A Breath of Fresh Air

Planning to run the NYC Half Marathon in August and need more reason to log those 13.1 miles? Need a spot into this exclusive race after not having the qualification standard or not scoring a lottery slot? Whatever the case may be, the Fresh Air Fund may have the answer. The organization's Fund-Racers team is looking for runners--and sponsors, too--to participate on its team at the August 16th event.

Not to be confused with a "protect our air"-type organization, the Fresh Air Fund has provided summer vacations for more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income neighborhoods. Kids have spent summers with host families around 13 states and Canada as well as time at overnight camp in the Adirondacks where they can learn to swim, canoe and more. Last year the Fund-Racers raised more than $125,000 for the organization, which has provided these fun experiences for kids since 1877.

Fund-Racers are responsible for paying the entry fees for the NYC Half as well as raising a minimum of $1,000 for the Fresh Air Fund. But the camaraderie--as well as the fundraising--is well worth it. Are you in? Click here for more info about the team. And yes, running for a charity team does guarantee a spot into the race.

Can't make it to the race but still want to help out? The Fund is still in need of Friendly Town hosts during the month of August. Host families open their hearts and home to a NYC child who would not otherwise have the opportunity to escape the hot, crowded city streets. Check out freshair.org for more details. Photo of some of the 2008 Fund-Racers grabbed from freshair.org. Posted by Kate