Events Galore!

As you are all aware by now, Katie has decided to continue her multi-year streak of summer injuries which keep her from running.  That doesn't mean, however, that Team Golden Colon has closed up shop.  No, far from it.  In fact, with just two months to go until the run and about $1000 left to raise, we're stepping up our efforts to convince you that at least some of your hard earned money should support research into Crohn's and Colitis.  Now we recognize that there are more exciting things you can do with your limited funds, and since the lure of the Golden Colon statue hasn't spurred any large donations (except for one, and the people behind that have insisted they don't want it), we're announcing a range of events and prizes to spur your desire to give.  So, onto the list:

1. We all need to eat.  Even history majors can remember enough basic biology to know that life doesn't work without caloric intake.  Heck, that's one of the major reasons Katie and I run - running allows for a greater caloric intake (although we seem to be pretty bad about balancing the two - apparently running doesn't allow for unlimited caloric intake).  So here's an opportunity, if you're in the Kansas City area, to eat and help us raise money and awareness for CCFA (see photo to the right).  Food and philanthropy, always a good combo.

2. Winning just feels good.  To that end, on Friday we'll be announcing the details of our raffle.  Our good friends at Cellar Rat Wine Merchants (it's not weird to be friends with the people at a wine shop, right?) have helped us put together a California Wine Country gift basket valued at $200 which we will be raffling off.  Tickets will be $20 each, or 3 for $50.  The raffle will run until July 4, 2012.  Again, check back here on Friday for more details.

3. Speaking of winning, here's another chance: Ever time you donate $10 (not earmarked for one of the other events) between now and June 30 enter your best guess for my finishing time in the race (hint: my PR is roughly 1:52:00).  As with the actual run, seconds count!  For the contributor who most accurately predicts my finishing time, Katie and I will bring a bottle of wine back from Napa or Sonoma.

4. Details are still being worked out, but sometime in June we will be hosting a trivia competition featuring drink specials, probably at Lew's Bar and Grill in Waldo.  Stay tuned for more information about this family-friendly event.

5. A reminder about an old contest: If we hit our fundraising goal by June 1, I'll let our contributors decide what I wear while running the half marathon.

6. Ever wanted to have the feeling of being rich?  Of seeing your name (or your business's name) plastered all over a sporting event?  Here's your chance.  Between now and July 10 you can become a "sponsor" of a mile in the race.  Simply donate $50 and designate which mile (1 through 13) you'd like to sponsor.  I'll write your name (or business, organization, or inspirational message) on my race attire (or body if the contest in #5 doesn't leave me with clothing to write on) as a sponsor.  A $100 donation sponsors the final tenth of a mile.

Whew.  Hopefully there's something here that entices you to donate (in the off chance you weren't already motivated by wanting to see Katie smile) or at least come out to have some fun with us.  Check back later this week for more details about the raffle and hopefully the trivia competition as well.