Can’t Participate in the Family Matters Walk? Then Be a Sponsor of the “Starvin’ Marvin” Initiative?

Dear Family and Friends;

We all have charitably minded friends and family who seek sponsors to support athletic events in which they participate.

Most perform admirable and impressive feats: running a half marathon; sprinting up the stairs of the Sear’s Tower; biking to Minneapolis and back.

In fact, last year my high school friend and his two kids decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in support of US war veterans.

Who can refuse supporting that?

I now find myself a bit perplexed, as I cannot compete with any of this. Yet, the Family Matters 5K Walk-a-thon is this Saturday and I understand how important it is that the organization achieves its fundraising goals.

In this, my fifth year serving on the Family Matter’s Board, I remain wildly impressed with the good that our organization does on behalf of families in Rogers Park (mostly North of Howard),  offering mentoring, after school programs and tutoring for youth. Everyone in the Family Matters program learns the Principles of Leadership program designed by our founder, Kim Delong. I can personally vouch how important and transformational this program is for everyone who is deeply involved in Family Matters, and how drawing from these principles is a key to our success.

Held each May, the Walk-a-thon is Family Matters primary fundraiser of the year. Our goal in this, our 24th walk, is to raise $80,000, with over 400 walkers.

Yet, how can I ask anyone to sponsor a walk, when what we will be doing this Saturday is so much fun. The weather is always perfect; the path is gorgeous. Talk to new friends; meet new people.  Why would anyone pay me for doing something so enjoyable, simple and fun?

So, I’ve decided to create a personal challenge - to make my feat something significant enough that all of you will choose to support me with a contribution.

Many of you know how much I like to eat.

Well, I will not only walk the 5K - but I commit to walking the full 5K and not eat or consume anything during the entire walk!!!! *

Not one donut hole! No candy. No tic tacs.

Not even gum.

5 Miles.

To make my offer even more interesting, I’ll do this in memory of my late father, Marvin, who passed away eleven year’s ago next month.

In his memory, I will call my feat: Starvin’ Marvin.

So friends and family: bring it on!  $5/mile; $10/mile. Whatever suits you.

To contribute and sponsor my effort, go to the Family Matters link at http://www.familymatterschicago.org. Or, cut a check, made payable to Family Matters, and mail it to 7731 North Marshfield, Chicago, IL 60626. Or, simply email to me your pledge, and I’ll be sure to hound you later on to collect.

And on the memo, be sure to write: “Starvin’ Marvin.”

Its not climbing Kilimanjaro, but those of you who know me know that its still impressive.

We welcome additional walkers. Go to http://www.familymatterschicago.org to register (minimum $20 fee, includes breakfast (which I will skip!), a t shirt, and the picnic afterwards.

* The delicious community picnic that Family Matters throws after the walk is fair game for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DTcXdw40GU” title=“WATCH MY 5 SECOND TRAINING VIDEO”>WATCH MY 5 SECOND TRAINING VIDEO

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