The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon didn’t go off as planned this year, but thousands of runners took on their miles virtually. Each year the non-profit event donates event proceeds to local charity partners and despite the unprecedented circumstances, the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is proud to award a total of $31,698 to its 2020 charity partners: Greater Green Bay YMCA Full Circle Program and Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity.
“The move to a virtual Cellcom Green Bay Marathon was an opportunity for runners to keep working toward their goals during an uncertain time. From a distance, we ran together and thanks to continued commitment from our generous sponsors, our non-profit event was able to give back to our charitable partners. Habitat and the YMCA invest the donations and improve our community with their programs. This was once again a collective effort like no other and we’re proud to be celebrating the 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. For the last three years funds from the marathon Habitat for Humanity have been directed toward construction of Habitat for Humanities’ 120th home, which was dedicated to the Jimenez family on Thursday, June 25, 2020. Despite the impact of lost volunteer hours and unforeseen circumstances, the organization continued to push forward, on time, to make sure the Jimenez family could complete their journey as a Habitat homebuyer to purchase the house.
“We have always dreamed of providing a bigger, more spacious home for our children,” said Shaleen Jimenez, the Habitat homeowner. “We knew that the day would come, and God would provide the opportunity. We are very grateful to be part of the Habitat for Humanity family now.”
The YMCA Full Circle Program is a five-time donation recipient. Funds from the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon support recreational programming for children on the autism spectrum.
“The generosity of the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon in supporting our Full Circle program has been truly remarkable. In an especially challenging year, we take heart that our community continues to lift up and support non-profits and children of all abilities like those with autism in our Full Circle program. Their contributions have allowed us to deliver inclusive programs for almost 300 children with autism in 1500 class sessions. It will also ensure us that during uncertain times, we can sustain and continue to provide this program for children. We are forever grateful to the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon for their dedication to creating a community that cherishes the phenomenal gifts of all children through their support of the YMCA Full Circle program,” said Kathleen McKee, Vice President of Programs and Innovation at the Greater Green Bay YMCA.
The Mary Poppele Award, given to the top fundraiser, was also announced today. Recipient Cyrus Rhode Jr. raised $500 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.