The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon takes place each May, but the impact is felt year-round thanks to the donation of event proceeds to local charity partners. The non-profit event is proud to award a total of $53,997 to its 2019 charity partners Greater Green Bay YMCA Full Circle Program and Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity.
“The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon facilitates wellness, boosts tourism and fosters community spirit with our sponsors and volunteers. Coming together for race weekend also makes a difference throughout the year for local non-profits. Our partners invest the donations and improve our community with their programs. This is a collective effort like no other and we’re proud to be celebrating 20 years of positive impact,” said Dr. Ashok Rai, president and CEO of Prevea Health and board president of the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon.
Since its inception in 2000, the event has donated more than $1.5 million to 18 local charity partners. The YMCA Full Circle Program is a four-time donation recipient.
“We are grateful for the generosity of the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon in bringing our YMCA Full Circle program to life for our community 5 years ago. Their support has allowed us to cultivate inclusive programs for hundreds of children with autism and created lasting connections among their families along the way. It has allowed the Y to impact over 200 children who have participated in Full Circle since its inception. Each child has a success story, whether it was learning to swim safely and independently, kicking their first soccer goal or sitting next to a new friend while singing a camp song at Y Day Camp. We are forever grateful to the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon team, board, volunteers and sponsors for their dedication to making our community a place that honors the incredible talents, potential and gifts of all children,” said Kathleen McKee, Vice President of Programs and Innovation at the Greater Green Bay YMCA.
Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity is in its third year of partnership with the event.
“Habitat for Humanity is thankful for the donation made possible by the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. The funding we receive from this event stays within our community to support our mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. While it is a significant amount of work to choreograph this event, we are blessed to have a volunteer base that takes on the challenge, which allows our organization to be a small part of its success and blessed by the generous donation received,” said Cora Haltaufderheid, executive director of Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity.
The Mary Poppele Award, given to the top fundraiser, was also presented today. Recipient Cassie Conard raised $330 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.
Next year’s Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is scheduled for May 16-17, 2020.