I'm running the Columbus Marathon
D | Sunday, October 21, 2007

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Friends and Family,

On October 21st, 2007 I will be running the Columbus Marathon. When I decided to do this run, I toyed with the idea of running for cause. Well that time has come - I have decided use my run to raise money for the Philmont Staff Association's Seasonal Staff Scholarship Fund.

Most of you know of my scouting days and my love for Philmont. If you are not familiar, Philmont is a high adventure backpacking camp nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico. The Boy Scouts of America operate this camp with a seasonal staff of 1,500 college-age youth. Every year, those seasonal staff members are eligible to apply for a scholarship which assists them in paying for college expenses. I will always remember (with considerable longing) my three summers as Philmont seasonal staff. Whether it was hiking Baldy with my Dad, teaching crews the "5 Ws," pushing bears out of trees, or playing "Wagonwheel" at nightly jam-session, Philmont has given me some of the best memories of my life. Now it is my turn to give back.

In addition to completing the marathon without sustaining serious bodily injury, I have also set the goal of raising $1,000.00 for the Scholarship Fund. At 26.2 miles, I am asking everyone donate $1 per mile (rounded to $25.00), or $2 per mile, (rounded to $50.00). As I plan on writing one large check to the Scholarship Fund, you can make your checks payable to Derek Walden. Or, since you all know I am less than a year away from becoming a licensed attorney, feel free to make your checks payable directly to the Scholarship Fund and I will mail them along with my check (directions are below). All donations are 100% tax-deductible.

Also, let me take this time to extend two invitations to anyone in the Columbus area the weekend of Oct 19-21. First, a large group of friends and family will be celebrating a Final Pre-Race Dinner at Buca di Beppos (Arena Dist.) at 5:30PM on Saturday the 20th. Feel free to RSVP via email or simply show up. Second, please please please come out and cheer me on by standing anywhere along the marathon route on Sunday. Any support would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for everything,
Derek

Download the donation form (PDF)

D | 10/21/2007 08:00:00 AM | 1 comments |   Post your comment