Had to share this slideshow again as I continue to be inspired by the giving hearts of everyone who make up the Columbia Gorge Running Club. The hub of our club happens to be in Stevenson but we have members from all up and down the Gorge and beyond that make us who we are. In 2014, we had a record number of members when we climbed to over 200 individuals! Many, many of our races saw an increase in participants. One of our goals in 2015 is to also see an increase in volunteers. If youve attended multiple events, Ill bet its pretty much the same people you see working the different races. However, the winds are a-changin and new blood is starting to circulate in the club! We had a club meeting where everyone was invited to come to provide input, volunteer and keep CGRC alive and well. There were about 20 people who came from all over the Gorge to provide their support and commit to help see CGRC thrive in 2015. When this club formed in 2008, the vision was that it would provide an opportunity for people to connect and support each other in their fitness goals. We wanted to make our events affordable for people. Bottom line is we wanted to make an impact in the community. As I re-watched this years CGRC End-of-Year Celebration, I see that we are still true to that vision. Our races continue to be affordable, whether its the free for members or $2 for non-members or the $50 B2B 50K, donation-based Backyard Half, the Klickitat Trail Runs, etc. When we do charge a fee, the proceeds ALWAYS go to support something. The money supports the existence of this club (RRCA membership, insurance, supplies,...), scholarships, school cross country programs, the local food bank, etc. Januarys Run Like a Dog Run at the Skamania Lodge always donates the proceeds to help a group or individual. This year, race director Kyle Chaffin suggested that the proceeds of this years event be dedicated to club member Sophie Miller and the vote was unanimously YES! The proceeds from the $10 entry fee and the sale of the event sweatshirts will go to Sophie, a 37-year old mom as she battles an aggressive form of breast cancer. She was diagnosed in October and will be having her second chemo treatment tomorrow. The money we help raise will help pay for expenses for treatment, transportation to and from the treatment center in The Dalles, and the life expenses that continue as the mom of Nate (11-month old). Sophie (club secretary) and her husband Chad have been active members of CGRC since the beginning. It is an honor to give back to these members that give so much of themselves. We also committed to helping member Peter Thompson. Peter is a member that recently suffered a stroke. His recovery has impressed the medical staff. Those of us that know his running history and grit is not surprised. However, Peter and his wife Mae need to have their house made handicap-accessible before he comes home from the hospital. We will pass information along as we find out the plan. As I close this out, I thank you all so much for being a part of us. We are blessed that so many of you choose to participate in our club and races. We could not make the impact we do without you! Keep moving! Esther
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:48:46 +0000
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