26.2 MILES! The distance is no small feat for any runner. But imagine tackling the Chicago Marathon and homelessness. Six members of Back on My Feet Chicago are preparing for this very challenge. They plan to run the Chicago Marathon October 9th, and Storytellers for Good (www.storytellersforgood.com) hopes to be there to tell their inspiring story! We, and our amazing friends at Skattered Moments (www.skatteredmoments.com), are fundraising for a short film that will be an ongoing fundraising tool for Back on My Feet ...and allow them to change lives for years to come.
Back on My Feet is a nonprofit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of those experiencing homelessness by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. The program works with individuals living in homeless facilities and also provides unique educational and job training opportunities. And the runners are:
Domingo Perez: a member for ten months who has logged more than 600 miles. Domingo was recently hired at a non-profit agriculture business that provides paid transitional employment and job training.
Issac Denson: a member for seven months who has logged a total of 369 miles. This past spring, Issac obtained his bachelor’s degree in Human Resources from Northwestern College. Issac is running the Marathon because he wants to “show people that you can make a mistake in your life and still enjoy life doing the right thing!”
Anthony Johnson: a member for ten months and has logged over 600 miles, earning him the nickname “Running Man.” Anthony hopes to help other runners “put a pep in their step,” and recently completed his certification as an unarmed security officer.
Andy Allen: a member for six months who has logged over 250 miles. This month Andy is planning to start computer classes at Howard Area Resource Center. Andy is running the marathon to celebrate 2 years of sobriety.
Wahid Rashad: a member for ten months who has logged a total of 433 miles. Wahid is currently studying to renew his Mortgage Broker’s license and applying for full-time employment.
Javier Rodriguez: a member for eight months who has logged a total of 172 miles. Javier obtained employment at a publishing warehouse where he was referred through Back on My Feet.
So here is your opportunity to make a donation and put YOUR name on a story that will help raise funds for this amazing cause. With a donation of $25 or more you will be listed as a “Supporter” in the film credits. With a $100 or more donation your name will appear as a “Producer.” With either investment you will be enlisted in our positive storytelling movement that aims to create positive change in the world one story at a time.
Storytellers for Good and Skattered Moments hope to raise funds by early October to travel to Chicago and catch up with the runners before and after the race. We will create the film and hand the invaluable fundraising tool over to Back on My Feet to share at events, on their website, YouTube and countless other social media channels online.
