Remember I'm training for the Savannah Rock 'n' Roll Marathon? I initially signed up for the 1/2 with the intent to upgrade to the full if my first few weeks of training went well. My first few weeks of training went really well (still is!) and I quickly made the decision to upgrade. And then Kyle saw how much I was enjoying it and decided to take the plunge himself and run the 1/2. So we're both training now! Crazy, I know.
Around that time, I was up visiting my parents at their house one day when I ran into their neighbor, Lisa Freeman. I mentioned the fact that I was training for the marathon and she eagerly encouraged me to join TEAM FREEMAN. Lisa's son, Marine Captain Matthew Freeman, was KIA in Afghanistan on August 7th, 2009. Just a few days before he made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, he told his mother that the kids in Afghanistan wanted pens and paper more than food and water. Since his death, that statement has started a movement called The Mathew Freeman Project: Pens & Paper for Peace. I could tell you the whole story, but the video I've posted below explains it all so perfectly.
TEAM FREEMAN is an official charity partner for the Savannah Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. After doing some research, Kyle and I knew we definitely wanted to join the team. Because we know members of the Freeman Family personally and because we truly believe in and support the project, we decided to commit ourselves to raising a minimum of $200 each in donations.
That's where all of YOU come in.
Please, please, please help us raise money for this incredible cause!
$1, $5, $10, anything helps.
All you have to do is follow this link--- http://www.freemanproject.org/rock-n-roll-savannah-marathon-and-half-marathon, scroll down to the bottom of the page to the section called "Sponsor a Team Freeman Runner," and then fill out all the necessary info. You can make a donation in my name, in Kyle's, or in each of our names. After you provide your name, address, email, donation amount, and the runner's name you will be directed to The Freeman Project's paypal checkout page where you can pay using credit/debit cards.
NOTE: It is very important that you go through this page and not directly to the “Make a Donation” tab on the website. If you do not complete this page, they will have no record that your donation is linked to one of us.
You can also make a donation by mailing a check to the following address.
The Freeman Project
P.O. Box 1608
Richmond Hill, GA 31324
NOTE: Please ensure that you write one of our names on the check in the memo field so that they can link each donation to Kyle or myself.
All donations are tax deductible and upon receipt of each donation, The Matthew Freeman Project will send a Thank You letter and the appropriate tax documentation to each sponsor.
I didn't know Matthew personally, but he is a hero to me, his family, my community, this country, and now to many children in Afghanistan. Just take a look at this inspiring video of a solider delivery supplies to local children sent by The Matthew Freeman Project.
Please donate today and help keep Matt's vision going by spreading peace, pens, and paper to all those beautiful children. Thank you so much!
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| A banner that was hung in my parent's neighborhood shortly after Matthew's death. |
