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 is proud to award a total of $133,745 to its partners ASPIRO, Greater Green Bay YMCA Full Circle program and Special Olympics Wisconsin Unified Sports Program.
“The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is 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. “Everyone coming together for a weekend in May allows us to make this donation and have a positive impact year-round through our non-profit partners.”
Over the last 18 years, the event has donated more than $1.3 million to 18 local charity partners. ASPIRO is concluding its three-year partnership with the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon and a new charity partner will be selected soon.
“Over the past three years, the financial support from the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon has been put to the very best use possible. You have assisted us in maximizing our human resources to help children and adults with disabilities reach their full potential and live meaningful and fulfilling lives,” said Mike Duschene, executive director of ASPIRO. “ASPIRO and so many other nonprofit organizations have benefitted immensely from your support of their worthwhile missions. I can’t express how grateful ASPIRO is to the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon and its board, staff, operational teams, volunteers, participants and spectators.”
The Mary Poppele Award, given to the top fundraiser, was also presented today. Recipient Shannon Wescott raised $845 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 was the top fundraiser in 2016, as well, directing her funds to ASPIRO where she has worked for 20 years.
“After being named top fundraiser last year and having the honor of receiving the Mary Poppele award, I set out to meet this goal again. Knowing that ASPIRO would again benefit from the funds raised, it was a win-win situation for me to get out there and ask for help,” said Wescott. “I have a passion for what I do on a daily basis at ASPIRO and putting that together with my passion for running, it could only turn out well. Every day I encourage the people I work with to push themselves to the next level and every day they amaze me with what they can do despite their limitations. What kind of role model would I be if I too didn’t push myself outside of my comfort zone? This is what life is all about, isn’t it?”