The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon impacts the community long after the last runner has crossed the finish line, thanks to the donation of event proceeds to local charity partners. The non-profit event has once again reached new heights in its annual contribution, giving a total of $160,000 to its partners ASPIRO, Golden House and the Greater Green Bay YMCA Full Circle program.
“The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon has engrained itself as a community tradition, serving as a cornerstone for health and wellness for our participants, contributing to our local economy and eliciting a sense of pride and community spirit from our volunteers and spectators,” said Brighid Riordan, board president of the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. “We continue to see strong participation and growth in our weekend of events, allowing us to make this donation and have a year-round impact on our community through our non-profit partners. This contribution enables our partners to go above and beyond to make a difference and better our community.”
Over the last 17 years, the event has donated more than $1.2 million to 18 local charity partners. Golden House is concluding its three-year partnership with the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon and a new charity partner will be selected in the fall.
“The support from Cellcom Green Bay Marathon has allowed us to more compassionately and efficiently respond to the trauma that victims and their children experience. We have been able to pilot new evidence-based models that remove barriers and work directly with housing providers to quickly secure safe, stable housing for victims of domestic abuse.” said Karen Michaels, executive director of Golden House. “The number of people leaving our shelter with a signed lease or supportive housing has risen 24 percent, which means these families can shift their focus from finding housing to healing.”
The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is currently accepting applications for a new charity partner for the 2017-19 events. Criteria and the link to the online application can be found here: http://www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com/charity-partners/
The Mary Poppele Award, given to the top fundraiser, was also presented today. Recipient Shannon Wescott raised $1,805 through the Run for a Reason program. The award is given in memory of Mary Poppele, an avid marathon fundraiser, who passed away in April 2004 while training for the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. Wescott had a special motivation for fundraising this year, choosing to direct her funds to ASPIRO, where she has worked for nearly 20 years.
“I continue to learn from the individuals we serve at ASPIRO every day. Running 26.2 miles is nothing compared to the challenges that they face every minute of the day. Knowing that the money I raised would help enable amazing programs we offer on a daily basis to continue pushed me even harder to get out there and ask for help,” said Wescott. “When race day arrived, I had the added motivation to do well because I could; I don’t have physical or mental challenges that prohibit me from participating in such a wonderful event. This year’s race will forever hold a special place in my heart, being able to do what I love while helping support a place I am proud to call my home away from home – ASPIRO.”
Next year’s Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is scheduled for May 19-21, 2017. Registration will open on September 19, 2016.