Thursday, June 12, 2008

People Running To It, Not From It

Last Saturday night I had the opportunity to attend an incredible concert event. It was an evening with the Barclay Martin Ensemble. As runners, we support many efforts around the world, in our own country, and our own communities, that benefit others. We are often asked why we run. Often times, we have no quick answers. But so many times the races we support are for very worthwhile organization. I imagine there were a few runners in the crowd last Saturday night but my focus is on the fact that a few individuals had a vision. A start and a finish line. They went after a goal to help others in need and it was wildly successful. Not only was it a great concert, but it was also a very meaningful cause.

Now a little history of where this is all going. My son Andy (founder of Interwoven Threads), who has run a number of races with me and several on his own, and his friend Barclay Martin got together and had the vision and action plan for the evening. The HALO Foundation was the focus of the night. That night, $1 from each CD sold as well as $5 from each Barclay Martin Ensemble and Interwoven Threads T-shirt was donated to the HALO Foundation to fully fund the purchase of beds and bedding for 20 at-risk Ugandan girls in need of residence at the HALO Orphanage in Kampala. Present Magazine also was one of the event sponsors. The goal for the evening was $1,000. It is safe to say that they met their goal. It was fantastic!

I encourage you to visit each website and see the incredible things they are doing for the world around them. It was truly a moment in time where a group of individuals "ran" towards helping others.

Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!

1 comment:

Andy Woolard said...

thanks dad. this is a nice post and a great recap of the evening. thanks to you and ma-woo for lending a hand when the sales were especially brisk.