Our Request

June 2, 2008

Dear Family and Friends:

While working for various non-profits over the past 3 years I have grown familiar with, and fond of, fundraising on behalf of others. Therefore, it is surprising how difficult it is for me to seek charity for personal endeavors. As a result, please allow me the pleasure of informality from this point forward.

I was recently introduced to the miserable concept of marathon running. While taking a leisurely stroll down my block last November, I was nearly trampled by a horde of fit silhouettes in revealing, shiny outfits. “That’s odd,” I thought. “What could possibly compel someone to do THAT!?” Imagine my surprise when a friend suggested that I participate with her in such an activity. Against my better judgment, I reluctantly agreed to run the 2008 NYC Marathon—hoping she would forget the whole thing in a few months. As it turns out, my friend has a fantastic memory and a long history of marathon training.

Ultimately, seeking the completion of my very own marathon is motivated by unwavering stubbornness and a desire to serve the community through personal venture. My father, a smoker for thirty-five years and a diabetic for eight, has joined me in this journey of unthinkable feats. While I train for the marathon during the next five months, my father, Scott Peterman, will slowly, but surely, quit smoking cigarettes.

The purpose of this letter is two-fold. First, my father and I are reaching out to you for your encouragement and support. We will graciously accept the following in large doses: phone calls, hugs, letters, advice, stories of personal achievement, kind and motivating words, check-ups, and packs of Nicorette gum. My father and I have set up this blog (for all you internet savvy folks) in order to keep each other accountable and so that you may track our progress. If you are ever bored, curious, or would like to write on our comments board please visit our site!

There is another catch (we are so full of surprises): I will be running for the Marathon Charity Program with Citymeals-on-Wheels. What this means is that I have a built in support system of other runners who will be training together as well as raising funds for this amazing non-profit organization. Of the many organizations that have teemed up with NYRR (New York Road Runners) to allow runners to give back to the community, I felt most drawn to Citymeals. Not only do they provide isolated NYC elderly the necessities of food and personable interaction, they also ensure that 100% of the donated money they receive is used exclusively in the preparation and delivery of said meals. Most importantly, as a result of the current economy and subsequent rising cost of food and gas, Citymeals is struggling. I feel honored to be supporting them and running on their behalf.

I know that this endeavor will be easier with the support of friends and family. Moreover, I trust that there are those who will wish to participate. In such a case, I kindly request your support and cordially invite you to be a part of this journey. Our set fundraising goal is to donate $2,500 on October 26, one week prior to the Marathon (and my mother's birthday)! I will surely appreciate the free support (hugs, etc.) and any amount of change you can spare. Whether you donate $0.01 per mile, $1.00 per mile, $5.00 per mile or more, it will go directly to Citymeals-on-Wheels and to individuals in need. Please know that every little bit helps, and my father and I will be just as pleased if you donate the time to encourage us.

Thank you for being in our lives,

Kelli and Scott

*To donate, please click on the link to the side of this page. It will lead you to my personal page on the Citymeals-on-Wheels site where you may donate safely and securely.

*If you are paying with a check, please send all donations to:
Kelli Peterman
545 Myrtle Avenue, Apt 3F
Brooklyn, NY 11205   

OR:

If you are sending a check and would like a Thank You letter from Citymeals-on-Wheels, which will serve as a tax receipt, please send your donation to:

Citymeals-on-Wheels

Attn: Sarah Kravitz

355 Lexington Avenue, 3rd Floor

New York, NY 10017

Please send a letter along with the check stating that the check is to be put towards Kelli Peterman's fundraising goal for the NYC Marathon.  Also, please put my name on the note section of your check.