With their running shoes laced up and eyes on the finish line, more than 70 Lasallian Volunteers (LV), LV alumni, and friends ran in the Memphis marathon, half marathon, and 5K on December 4 to raise funds for the LV program. Now on its fourth year, the fundraiser brought in approximately $50,000 with more donations expected.
Second year LVs, like Samantha Almanza at San Miguel School of Providence, planned the fundraising event. This is the second run for her and Kathleen Glackin of De La Salle Blessed Sacrament in Memphis. “It’s a different way for us to tell our story and to let those we work with know that we are willing to push ourselves to support them,” Kathleen said. “Having the chance to tell my students that I was training for a half-marathon and having them ask about it afterwards was really special.”
This was the first LV run for Alex Branch of La Salle School in Albany, NY. “Whenever I saw other LVs, Brothers, and LV alumni on the course, my step brightened,” he said. “Our community across the country is strong, and I think that comes in large part from our commitment to the mission.”
Previous runs were held in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Rhode Island. Donations are used for general expenses, including site support and recruiting.
