FIRST STEP

Rodrigo A. Balarezo
15 Augustus St, Bloomfield, NJ, 07006, (973) 901-5391
rab43@njit.edu
July 27th, 2006

Dear Friends and Family,
I'm in the midst of training for the ING New York City Marathon, which I will run on November 5, 2006. This year I'm running the race for a cause that I cherish: The New York Road Runners Foundation Team for Kids. As the youth-services arm of New York Road Runners, the NYRR Foundation provides fitness programs for 15,000 children in New York and across the country, who have little or no access to physical education.
At a time when childhood obesity is a national health crisis, leading to such diseases as diabetes and heart disease, the programs that the NYRR Foundation provides for at-risk youth are more critical than ever. Beyond teaching the importance of leading a healthy, active life, the programs also teach kids the fundamentals of nutrition, teamwork, and enable them to apply lessons of goal-setting, discipline, and motivation to their schoolwork and lives. Often, it is the first time that these children realize a direct relationship between effort and achievement.
The sport of running and Team for Kids is affording me countless opportunities to change my own life for the better. The lessons that these programs teach children are the very things that are allowing me to be healthy and successful. It seems only fair that I help give a generation of kids the same opportunities.
While my personal success in the marathon depends on my training and determination, my commitment to raise $2500 for the New York Road Runners Foundation depends on others, which is why I'm asking you to support my efforts with a donation. Your tax-deductible contribution will help pay for the supplies, uniforms, events, and transportation that make the programs happen and truly give youth a running start. I encourage you to consider a minimum gift of $1 per mile (or $26.20), though no donation is too small (or too large!) and all are appreciated.
Please take a moment to use the enclosed donation card or go to www.teamforkids.org and click on "Contribute," where you will need my entry number: #73215. The NYRR Foundation will inform me of all contributions, so I can send you a well-deserved thank you after the marathon.
At the end of 26.2 miles, I will be exhausted, but also grateful for and exhilarated by the support that I've received through your generosity.
All the best and thanks for your support!