As many of you know I traveled to Africa this past year to climb Kilimanjaro and to go on safari in the Serengeti. Being able to witness Africa's most majestic animals in their natural environment was amazing! That trip combined with an article that I read in Vanity Fair magazine titled "Agony & Ivory," on Elephant poaching, and a news segment by Rock Center Brian Williams called "the Last Stand" on rhino poaching left me with a saddness and a feeling that I should do something to help conserve these beautiful creatures. But what could I do from NYC to help elephants and rhinos in Africa?

One thing I came up with was to fundraise and run the NYC ING marathon for TUSK an international non for profit that is helping to lead the charge on animal conservation in Africa.

http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2011/08/elephants-201108

http://rockcenter.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/02/21/10466912-spike-in-rhino-poaching-threatens-survival-of-species?lite

http://www.Tusk.org

Tusk IS an officially recognized charity in the NYC ING marathon. The NYC marathon is the most well-known road race in the media capital of the world, the ING New York CIty Marathon has been one of the premier athletic and fundraising events since its inception in 1970. The 26.2 mile route that started out as a loop through Central Park now spans all five boroughs, through all of the colorful neighborhoods and microcosms of New York. The crowd of participants has also evolved since the early years. What was once a foot race with a mere 55 finishers is now a global affair with over 47,000 runners to cross the finish line.

The media attention that surrounds this race is undeniably a opportunity for change. This November, Tusk USA will launch its first ever team to run through the five boroughs for African conservation. By supporting our team, you are in turn supporting productive development in African communities, for African wildlife, by Africans themselves. Tusk has been billed as one of the most comprehensive charities working in the continent today because of its grassroots approach to the poaching crisis. Tusk works on both levels of action: swift demobilization of poachers as well as deeper improvements in environmental education and communities. 

Please help me to reach my fundraising goal by donating here and come out to cheer for Team Tusk this fall!