Please Support my Run for Community Cooks: Boston Marathon 2015

As many of you know, it has long been a desire of mine to run the Boston Marathon. That dream will come true on Monday, April 20, as I partake in running the 2015 Boston Marathon. I'm running to fulfill my own dream, but more importantly, to raise $5,000 to support Community Cooks and provide nourishment for others. Will you donate and help me reach my goal? 

I chose to run for Community Cooks because it is a local organization I believe in and personally support. Their network of volunteer cooks is made up for 600 people providing home-cooked meals to 2,700 hungry, vulnerable neighbors in the Greater Boston community through 28 direct-service partner agencies each month. I've been a volunteer in their network for the past four years, providing a course of a meal for residents at the Windsor House - Adult Health Care- in Cambridge. It's a ritual for the kids and I every 4th Monday night. They help with a small part of the meal - measuring, pouring and of course, taste-testing! This month, it was egg noodles; last month, brownies. Yum. It's a way for us as a family to give back. 

For me, Food is Love. It's a mantra that I grew up with, starting with my mom and grandmother and one that I've carried with me throughout my life. In celebration, in mourning, in solace and in comfort, food - both the gift and enjoyment of - has been central. A meal -- made with love, quality ingredients and by caring individuals -- is a basic need that I feel everyone should have access to.  Community Cooks brings this to life. 

Through your contribution, you are not only providing access to a meal that will satisfy the physical hunger of neighbors who have fallen on hard times, you are giving the gift of comfort, community and connection…and helping to build a community of caring where everyone matters.

As the year draws to a close and a new one begins, I'm excited about what 2015 holds in store for us. My official marathon training starts on January 1st and will continue up until the big day on April 20! I'll be out there most every day through cold, snow and rain (and hopefully some sunny days in there too) training and preparing for 26.2 miles of running. I hope that you'll support me and Community Cooks along the way. 

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and nourishing new year.