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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
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This is my favorite time of the year. The days are getting longer, the temperature is going up and there is optimism in the air. A few weekends ago, I noticed small buds cropping up in Central Park. Probably a PR for early signs of spring. It's also the greatest time to join our sport, become a member (if you are not already part of the Achilles family) and begin to run.
Over the last 35 years, we have had the pleasure of providing free programs for our members. We offer complimentary workouts, t-shirts, most race entry fees and occasional help with travel to distant races. These benefits have been our mainstay and we are proud to be able to provide them.
During the New York City Marathon, we subsidize race entries, travel and accommodation at a cost of over $100,000. In 2016, we spent well over $200,000 in our Achilles Kids Program providing running shoes for disabled children who completed 26.2 miles during the school year (a "virtual marathon"). In addition, we spent close to $100,000 for other materials such as t-shirts, medals and certificates that all Achilles Kids members receive. (Currently, there are 11,000 Achilles Kids members in 353 schools in 15 states.)
The month of March is filled with promise as we start training for our Triathlon program and other chapter members get more serious about training for upcoming races such as the New York Half, the LA Marathon, the Brooklyn Half and of course our very own Hope & Possibility® at the end of June.
Unfortunately, March is also the toughest time to fundraise. Year-end contributions have been completed and we are beginning "tax season"! So, here is my pitch. First, there are two ways to help us without costing you anything - Amazon Smile and CharityMiles (details below). We also offer guaranteed race entries and several portals for fundraising through CrowdRise and NY Charities. Also, don't forget our e-Store. We have some amazing, great looking apparel that benefits us all - you look great and at the same time you are benefitting Achilles!
We could really do with your support to get through this tough fundraising period. Here are five ways you can help:
Amazon Smile:
https://smile.amazon.com/
Amazon Smile is a charity-based portal for Amazon benefitting your charity of choice. Select Achilles as your "charity participant" and continue shopping. Achilles will receive a small donation for each purchase. This all adds up and doesn't cost you anything. It's a win-win for Achilles!
CharityMiles.org:
For those not yet familiar with this site, download the app onto your smart phone and select Achilles as your "charity participant." http://www.charitymiles.org/ Be sure to activate the app whenever you run, or walk, or do errands. Every step counts towards a small donation to Achilles. Another win-win!
Achilles e-Store:
Check out our great looking apparel and consider a spring purchase. Achilles receives royalties for each sale. There is a direct link below my note in every newsletter.
CrowdRise
: If you are doing a race with Achilles, you can set up a personalized fundraising page through CrowdRise to raise funds. If you need help, let us know. CrowdRise is a great company with super support.
NY Charities:
We have worked with NY Charities for many years now. They are the portal directly linked to our "donate button" on the Achilles website and in our newsletter.
Thank you for helping.
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Make a donation from your smart phone: Text GOACHILLES to 243725
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DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT
OUR ACHILLES E-STORE!
In conjunction with our premium apparel partner Champion System, a worldwide leader in custom technical apparel, new pieces and Achilles classics are now available for
purchase here
.
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ACHILLES 15th ANNUAL
HOPE & POSSIBILITY®
IN CENTRAL PARK
REGISTER NOW for our 15th Annual Hope & Possibility® 4-Miler in Central Park!! The race is a NYC Marathon Qualifier - so this is a quick and easy stop on your road to 9 + 1! Register today to secure your spot! Last year we sold out fast with 7,000 runners!! Wow! Register soon! This one is going to go fast!
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INDOOR TRIATHLON FUNDRAISER
IN SUPPORT OF ACHILLES PARATRIATHLON TEAM
We are excited to announce the Third Annual Indoor Triathlon Fundraiser at Chelsea Piers Sports Center in support of Achilles International Paratriathlon Team!
What
: Indoor Triathlon, raising money for Achilles
Where: Chelsea Sports Center
When: March 26th - Doors Open @ 6.15am and gun goes off @ 7am
Who: YOU!
Sign-Up Here
Why: To raise money for a GREAT cause!
Race alongside our Achilles para-triathletes who are also racing in the event! Come see how we swim, bike, and run! Breakfast is included. Fun is assured.
If you are unable to participate, please consider making a donation
here
; no matter the size, it is greatly appreciated!
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Sarah Phillips recently joined Achilles to help with fundraising efforts. A few words from Sarah:
"I am so happy to be working for people who strive every day to achieve. Achilles is doing great work."
We are enhancing our fundraising efforts to better serve our members. Do you have any leads? We'd love to partner with a company or foundation who appreciates our mission. Please share any connections you think may be helpful.
Stay tuned for
Achilles Fundraising Awards for 2017 NYC Marathon Charity Slot runners.
Do you know any "Achilles Angels" who want to run and fundraise?
Do you have any ideas on live and silent auction gala items, honorees and leads on companies interested in buying a table at our November 2nd 2017 Annual Gala?
Please be in touch or let's meet in the park. Email Sarah and on behalf of everyone here, we welcome your input.
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ACHILLES AT THE
2017 MIAMI MARATHON
Achilles Florida
had the largest chapter team ever in the 2017 Lifetime Miami Marathon! Fourteen years ago, eight Achilles athletes competed. This year, with the addition of the Achilles Freedom Team and athletes from various countries -
Columbia, Ecuador, France, Germany, Peru, Venezuela, Cuba and the Dominican Republic - our numbers
topped over 60. Amazing! Dick Traum also competed in this race. Special thanks to Ben Ruiz and Shelley Nunez
and the Miller's Ale House for sponsoring our entire team dinner and Vivian Munoz for sponsoring the dining hall citation room at Hialeah Race Track. Huge thanks to Harry Kapinowski, Jim Corman, Valor Cycle,
Scott Hoffman, John Stone, Krissi Nevel, Roy Griffith (one of our favorite firefighters), and all the guys from the Hialeah Fire Department. Miami is gaining in popularity as a great marathon destination, like NYC, Boston, and LA!
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| Team Achilles participating in the 2017 Miami Marathon |
On February 4th 2017, Achilles Brazil held its annual members' meeting. More than 60 people participated to share their stories, achievements in 2016 and plans for 2017. The Chapter discussed the need to obtain permits to organize their first Hope & Possibility® Race in Brazil. They will involve local communities and sponsors. Go Achilles Brazil!
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Mercedes Gomez
, President of Achilles Venezuela, is a trailblazer in the world of disability sports. We recognize and value her efforts to promote Achilles and sports opportunities for people with disabilities and marginalized communities in her country. Achilles Venezuela is very active in local sports and social events as well as initiatives in Caracas. Mercedes is changing the perception of disabled adults and children. Based on her success in Venezuela she has been accepted into the 2017 Global Sports Mentoring Program: Sports for Community. The pool of applicants and qualified candidates exceeded the spaces available. It was a competitive selection process and finding the right mentor fit is a challenge. As a result, the U.S. Department of State accepted 16 finalists and Mercedes is one of them. She will be part of this program, based in the US, from March 11th to April 13th, 2017. Congratulations Mercedes and Achilles Venezuela!
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ACHILLES VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Theresa Molloy
We are delighted to honor
Theresa Molloy
as "Volunteer of the Month" this month. Theresa has been a great friend and volunteer with Achilles since 2013.
Thank you so much, Theresa
. We truly appreciate everything you do for Achilles.
"Being an Achilles guide is very rewarding. As a guide, you experience first-hand that the human spirit can conquer any disability. Our athletes make us better human beings." - Theresa Molloy
To nominate someone as Volunteer of the Month, please email
Fiona.
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| Photo credits: many of our photos are courtesy of the great, talented, always helpful and very dedicated, Larry Sillen. Thank you, Larry! |
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