Studies show that individuals support charities for many different reasons. They vary from a personal connection, a passion for the organization’s mission, a desire to help, or even something as simple as their employer supports the cause.  There certainly is an intrinsic reward that you can only find through giving to those in need. This feeling fuels people to reach out and get involved with a cause greater than themselves.

I can remember in grade school participating in “Jump Rope for Heart” through the American Heart Association. I am not sure if my Physical Education teacher realized she was instilling the desire to give in her students or if she was just fulfilling an academic requirement.  But I do remember going door to door and asking neighbors to sponsor me while I jumped rope. That experience motivated me throughout my adult life to participate in many different physical fitness fundraising programs. 

Charlotte offers plenty of opportunities to reach out and give to others while participating in a fitness related event. It seems that almost all non-profits offer some type of fitness-related fundraising program. The choices are so varied and abundant that surely anyone can connect to a cause, lace-up their sneakers and get involved!

The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society offers many different types of activities to get connected and raise funds. The funds raised not only provide support and services but also fund research to eventually find a cure. MS is a disease of the central nervous system that affects how signals travel to the brain and tell the body what to do. 

The Mid-Atlantic chapter, which serves all of South Carolina and 33 counties in North Carolina, founded the “MS Challenge Walk” in 2001.  Now there are 9 MS Challenge walks nationwide.  The Challenge walk is a 3-day event, 50 mile walk where walkers spend the night in dorm-style accommodations.  Each walker must raise a minimum of $1500 but most exceed that amount.  In 2007, the walk raised over $330,000 with 160 walkers participating.  The entire group walks the last mile together towards the finish line. Leading the finish are the walkers with MS. 

MS Challenge walker, Julie Baldwin from Belmont, NC has a personal connection to the disease.  Her mother has MS.  Julie has walked every year since 2003.  “Training for and completing my first MS Challenge walk was one of the hardest things I have done in my life” said Julie. Julie participated in her first Challenge walk going solo with her mom and son waiting at the finish on the final day. Every year she still finds it challenging but looks forward to meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones. Julie stays motivated knowing that with each step she is supporting the MS Society and bringing comfort and hope to those living with MS, just like her mom. 

We have all heard the cliche that one person can make a difference.  In Spencer Lueders case, that cliche is an understatement.  In 2002, Spencer rode the first 24 Hours of Booty charity cycling ride with some friends raising $6,000.  If the story ended there, it would be a fine accomplishment.  Fast forward to 2007, the 24 Hours of Booty raised over $750,000 with over 1,000 cyclist circling Myers Park's famed booty loop.  What's next, $1,000,000 raised in one event?  Mark your calendars for July 25-26, 2008 to see if you can be part of history. 

If walking for a cure does not motivate you, then check out the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) cycling event, the “Ride to Cure Diabetes”.  This 100 mile bike ride takes you through the scenic Smoky Mountains outside of Ashville, NC.  The funds raised go toward finding a cure for those with Type 1 diabetes.  Diabetes affects more than 8 million people in the United States.  JDRF has contributed more than $900 million dollars for research and support since it began in 1970. 

Dr. Adam Spitz has a direct connection with JDRF through his work with diabetes patients.  This year, two of Dr. Spitz’s patients with Type 1 diabetes participated in the ride. One patient in their sixties, started training with just 2 miles a day.  Phil Sutherland also participated in this year’s ride and is the captain of the Team Type 1 riders.  Phil is turning pro this year and would like to one day have the same impact on diabetes that Lance Armstrong has had on cancer.  Wrapped up in this one cycling event you have varying levels of fitness. Riding together you find a soon to be professional cyclist beside diabetes patients with very little cycling experience at all. But they share a common thread, each of them on the bike for the same reason. They are out there pedaling forward, toward a cure. 

There would certainly be a big hole in this article if I fail to mention the great strides that the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Team in Training” program has made since its inception in 1988.  20 years later it is the world’s largest endurance sports training program.  Over 340,000 participants have raised more than $800 million dollars to help provide assistance and support to individuals with blood cancers. The Western North Carolina Chapter has three sessions a year which consist of Spring/Summer, Fall and Winter.  2008 will be their 20th anniversary with several half and full marathons on their schedule along with the Capital Texas Tri, Tri Latta and the Fletcher Flyer Century Ride.  Info meetings for their Spring/Summer session begin in January and you can register online at www.teamintraining.org/nc to join a meeting.

If you have ever had the opportunity to participate or observe any of these events you understand the desire to let others know why you are out there pushing your limits.  This is definitely true if you or a loved one is directly impacted by the disease or cause.  You may even want to keep a reminder of them with you at all times to maintain your focus on the goal. Some people choose to pin or write the name of the individual they are honoring on their shirt or jersey.  Often times as soon as you begin to perspire the name smears. 

A local Charlotte man, Michael Gibbons has come up with a clever idea to help motivate and spread inspiration with out the fear of a smear!  He created an organization, “Buttons of Hope” that is certain to “put a face” on fundraising.  Michael became inspired during the 24 Hours of Booty bike ride for cancer.  Michael’s efforts were to honor his cousin Dale Lewis who was battling cancer. Michael asked Dale if he could make a button with his photo to wear for the ride. Dale was honored and in that instant, Buttons of Hope was born.  You can get your buttons by visiting his web-site at www.buttonsofhope.com. 

These are just a few of the great causes and events that are found right here in Charlotte.  We all know having an event on the calendar makes keep to our exercise routine.  The opportunities to get involved are endless and we could spend months covering the choices. You can find additional information about various charity events throughout the Carolinas and how you can get involved in the chart below.  Also, be sure to check out the events calendar on chfmag.com throughout the year.   So go ahead, lace up and sweat it out for a GOOD cause!