Hi friends and family,

Happy fall, and welcome to my fundraising page!!

While summer is my favorite, and somehow the season of
sunshine has flown by once again, I do admit that nothing beats New
York City in autumn.  From leaves turning in Central Park to every
season opener (whether you fancy football or the arts ) to pumpkin
spiced lattes and everything in between, the city truly comes alive.
Now that the new season is upon us, I wanted to let you know about an
organization I have teamed up with in the past, and am helping to
raise money for by running.

A LITTLE ABOUT ME: After moving here in May of 2009, I realized there are parts of this
city that can only be seen on foot.  Suddenly long walks turned into
runs, and for the first time in my life running shifted from a chore
to a joy. I decided to run the New York City Marathon in November of
2010.  To my surprise, with my sister Jan by my side and with the
support of so many of you, I was able to finish that race in 4 hours
and 17 minutes.  It was a beautiful day filled with support, love,
commitment, pain and strength- a mix of emotions to say the least.
Crossing that finish line, I felt more accomplishment than ever, and I
was hooked- now, the city feels most alive on Marathon Sunday.   A LITTLE ABOUT ROBIN HOOD:
I am so thankful for the opportunity to run the marathon again this
year, and it makes it even more worthwhile when I can use my training
efforts to give back to those in need.  This year, I have pledged to
raise $5,000 for Team Robin Hood.  That means that on Sunday, November 6, I will run 26.2 miles in the N.Y.C. Marathon for Team Robin Hood.
As you may know, Robin Hood targets poverty in New York City by
finding, funding, and partnering with 200 of the city's most effective
anti-poverty programs and schools. Robin Hood's board of directors underwrites all fundraising and administrative costs, meaning every penny of every donation goes directly to the best poverty-fighting
programs in the city.  I know that with the economic climate as it is,
now is a hard time to donate, but whether you can spare $10 or $1,000-
every dollar counts.  Below you will find what exactly each dollar can accomplish:
$50 provides a day of preschool and mental-health services for a child
with special needs.
$65 pays for an intensive 2.5-hour Saturday morning mentoring and
tutoring session.
$200 provides a low-income New Yorker free health care at a neighborhood clinic.
$220 pays for a day of training to become a home health attendant, a
job that pays $21,000 a year.
$250 pays for a half-day of training for an unemployed New Yorker to
become a commercial truck driver.
$280 enrolls 140 low-income families in public health insurance.
$400 provides six months of psychiatric treatment for a homeless person.
$750 pays for a social worker to provide parenting, education and
counseling to one low-income family for a year.
$1,000 pays for screening and diagnosis for cancer.
$1,300 pays for a year of treatment and aid for a child with asthma,
reducing school absenteeism by 70% and hospitalization by 100%.

Your support will not only inspire me to cross the finish line, but more importantly will help so many well-deserving families in N.Y.C.

I truly really appreciate your encouragement both through sponsorship
and by cheering me on Sunday, November 6th.  For more information on
Robin Hood, feel free to ask me or visit www.robinhood.org.  My most
sincere thanks for being a friend I can share this experience with,
and also for any support you can provide.  A big hug to each of you!

Sincerely,
Marie

ps those photos taken right before the "5th Avenue Mile Race." Photos courtesy of Tanya. Thanks, T!