Janelle Pentz 2010 Bolder Options Destination Marathon-Running for the kids

Three years ago I decided to run the Twin Cities 10 mile, but was disappointed to find out it was full. I happened to notice though that you could do fundraising and still get in. I read through the different organizations you could fundraise for, and Bolder Options really jumped out at me. I thought this would be a one-time fundraising option, but once I got involved with the organization, I haven't been able to leave!

Bolder Options is a non-profit organization that is an activity-based, one-to-one youth mentoring program. They use running & biking, academic goal setting, and volunteerism to build self-esteem and encourage healthy habits in 10 - 14 year old youth. It's unfortunate, but in this busy world today, these habits aren't being set in the children's home, and Bolder Options does an amazing job of helping children develop them. Their success rate is higher than any other organization of it's kind. I think one of the major ways you can see how successful they really are is in the fact that the organization has been around so long now that mentees from years ago are now coming back to mentor!! Bolder Options made such a difference in their lives, they felt the need to come back and other other youth get this experience!

For the third year in a row, I will be participating in the Destination Marathon through Bolder Options. This is such an amazing opportunity for someone like me who loves to run, and can benefit other people from doing so. We will be traveling to Hawaii this year in December (I know, not a bad destination for a run :-) ) for the destination marathon.

In order for me to travel to Hawaii, I need to raise $3500 for Bolder Options. Here are some numbers that help put this into perspective:

The average cost to put a child through the program is $2200, which means my fundraising will help 1 1/2 children through the program this year.

A very simple way we can make this happen would be for 134 people I know to donate one dollar for every mile I will run; $26.20!

Please help me in reaching my goal, so together we can support the youth in the Bolder Options program. I can train all day, but without your financial support I can not reach my goal. I need your help!

Stay Healthy!!

Janelle

P.S. Any dollar amount will make a difference!! Thanks for your support :-)