Welcome to the $25k in 25 days campaign!  We're partnering with Usama Malik to raise a total of $40,000 for TYO, and we're betting that we can raise $25k of it in just 25 days.  It'll only be possible with your help, so read on for more information about the race and how to get involved!

What race?

This October, Usama will race through the Sahara Desert for seven days to raise funds for Tomorrow’s Youth Organization (TYO).  During the race, he will cover an amazing 250 km /156 miles of desert sand while facing temperatures of up to 122°F!  The Sahara Race is part of the 4Deserts series, which TIME magazine has named one of the Top 10 Endurance Competitions in the world.  When you join the Racing the Planet campaign, you will ensure that Usama’s incredible feat translates into meaningful programs for some of the Middle East’s most marginalized populations.

Why TYO?

Usama is racing through the Sahara Desert to support TYO’s work in the most disadvantaged areas of the Middle East.  Our programs enable children, youth and parents to realize their potential as healthy, active, and responsible family and community members.  Currently, TYO serves impoverished and refugee communities in Palestine and Lebanon.  We offer holistic early childhood education programs, creative learning classes for adolescents, service opportunities and skills training for university students and graduates, personal development classes for parents, and support for women entrepreneurs.  To learn more about TYO’s programs, their impact, and the communities we serve, visit our website and blog, join us on Facebook, and check out our information sheet.

How can I get involved?

With the Racing the Planet campaign, we’re aiming to raise $25k in 25 days.  From September 1-25, people across the globe will Adopt, Join, and Mobilize miles of Usama’s race.  By participating in the campaign, you can help make sure that the race has the biggest possible impact on the populations that TYO serves.  Choose a race track to get started:

• ADOPT A MILE.  Adopt one of Usama’s 250 km /156 miles by donating at least $100.  For more information, read How to: Adopt a Mile.

• JOIN A MILE.  Join one of Usama’s miles by raising at least $100 and moving a mile with him.  You choose how you move (run, hopscotch, skip, or jumprope, to name a few) and who you ask to sponsor you.  You’ll get a personal project page on Crowdrise to spread the word about your mile among your friends and family.  For instructions on joining a mile and resources for sponsors, read How to: Join a Mile.   

• MOBILIZE A MILE.  Mobilize one of Usama’s miles by moving a mile with at least 5 people to raise at least $500.  This is a great option for student groups, community organizations, or individuals who want to get really involved.  You can choose to keep your event low-key or make it big and public.  Your team will get a personal project page on Crowdrise to spread the word about your event.  For instructions on mobilizing a mile and resources to help you organize larger events, read How to: Mobilize a Mile.

Want to make an off-track donation?  We welcome them too! Just check out How to: Adopt a Mile for detailed donation instructions.  Gifts of every shape and size will help us raise $25k in 25 days.

Remember, TYO is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to TYO are tax deductible to the extent provided by the law.  The TYO Tax ID is 26-1409007.

How can I spread the word?

Spreading the word is simple.  Just click the email, Facebook, or Twitter icons to share this page.  You don’t even need an account!  You can also send your friends and family links to the TYO blog.  Of course, simple word of mouth works well, too!

Questions, comments, or concerns?

Please let us know: racingtheplanet@tomorrowsyouth.org