RTMD Team Shines at Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon
The Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon – check – complete – successful! As Kathryn Arbour, President and CEO of RTMD stated in her blog last week, “When we know how to make a difference and there are choices that match our interests and passions, we rise to the occasion every time.” Wow! The RTMD team of staff, volunteers, new friends, and family members rose to the occasion this past weekend! With the organizational structure already provided by the Colfax Marathon, RTMD took advantage of this fundraising opportunity in a big way! All the money raised by Team RTMD goes directly to the homeowners we serve. Everyone played a part in a very successful weekend!
Saturday morning was cold, rainy and windy. But guess what?! 23 RTMD team members walked or ran in the 5K that morning. Chappy placed 3rd overall! Board member George not only served us coffee, but had the 2nd fastest time of the RTMD team that morning. Board member Deborah walked with the youngest participant for team RTMD, her 2 year old daughter Gloria. Stan ran his 1st 5K and raised the most dollars. Kory ran while posting pictures to Facebook. Liz and Zak traveled the furthest distance (from Vail) to run in the cold and rain. Anaya ran with a bum knee. Adre and Raymond kept the crowd entertained. Nanci and Shayna brought the cameras. Hank was still receiving donations on Saturday night.
With all of the positive energy from Saturday’s event, Sunday arrived as a beautiful, sunny day for the marathon, ½ marathon, 10 miler, and marathon relay. Volunteer Ann ran her 2nd ½ marathon, her 1st only 5 weeks ago! Her husband Rob leveraged the marathon as a “warm up” for upcoming 50 and 100 mile races. Cheri and her incredible Coal Creek Trail Runners burned up the course running the marathon relay. Lisa was the sole 10 miler, and outside the RTMD staff, raised the most dollars! Kayleen had never run more than 5 miles, but ran the entire marathon and finished with a very respectable time.
Sarah and George organized the game of “Stump” that drew so many people to the RTMD tent to learn about our mission. John educated folks about our mission and planned and executed a great picnic for Team RTMD.
Did we gather new supporters? Check. Did we gain visibility in the community? Check. Did we raise lots of dollars for our homeowners? Check. Did we have a fun and healthy experience together? Check.
“Let’s make this an annual event” was heard many times throughout the weekend. So did we achieve success? Can we deliver on the promise that everyone deserves a safe and healthy home? Check!!
