Hey everyone! I want to thank everybody who signed up for the Walk for Hope last week! I understand that some people may have Saturday morning obligations (Chinese School, music lessons, etc.) and are unable to attend most of our events. Because I believe that everybody who wants to make a differece should be able to, I've been searching the web for other volunteer opportunities. If you paid attention during our first meeting, you'll know that we have two non-Saturday events planned already - both at the SF Rescue Mission. Since some people may be out of town during the holiday season, I feel our club needs to provide more opportunities for our members to get credit for events! The solution? Volunteer at the NIKE Women's Marathon: A Race to Benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on Sunday, October 23.

On Sunday, October 23, 15,000 women (and some men too!) will compete in the SOLD OUT Nike's Women's Marathon. Runners (and walkers) are of all levels will come from around the world to compete in the half-marathon (13.1 miles) or full marathon (26.2 miles). Both the half and full marathons begin in Union Square and finish in Golden Gate Park at the Great Highway.

In 2004, participants raised over $10 million for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - the 2005 goal is to raise $20 million. For more information about the race, please visit: www.nikemarathon.com. Show your support for these amazing participants and exceptional cause. Volunteering is fun and easy! Volunteers are needed at the Expo on Friday and Saturday to assist with race packet pick-up and provide information to participants and spectators. On Race Day, volunteers are needed to provide general assistance at the start & finish lines and to act as course monitors to keep runners on track.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research education and patient services. The Society's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease, and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has provided more than $411 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers. For more information about the Society, visit www.LLS.org

As you can see, this is a huge event! I checked the available shifts for Sunday, and they're all pretty early. Based on the sign-ups for Walk for Hope, I decided that the 7 AM to 1 PM shift, which will be in the Golden Gate Park area would be best for our club. Another shift, 7 AM to 2 PM at Lake Merced/Great Highway (near the SF Zoo) is also available. Since this is such a large event, I would like to have everybody from MAD volunteer for the same shift.

Please comment and cast your votes on which shift you would prefer!

As a course moniter, you will provide directional assistance to athletes, stop traffic, and keep pedestrians/spectators out of the way of athletes. You will be assigned to one intersection/block in the area.

I will present this information and we will begin sign-ups at our meeting on Tuesday, September 27th at 3:45 in 233. Don't hesitate to ask questions!

Spread the word!