Welcome

Welcome to the very first post on the new Run For The Pines website. My name is Brad and I am the "brains" behind this crazy adventure. I will be having my team post their thoughts, training updates and needed information on here from time to time to give you an update about fundraising, training and whatever we are thinking on that particular day.

I will start.

I have been a runner for the better part of 5 years. I have run 2 marathons (completed 1 and was told to stop at Chicago 2007), a bunch of 10-20k's and a number of local 5k's. I got the idea to run this when I was listening to a podcast on an EndurancePlanet.com podcast. It was all about a woman who was running an adventure race, solo, to raise money for cancer. I thought it was a great idea, but never really had made a commitment to a specific charity to run for.

We had just begun a couple of things at Point of Grace in the Fall 2008. We were starting our capital campaign called WhyI and I had just begun another phase of Men's Fraternity called "The Great Adventure." When we were discussing where resources would be spent from our campaign, I had the idea to run a race to raise money for the orphanage The Pines that we were proud supporters of. Needless to say the idea didn't really go anywhere until one of our sessions of MF when we were talking about some of the things that we wanted to do, be, and leave before we die. It really made me think of what I could do for others that would use my love of running, my love of children and be able to pass on a message of hope to others around the world. BANG!!! There came the idea of running across the state of Iowa with a team of great people from POG to be able to raise money for The Pines.

And here we are today. I have assembled an incredible team of people who love God, love these kids, love the church and truly love to run (we are strange people :-) )

I am including the route below for you to take a look at. We are asking you to first consider running a segment of the run with us. During this expedition we would love your support and companionship. We will be asking for donations that will be dependant on the amount of miles you are willing to participate in. All money taken as donations privately and by way of sponsorship will be 100% tax deductible. Keep watching for updates to price for entrance fees.

If running is not your thing, we are going to allow people to join us by walking, biking, rollerblading, skipping, walking on your hands or whatever you choose. The same rates will apply for these "alternate" options.

If the above are not for you and you would still like to make a contribution, please click on the donate button on the side. You will be directed to the Point of Grace website where you will need to "create an account" by simply filling out your name, address, and answer some brief questions. We ask that you create an account so that you will be able to receive your receipt and simplify the process if you wish to make another contribution at a later date.

Also, if you are business owner, know a business or owner or would like to get a particular business owner involved in our cause, we are seeking out sponsorship for our run. All participating sponsors will have their name and logo on our shirts and possibly our support vehicle. As with any fundraising event, the more money donated, the bigger the logo. If you are a business owner and would like to be involved in our cause, please use the email address below to contact us. Myself, or a member of the team will contact you to discuss more in depth details and how we plan to recognize all contributing sponsors.

Thank you so much for your support of our adventure. It is going to be a long process but I think with God watching over us and you standing by us we will be able to save so many lives.

If you have any questions or comments, please take the time to email us at runforthepines@gmail.com

Thank you so much. God Bless.
Brad