Friends,
I'm reaching out to ask for your support. I'm participating in the Girls on the Run of the Rockies 14er challenge: TWO 14'ers in TWO days (Mt. Massive & Mt. Elbert) on July 18-20.
The QUICK version: I'm climbing two 14'ers, two days in a row, to benefit Girls on The Run of the Rockies. It's a fundraiser, please donate because:
You like me. You like girls. You like running. You like hiking. You like Girls on the Run. This event isn't until July and you don't want to receive more emails (you know how persistent I can be). I've donated when you asked, your kid asked, your friend asked, your dog asked...you get the point. I always donate.
The REAL version:
As many of you know, I have one of the coolest jobs ever. I get to work with my colleagues to support the community every day with financial donations, volunteers, and pro bono legal support. I couldn't think of a better way to spend my days. One of the challenges of the job is to learn about all of the amazing people and nonprofits in the trenches, doing such important work, day after day, and not being able to support each and every one of them. As you can imagine, based on my relationships from my job, I am often asked to serve on another board, or to make a personal contribution, or to assist with fundraising. While I would like to say "YES" to all of the asks, it just isn't possible. So, when I do commit to fundraise, it has to be for a cause and event that is truly special to me. Enter GOTR 14'er Challenge! What a unique way to support an important cause, building both mental and physical strength, not only for the challenge's participants, but also for the GOTR girls.
Back in 2019 I was a volunteer coach for Girls on the Run whose mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. As someone who has never been a super athlete, or team sport participant (unless you can count the high school ski team, where we literally “raced” on the icy runs of the Sterling Forest hill, where we considered a win just not sliding off the course), coaching GOTR was one of the most enjoyable experiences. From the positive female focused curriculum on empowering girls to the healthy physical activities that really bonded the team, now more than ever, GOTR provides such important support for girls. In a world where girls’ and women’s rights are being diminished, I am constantly in fear that my daughter won’t have the same entitlement to her choices as I have. Because just worrying about it won’t do anyone any good, I’m funneling this worry into action. Is climbing a 14er or two going to change the world, of course not. However, it’s providing me with an avenue to do something that scares me a little: Push my body, get outside my comfort zone, appreciate the beautiful state I live in, connect with other women, and most importantly, set an example for younger women that they have the strength and ability to face and conquer challenges.
It is for these reasons, I’m asking for your support. Whether it’s sharing some encouragement, joining me for a hike, training recommendations, gear recommendations (do I really need hiking poles!?!), or a financial donation to support GOTR’s mission, I appreciate you.
Thanks for taking the time to read and I look forward to hearing from you. Let’s find ways to make this crazy world a better place!
Jayme
