November 16, by the numbers
7 a.m.: 23 degrees. One walker, setting out.
One Säjaimobile, advertising the cause.
One happy dog, getting to go for a morning walk.
Two friends to help the time pass more quickly.
Four wonderful volunteers to walk a mile for Melissa as donations came in.
Säjai Foundation Program Development Manager Carrie Stolar
Supporter Paula Hari with Melissa
Säjai Foundation intern Kate Young, Melissa, Säjai Foundation Board of Directors Chairman Bob Bierscheid
One (very old) stray dog found and rescued by Melissa.
Emails rolling in, announcing donations: Too many to count.
One 5-mile bike ride gratefully received.
4:30 p.m. Temps barely in the 30s, wind gusting up to 30 mph.
Melissa crosses the finish line, 30 miles from her start.
One comfy chair, one large chai tea.
Final number on Melissa’s pedometer:
5:30 p.m. Donations reach $10,000–meaning that the matching donation of $10,000 is activated: $20,000 in one day, to teach even more kids about healthy living and exploring nature!
Total donations for Give to the Max Day: $12,520, plus the match of $10,000!
How many kids $22,520 can teach: Nearly 1,400.
Happiness at reaching the finish line, reaching the goal, seeing how ardently supporters embrace the Foundation’s mission: Unmeasurable.
And at the end of the day, one very tired dog.
Thank you doesn’t even begin to cover it. Just know that when we say “Thank you” to our supporters, volunteers, and donors, we mean it thousands and thousands of times over.
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