Main fundraiser photo

Running to Remember

Tax deductible
Want to join me in making a difference? I'm running the Cleveland Half Marathon Sunday May 19th and I've created this GoFundMe to raise money for Joel's Place for Children while I train. 

About Me:
I am a yoga and group exercise instructor living in Cleveland Ohio. My mom, Mary Jane Verner, died suddenly from a massive heart attack when she was 42 years old; I was 10. My mom was a nurse, and ran marathons as her sport and self-care. She was so kind, caring and open about her love for our family. I'm really sad she's not here anymore and that I didn't get more time to know her. 

Running is a big way I stay connected to my mom. Sometimes I even call on her for help to keep going, and when I'm really lucky, it feels like she's there with me, holding me up and helping me powerfully tread lightly on. One of my favorite memories from growing up is cheering my mom on during her marathons; she was often toward the back of the pack, but was always smiling!

I have been volunteering as a facilitator at Joel's Place for Children for the last three years. We meet twice a month for therapeutic activities with families who are grieving the death of someone in their lives. I am so excited to share that earlier this year I accepted a position as Outreach Coordinator and Program Associate, and will be working with the leaders of the group to grow our mission.

Fundraiser Details:
You are invited to share the name of someone who has died that you would like to honor along with your tax-deductible donation of at least $25, and for the 2019 Cleveland Half Marathon I will wear the person's name on my shirt and carry them with me through the race. My plan is to either write the names directly on a shirt, or create a larger piece of paper to pin on along with my race bib. Whatever way it happens, it will happen; I promise to honor your person.

If you choose to make a larger donation, please feel free to send a couple additional names. Any donation amount is so greatly appreciated. The funds raised will cover my $90 registration fee and all additional money will be given directly to Joel's Place for Children to help strengthen our programming and outreach.

About Joel's Place for Children:
Joel's Place for Children has been supporting grieving children and their families in the Greater Cleveland area since 2003. We provide peer support groups for school-aged children who have experienced the death of a loved one at no cost. Children can express feelings, share memories, and honor the loved one in a supportive and hope-filled environment. We also offer a support group for the adults who bring children to Joel's Place. To learn more visit joelsplaceforchildren.org 

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

Donations 

  • Judy Ritch
    • $25
    • 6 yrs
  • Alex Razavi
    • $150
    • 6 yrs
  • Halley Firstenberg
    • $10
    • 6 yrs
  • Mara Berghoff
    • $25
    • 6 yrs
  • Erin O'Boyle
    • $50
    • 6 yrs

Organizer

Becky Verner
Organizer
Cleveland, OH
Joel's Place for Children
Beneficiary

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