Your challenge is to research challenges. And to sign up for one or more. There are charity related fun runs, fun walks, car washes, jump-rope-a-thons, mini tris and other activity related community events designed to help raise money and awareness for organizations that rely on donation dollars in every single state of our great nation. I’ve highlighted just a few and provided links. Each organization sponsors a variety of events geared towards every fitness level.

Signing up for charity events is a great way to stay motivated to exercise. It’s an opportunity to get in your best shape ever, to meet new people, to give and receive support on deeper levels and to help people who need your help more than ever. Choose a charity that tugs on your heart strings. It’s hard to quit and give up when people are counting on you.

I’d like to see every single forum member participate in at least one event this summer. Wouldn’t that be great! Post your event, your reasons for choosing that event, the shape you’d like to be in by event day and your daily and weekly plans for achieving your fitness goal.

This isn’t a one day homework assignment. It will take time and research on your part. I haven’t figured out my event(s) yet but I will be choosing them in the next few days.


The Alzheimer's Association

http://www.alz.org/

“The Alzheimer's Association counts on some 35,000 volunteers nationwide. Please join them in helping achieve our vision of creating a world without Alzheimer's disease while optimizing quality of life for people who are affected by Alzheimer's disease. Whether you can spare only a couple of hours or week or make a more significant time commitment, we hope you will consider joining this very special community.

There are many ways to volunteer:

Memory Walk - Come walk with us each fall and help raise money for the Alzheimer's Association. Millions of men, women and children participate as walkers, volunteers and sponsors each year.”

Multiple Sclerosis

http://www.nmss.org/

The MS Bike Tour: Marking its 25th anniversary, is the largest organized cycling event in America with 100 tours to choose from in 48 states.

You do the pedaling and we'll take care of the rest. Each MS Bike Tour is fully supported with frequent, well-stocked rest stops, mechanical support, and even someone to give you a lift if you need a rest.”

Heart Disease

http://www.americanheart.org/

Jump Rope For Heart!

Did you know that by participating in Jump Rope For Heart you are helping to save lives?
Ready to raise money online? Check out our new computer donation Web site and find out how easy it is. Everyone who registers is entered into a national drawing to win one of five $100 gift certificates from U.S. Games. After you click on “I am ready!” you'll be asked to…

Click on your state to find your school.

Complete the sign-up form. Be sure to ask an adult for help.

Set-up your own computer page by changing the picture and the words.

Send messages to your friends and family members to let them know how you're helping the American Heart Association, and how they can help too!

Turn in your collection envelope, print your Donation Report and put it in your envelope.

Diabetes

http://www.diabetes.org

America's Walk for Diabetes

“One in 17 Americans has diabetes today—and a third of them don't even know it. Now you can make a difference in each and every one of their lives by joining thousands of walkers around the nation who are participating in America's Walk for Diabetes. Walking can help prevent diabetes. Stay fit, reduce your risk of developing type 2, and raise money in the fight against diabetes by joining us!”

Tour de Cure

“Become one of the extraordinary people who ride in Tour de Cure. Each mile you ride and every dollar you raise helps in the fight to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Now you can make a difference in each and every one of their lives by joining thousands of cyclists around the nation who are riding in Tour de Cure.”

Leukemia & Lymphoma

http://www.leukemia.org/

“The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society holds hundreds of fundraising events annually, from our signature Team In Training® and Light The Night® Walk programs to numerous golf tournaments, School & YouthSM Programs and gala dinners. Whatever your interest, there is a way for you to get involved, have fun and contribute to the cures.”

Testicular Cancer

The Lance Armstrong Foundation

http://www.laf.org/

Ride for the Roses Weekend

“Ride for the Roses Weekend is a series of events that celebrate the fundraising efforts of the Peloton Project, the LAF's major outreach and awareness effort. To participate, Peloton members collect $50 or more in donations. In 2003 the event raised more than $4.5 million for cancer survivorship programs and grants. The Weekend included the PowerBar Health & Sports Expo, the 5K AMD Run for the Roses, and the 10- to 100-mile Ride for the Roses.The 2004 Ride Weekend is scheduled for October 15-17 in Austin, Texas.”

Colon Cancer

http://www.ccalliance.org/

“June 12, 2004

The Great Skate of Texas

Skaters from all over the country continue to support colorectal cancer by participating in this wonderful weekend-long event. Monies raised will support colorectal cancer programs.”

Breast Cancer

http://www.breastcancer.org/

Run. Walk. Get inspired. Get involved.
Join more than 1 million participants worldwide - and make a difference. For an event hear you, click on: http://www.komen.org

Also check out Active.com - they have a lot of the charity events listed, and you can search by area.

Funny, I was actually looking there on Friday for something to do. Haven't found my event yet, but I'll keep looking.

American Cancer Society's Relay for Life

This is a very cool event. There is a relay held on the football field at the Milpitas Sports Center every year. Teams set up camps with tents on the field. Participants walk around the track for 24 hours.

http://www.acsevents.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=43620&lis=1&kntae43620=7A20C32316BA40F484043AB236F16752

The jazz band I play in plays here most years early Saturday morning. I think that we are playing this year. Come on over if you would like to hear swing, funk and latin while walking.

There may be a Relay near you. Click on "Relay for Life Home Page"

It just so happens that our diabetes club is having an "all nighter" walk at the HS this June. We want to be able to purchase new "do it anywhere" monitors for those who can't afford to buy them, and need to be checking their blood sugars more often. A local pharamcy with the initials Wally World is helping us out by selling them to us at a very good discount.....so, I will be walking all night, or most of it to get these monitors.

Great Idea KD.....when you give you get, in oh so many ways.

I'm going to do the MS Bike to the Bay this year. I have really had success with this strategy -- please try it! It gives you so much more motivation to train than you would have had for exercising on your own.

I'm want to do a family thing this summer- I need to check out what local organizations need help and what fits our family's needs. Thanks for the push, kd.