When you run or bike long distances like I do unless you are extremely fast you have plenty of time to think.  My thoughts typically wander from “Why am I out here in this lousy weather” to what the future holds for my daughter and in what ways things could be made better her generation. My exercise routines have always helped me tremendously – both physically and mentally – so why not put that to use to help others? But how?

During one of my recent 10 mile runs a light bulb snapped on in my head and I came up with a great idea to help others. Listed below is the patent pending process I used to come up with this plan:

Step 1: Identify the “What”
First I had to figure out who I wanted to help the most. The first charities that came to mind were Harvester’s International and Children’s Miracle Network (CMN).

I had joined my wife and her coworkers for Harvester’s “Day of Caring” late last year. They had a brief presentation with some surprising stats (for example a large portion of the food donated goes to children). Whatever opinions you may have about their parents having to rely upon such assistance I don’t think anybody could justify their children having to suffer.

However, I felt a somewhat closer connection to Children’s Miracle Network. My daughter was born premature but other than being small was fine. However some of her fellow NICU patients were not. I still remember the faces of one little girl’s parents. Their daughter apparently was not doing as well as mine and I could see the emotional roller coaster they were on each time I passed them.

Also, I noticed there weren’t too many CMN fundraisers in Kansas City this year so the scales were tipped in favor of CMN. If my idea is a success and raises enough donations I may add Harvester’s in later.

Step 2: Identify the “How?”
For the rest of that run and the next couple a plan came together. Remember the old school fundraiser methods used a long, long time ago (the 1980s)? As a kid whenever there was a charity run/walk I used to go to everybody I knew with a sheet asking them to pledge a certain amount per distance interval.

Shazam!!! I could do that now too. However, thanks to the marvels of modern technology I no longer have to go door to door nor do I have to orchestrate a large gathering of people. This site will be the central resource for information and Twitter/Facebook/e-mail updates will keep everybody informed. I will upload and share with everybody the GPS data thanks to my Garmin handheld and www.motionbased.com.

I am still working out some logistical issues (what information I would need to collect from donors to distribute the GPS information and how to get the donations directly to CMN without me having to be in the middle of the transactions).

In the meantime please consider helping these children and keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers. Also, my “Personal Me” page will be updated over time to provide all of the details as I get them.

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