offers extended sessions of hands-on, interactive education, taking advantage of the variety of marine environments surrounding their beautiful location in the heart of the Florida Keys.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit Seacamp.org.
$1500 donation made on December 31:
NOVEMBER, 2017 – Eagle Pride
USA Cares: USA Cares provides financial and advocacy assistance to post-9/11 active duty U.S. military service personnel, veterans and their families.
For more information about this charity or to make an additional, direct contribution, please visit USACares.org.
$2000 donation made on December 1:
OCTOBER, 2017 [BONUS EVENT!] – Lend a Hand: 2017 Hurricane Relief
One America Appeal: 100% of the GROSS proceeds from this virtual race will be donated to One America Appeal. One America Appeal is a joint appeal that was originally launched by all five living former American Presidents to encourage their fellow citizens to support recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey — which inundated the Texas Gulf Coast with unprecedented flooding. This special appeal has been expanded to include areas most affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. All funds collected through the One America Appeal will go into a special account at the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, to ensure 100 cents out of every dollar donated goes to hurricane recovery.
For more information about the One America Appeal or to make an additional, direct contribution, please visit OneAmericaAppeal.org.
$25,420 donation made on November 1:
OCTOBER, 2017 – ReRun of the Dead
The Bone Marrow Foundation: Founded in 1992, The Bone Marrow Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bone marrow, stem cell and cord blood transplant patients and their families by providing vital financial assistance, comprehensive resources, educational information, physician referrals, and emotional support programs.
Transplants treat over 70 life-threatening illnesses including cancers, genetic disorders, and other diseases. The Bone Marrow Foundation is the only organization of its kind that does not limit assistance to a specific disease, type of transplant, or age range. All of the Foundation’s programs and services are offered to patients and their families free of charge.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit BoneMarrow.org.
$6000 donation made on November 1:
SEPTEMBER, 2017 – Bee Healthy
Planet Bee Foundation: Planet Bee Foundation is a 501(c)3 environmental education nonprofit based in San Francisco. Their mission is to create a green-minded generation and inspire environmental stewardship through the teaching lens of the struggling honey bee and the power of individual action. Through their school programs, corporate team building workshops, and public education, Planet Bee inspires people to care for our environment and empowers them to take action to positively impact on our interconnected world. Since receiving their nonprofit status in 2015, they have taught over 12,500 students in schools at no cost!
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit PlanetBee.org.
$2000 donation made on October 1:
AUGUST, 2017 – Quest for the Lost Scroll
Ocean Conservancy: Our ocean faces many threats like the onslaught of ocean trash, overfishing and ocean acidification. Ocean Conservancy works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges by creating science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife communities that depends on it.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit OceanConservancy.org.
$4500 donation made on September 1:
JULY, 2017 – Let Freedom Ring
Keep America Beautiful: Keep America Beautiful (KAB) inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. They’re working to end littering, increase recycling and to beautify America’s communities to fulfill a vision of a country in which every community is a clean, green and beautiful place to live. The organization is driven by the passion of more than 600 state and community-based Keep America Beautiful affiliates, millions of volunteers, and the support of corporate partners, social and civic service organizations, academia, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit KAB.org.
$2500 donation made on August 1:
JUNE, 2017 – Eyes of the Dragon
Sightsavers: Sightsavers is an international organization that changes lives for the long term, working in more than 30 countries to eliminate avoidable blindness and supporting people with visual impairments so they can live independently. Sightsavers is able to perform cataract surgeries for $50 and trachoma treatments for $11, can provide glasses for only $2, and is able to treat neglected tropical disease for a mere 11 cents per person, so your participation in this event will make a real difference for people in need!
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit Sightsavers.org.
$5000 donation made on July 1:
MAY, 2017 – Lest We Forget
National Military Family Association: The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit dedicated to serving the families who stand behind the uniform. Since 1969, NMFA has worked to strengthen and protect millions of families through its advocacy and programs. They provide spouse scholarships, camps for military kids, and retreats for families reconnecting after deployment and for the families of the wounded, ill, or injured. NMFA serves the families of the currently serving, retired, wounded or fallen members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Commissioned Corps of the USPHS and NOAA. This organization understands better than anyone that “military families serve too.”
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit MilitaryFamily.org.
$8000 donation made on June 1:
APRIL, 2017 – The Striding Dead
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation: The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation is committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research. Since 1987, this organization has awarded more than $360 million to fund more than 5,000 grants to more than 4,000 scientists around the world. 100% of all donor contributions for research are invested in NARSAD Grants leading to discoveries in understanding causes and improving treatments of disorders in children and adults, such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, autism, and bipolar, attention-deficit hyperactivity, post-traumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit BBRFoundation.org.
MARCH, 2017 – Shamrock Shaker
Make-A-Wish: On average, Make-A-Wish grants a wish every 35 minutes. Wishes are more than just nice thing. A wish experience can be a game-changer for a child with life-threatening medical condition. Wishes impact everyone involved – wish kids, volunteers, donors, sponsors, medical professionals and communities. For wish kids, just the act of making their wish come true can give them the courage to comply with their medical treatments. Parents might finally feel like they can be optimistic. And still others might realize all they have to offer the world through volunteer work or philanthropy. Whatever the odds, whatever the obstacles… wishes find a way to make the world better.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit Wish.org.
$4000 donation made on April 2:
FEBRUARY, 2017 – Heart of Gold
Joyful Heart Foundation: The Joyful Heart Foundation was founded by Mariska Hargitay in 2004, with the intention of helping sexual assault survivors heal and reclaim a sense of joy in their lives. The vision of the Joyful Heart Foundation is a world free of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The foundation’s mission is to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, support survivors’ healing, and end this violence forever. The mission is carried out through healing, education and advocacy. The foundation has raised over $32 million to support its programs and has directly served more than 18,500 individuals.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit JoyfulHeartFoundation.org.
$9000 donation made on March 1:
JANUARY, 2017 – She Believed She Could So She Did
Action on Smoking and Health: Left unchecked, tobacco will kill one billion people in the 21st century. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has a long history of taking action against tobacco use and its devastating health and economic impact on people and communities around the globe. For more than 40 years, ASH’s goal of a tobacco-free world has remained constant. The tobacco epidemic is global and so must be the solutions. From advocating for bans on cigarette advertising and smoking in public spaces to challenging the influence of the multinational tobacco industry—ASH takes action on a global scale.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit Ash.org.
$6000 donation made on February 1:
DECEMBER, 2016 – Puppy Rescue Mission
Puppy Rescue Mission: The Puppy Rescue Mission (TPRM) assists in pet rescue, foster and re-homing when needed, in particular pets of soldiers, especially those deployed in war zones. The organization assists with requests, logistics, administration and fund-raising for the adopted stray dogs of war, rescued by and bonded with soldiers. This may include vet care, supplies, transport and related issues. TPRM works with or through other organizations that help our soldiers bring their companion animals home from war.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit PuppyRescueMission.com.
$7000 donation made on December 31:
NOVEMBER, 2016 – Operation Enduring Warrior Virtual Run
Operation Enduring Warrior: Operation Enduring Warrior (OEW) is a veteran-founded charity whose mission is to honor, empower, and motivate our nation’s wounded veterans through physical, mental and emotional rehabilitation. OEW’s programs help participants overcome adversity and hardship through innovation, teamwork, and perseverance. This ultimately enables the lives of wounded veterans to go in directions they may have once thought were impossible. OEW is a 100% volunteer-run organization. Donations go directly towards operational support of the organization and its various programs such as Skydive Licenses, SCUBA Certifications, Athletic events (obstacle course and road/trail races, handcycle races, etc.), Public Speaking, Adventure Trips, Veteran Outreach and more. OEW’s “Warrior Christmas” event is coming up, which facilitates a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to spread encouragement and hand-deliver brimming Christmas stockings to recovering wounded veterans.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit EnduringWarrior.org.
$10,000 donation made on December 1:
OCTOBER, 2016 – Run of the Dead Virtual Run
Be the Match: Be The Match, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, is a nonprofit organization that’s dedicated to helping every patient get the life-saving transplant they need. As trusted leaders in advancing treatments for those facing life-threatening blood cancers, Be the Match provides the ground-breaking research, innovative technologies, patient support and education that save lives. Over the past 25 years, Be The Match has managed the largest and most diverse marrow registry in the world. The steps you take and dollars you help us raise will help patients afford transplant, find a matching marrow donor and have a successful transplant outcome.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit BeTheMatch.org.
$33,000 donation made on November 1:
SEPTEMBER, 2016 – Battle of the Badges
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to remember America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, this non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. The charity’s mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives and work within the fire service community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries.
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund: Founded in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is dedicated to honoring and remembering the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers in the United States. This nonprofit organization is headquartered in Washington, DC, where it built and continues to maintain the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial – the nation’s monument to law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The Fund maintains the largest, most comprehensive database of line-of-duty officer deaths, conducts research into officer fatality trends and issues, and serves as an information clearinghouse. More recently, the Memorial Fund has launched a campaign to build the first-ever National Law Enforcement Museum to tell the story of American law enforcement through exhibits, collections, research and education.
For more information about these two charities or to make direct contributions, please visit FireHero.org and LawMemorial.org.
$13,000 in donations made on October 1:
AUGUST, 2016 – Shark Tooth Virtual Run
Wild Aid: Founded in 2007, Shark Savers is now a program of WildAid, a charity whose mission is to end illegal wildlife trade in our lifetimes. While most wildlife conservation groups focus on protecting animals from poaching, WildAid works to reduce global consumption of wildlife products by persuading consumers and strengthening enforcement. WildAid’s strategy for achieving this goal is to reduce demand for shark fin, elephant ivory and rhino horn using the slogan: “When the Buying Stops, the Killing Can Too.”
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit WildAid.org.
$11,000 donation made on September 1:
JULY, 2016 – Fun in the Sun Virtual Run
The Skin Cancer Foundation: Since its founding in 1979, The Skin Cancer Foundation has set the standard for educating the public and the medical profession about skin cancer, its prevention by means of sun protection, the need for early detection, and prompt, effective treatment. It is the only international organization devoted solely to combating the world’s most common cancer, now occurring at epidemic levels. The incidence of skin cancer can be dramatically reduced through education, behavior modification, and early detection. Skin cancer is primarily a lifestyle disease which is why The Skin Cancer Foundation emphasizes public awareness and education campaigns.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit SkinCancer.org.
$13,000 donation made on August 1:
JUNE, 2016 – Feet on the Street Virtual Run
Back on My Feet: Back on My Feet, a national organization operating in 11 major cities coast to coast, combats homelessness through the power of running, community support, and essential employment and housing resources. The organization’s unique running-based model demonstrates that if you first restore confidence, strength and self-esteem, individuals are better equipped to tackle the road ahead and move toward jobs, homes and new lives.
Since launching in 2007, Back on My Feet has served more than 5,500 individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness and engaged more than 100,000 volunteers and supporters. By combating homelessness through their innovative program, Back on My Feet proves that there is hope, that individuals can achieve things they never thought possible, and that there are people who will support them along the way.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit BackOnMyFeet.org.
$6000 donation made on July 1:
MAY, 2016 – Honor and Remember Virtual Run
Honor and Remember: The mission of Honor and Remember is to perpetually recognize the sacrifice of America’s military fallen heroes and their families. The organization pays tribute to all military lives lost, not only while serving on active duty but also as a result of serving. Military deaths in all wars or conflicts and all branches of service from our nation’s inception are recognized. The primary vehicle for perpetual recognition is a specific and dedicated symbol of remembrance created by this organization: the Honor and Remember Flag, which is intended to fly continuously as a tangible and visible reminder to all Americans of the lives lost in defense of our national freedoms.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit HonorAndRemember.org.
$5000 donation made on June 1:
APRIL, 2016 – One Tough Mother Runner Virtual Run
Family Lives On Foundation: There are more than two million children and teens in the United States grieving the deaths of their moms or dads. 1 in 20 children experience the death of a parent before the age of 16 – that’s one in every classroom, and two on every school bus. Family Lives On provides ongoing support tools to these children, who are at much greater risk for psychological and behavioral problems than their non-bereaved peers. The Foundation’s Tradition Program encourages the healthy emotional development of parentally-bereaved children and teens by providing annual opportunities for intentional remembering, creating a safe haven for grief, communication and celebration.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit FamilyLivesOn.org.
MARCH, 2016 – Seize the Day Virtual Run
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE): Tireless in its efforts, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy won’t stop until a CURE is found for epilepsy. CURE is the leading nongovernmental agency fully committed to funding research in epilepsy. The organization was founded by Susan Axelrod and a small group of parents of children with epilepsy who were frustrated with their inability to protect their children from seizures and the side effects of medications. Unwilling to sit back, they joined forces to spearhead the search for a cure.
Since its inception in 1998, CURE has been at the forefront of epilepsy research, raising more than $34 million to fund research and other initiatives that will lead the way to a cure for epilepsy. CURE funds grants for young and established investigators and has awarded more than 190 cutting-edge projects in 15 countries around the world to date.
For more information about this charity or to make a direct contribution, please visit CUREepilepsy.org.
FEBRUARY, 2016 – Piece By Piece Virtual Run
Autism Speaks: Autism affects 1 in 68 children and is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the United States. There is no cure, but with continued research, there is hope to solve the puzzle, piece by piece. Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
For more information about this organization or to make a direct contribution, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.
$21,000 donation made on March 1:
JANUARY, 2016 – Make Some Noise Virtual Run
Make Some Noise: Cure Kids Cancer Foundation: The Make Some Noise: Cure Kids Cancer Foundation was established by a child with cancer with one purpose in mind: to fund pediatric cancer research. To that end, the foundation serves as a vehicle to secure private funding to distribute to research facilities and promote awareness through its fund raising activities. The designation of funds to various research facilities is cancer specific and based on the foundation’s annual evaluation of the latest research.
For more information about this organization or to make a direct contribution, please visit MakeNoise4Kids.org.
$6000 donation made on February 1:
DECEMBER, 2015 – Run Free Virtual Run
National Mill Dog Rescue: National Mill Dog Rescue has pledged to put an end to the cruelty of the puppy mill industry and has saved more than 10,000 dogs since being established in 2007. Through widespread informative efforts, NMDR hopes to educate the public to acquire their companion animals through reputable breeders or better yet, from shelters and rescue groups across the country.
For more information about this organization or to make a direct contribution, please visit MillDogRescue.org.
$8000 donation made on January 1:
NOVEMBER, 2015 – STOP 22 Virtual Run
K9s for Warriors: K9s for Warriors is dedicated to providing service canines to veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disability, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma as a result of military service post-9/11. This charity’s goal is to empower these warriors to return to civilian life with dignity and independence. 95% of the dogs used in the K9s for Warriors program are rescue/shelter dogs, and to date, K9s for Warriors has graduated 165 Warrior-Canine teams.
For more information about this organization or to make a direct contribution, please visit K9sForWarriors.org.
$14,022 donation made on December 1…
Thanks to matching gifts, this donation was TRIPLED to $52,066!!!
OCTOBER, 2015 – Butterfly Children Virtual Run
Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation: Epidermolysis Bullosa is one of the most painful conditions known to modern medicine. Please watch the video that inspired our Butterfly Children event to learn more about this terrible condition.
Established in 1991, the EBMRF is a 100% volunteer organization and pays no salaries. All work, including executive, development and administrative, is done on a volunteer basis. The Foundation prides itself on its efficiency, keeping operating costs at less than 1% of incoming donations so that a full 99% of contributions can go directly to research programs.
For more information about this organization or to make a direct contribution, please visit EBKids.org.
$7000 donation made on November 1:
SEPTEMBER, 2015 – Cranio Care Bears Virtual Run
Cranio Care Bears: Craniosynostosis is a condition in which the sutures between plates of a newborn’s skull close prematurely, causing problems with normal brain and skull growth. Premature closure of the sutures may also cause the pressure inside of the head to increase and the skull or facial bones to change from a normal, symmetrical appearance. The mission of Cranio Care Bears is to spread awareness, support & compassion through loving care packages to families of children facing surgery for craniosynostosis. Each care package includes items for the child and family to relieve the stress accompanying this very serious surgery. Cranio Care Bears also offers one on one support before, during and after surgery, and strives to bring awareness of craniosynostosis to families & the medical community for early detection.
For more information about this organization or to make a direct contribution, please visit CranioCareBears.org.
$4000 donation made on October 1:
AUGUST, 2015 – Quest for the Golden Pearl Virtual Run
Water.org: Did you know that 1 in 9 people lack access to safe water and that a child dies of a water-related disease every minute? For more than twenty years, Water.org has positively transformed millions of lives around the world by providing access to safe water and sanitation. Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, Water.org pioneers innovative, sustainable solutions to the global water crisis, giving women hope, children health and communities a future.
For more information about this organization or to make a direct contribution, please visit water.org.
$14,000 donation made on September 2:
JULY, 2015 – Guts to Glory Virtual Run
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America: The mission of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The CCFA sponsors basic and clinical research of the highest quality. The foundation also offers a wide range of educational programs for patients and health-care professionals, and provides supportive services to help people cope with these chronic intestinal diseases. The CCFA receives no government funding and these programs are supported solely by contributions from the public.
For more information about this organization or to make a direct contribution, please visit CCFA.org.
$3000 donation made on August 1…
Thanks to a matching gift, this donation was DOUBLED to $6000!
JUNE, 2015 – Aloha Run Virtual Run
Breast Cancer Fund: Founded in 1992, the Breast Cancer Fund works to prevent breast cancer by eliminating our exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation linked to the disease. The Breast Cancer Fund is the only national organization focused solely on breast cancer prevention. The organization is part of a broad environmental, reproductive public health and justice movement and their unique mission serves as a mighty voice for breast cancer prevention.
For more information about this organization or to make a direct contribution, please visit BreastCancerFund.org.
$9000 donation made on July 1:
MAY, 2015 – Remember the Fallen Virtual Run
Special Operations Warrior Foundation: The Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) was established in 1980 after a daring attempt to rescue 53 American hostages in Iran tragically ended when a helicopter and a C-130 aircraft collided, killing eight American heroes and leaving 17 children without fathers. What started as a battlefield promise to take care of those children has become the noble cause of the SOWF.
The SOWF ensures full financial assistance for a post-secondary degree from an accredited two or four-year college, university, technical or trade school, as well as family and educational counseling, including in-home tutoring, to the surviving children of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty. The foundation also provides immediate financial assistance and support to ensure that severely wounded personnel are able to have their loved ones at their bedside during recovery.
For more information about the Special Operations Warrior Foundation or to make a direct contribution to this organization, please visit SpecialOps.org.
$13,300 donation made on June 1
+ $1700 donation made on December 1:
APRIL, 2015 – Earth Run Virtual Run
EarthShare: EarthShare is a national non-profit federation with more than 25 years of experience in supporting critical environmental causes. This organization has raised more than $300 million for programs that care for our air, land, water, wildlife and public health in your community, across the U.S. and around the world. For more information about EarthShare or to make a direct donation to this organization, please visit EarthShare.org
$1600 donation made on May 1
+ $400 donation made on December 1:
MARCH, 2015 – Run Lucky Virtual Run
St. Baldrick’s Foundation: Worldwide, a child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes. More children are lost to cancer in the U.S. than any other disease. Since 2000, St. Baldrick’s Foundation has hosted events each St. Patrick’s day where volunteers raise money for childhood cancer research and help spread awareness by shaving their heads. Since then, St. Baldrick’s has held almost 10,000 events and fundraisers, where nearly 500,000 participants have helped raise over $150 million for childhood cancer research. For more information about St. Baldrick’s or how you can raise additional funds for this organization, please visit StBaldricks.org.
$1100 donation made on April 3
+ $900 donation made on December 1:
FEBRUARY, 2015 – I Heart Running Virtual Run
American Heart Association: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, resulting in more than 600,000 deaths per year – that’s 1 in 4 deaths. The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest, largest voluntary organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Founded by six cardiologists in 1924, the organization now includes more than 22.5 million volunteers and supporters working tirelessly to eliminate these diseases. The AHA funds innovative research, fights for stronger public health policies, and provides lifesaving tools and information to save and improve lives.
Nationwide, the American Heart Association includes 144 local offices and nearly 2,700 employees. The organization’s mission is: Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. For more information about the American Heart Association or to make a direct donation to this organization, please visit heart.org.
$2300 donation made on March 1
+ $700 donation made on December 1:
JANUARY, 2015 – 2015 Resolution Run Virtual Run
Children International: For more than 75 years, Children International has been providing critical assistance to children and families struggling in terrible poverty. Their centrally located community centers provide resources, programs and services that allow them to reduce the burden of poverty on impoverished children and youth, invest in their potential and provide them with opportunities to grow up healthy, educated and prepared to succeed and contribute to society. For more information about Children International or to sponsor a child of your own, please visit children.org.
$800 donation made on February 2
+ $200 donation made on December 1: