Samantha Clifford's Fundraiser:

GIRLS ON THE RUN NYC wrote -

Meeting twice a week in small teams of 8-20 girls, we teach life skills through fun, engaging lessons and conversation-based running games. The 24-lesson curriculum is taught by certified Girls on the Run coaches and includes three parts: understanding ourselves, valuing relationships and teamwork, and understanding how we connect with and shape the world at large. Over the course of the program, girls will develop and improve competence, feel confidence in who they are, develop strength of character, respond to others and oneself with care and compassion, create positive connections with peers and adults, and make a meaningful a contribution to community and society. 

SAMANTHA'S STORY - 

I first became familiar with Girls on the Run through my amazing cousin Caitlin and phenomenal mom, Carolyn.  Caitlin joined her local Girls on the Run team this past spring and had the best time running alongside other girls and learning the tools to become more confident.  When Caitlin and Carolyn told me about GOTR, I felt an immediate connection to the mission.  As I'm sure many of you know, I am deeply committed to raising girls and women up to be confident, strong and independent.  GOTR does just that.  

At the close of her season, Caitlin invited me to run as her running buddy in the GOTR 5K.  I have run many races, but this by far was my favorite.  The energy coming from each of the girls was purely positive and each girl encouraged the next so fully and purely.  I was so inspired by the female empowerment and girl to girl cheerleading.  

When I saw that GOTR NYC was recruiting runners for its marathon team, I jumped at the opportunity.  As someone who works with young girls in NYC, I know that a program like GOTR could benefit so many of them.  Through this fundraiser, I hope to help GOTR expand its program to more NYC schools.  Your donation will help GOTR provide free memberships to girls across NYC who cannot otherwise afford it.  This type of program will do wonders for the girls and future women of NYC.  It is so important that we give them the tools to believe in themselves and GOTR does just that.  

Thank you so much for your donation, I can't wait to run for GOTR this November and I hope to inspire Caitlin, her sister Ali and all of the young girls watching.