Running for a Cause-And A GIVEAWAY!!

I like to make a lot of dedications when I run races, as a member of #Run3rd, to make each mile mean a little more. Recently, I signed up to take my runs one step further, and I raised money for St. Jude's for the Warrior Dash. While the sometimes constant begging for donations did get a little frustrating, when I reached(and then surpassed) my goal, it was such an awesome feeling! I always want my miles to mean more than just one foot in front of another, and fundraising for a cause is an awesome way to do that. This brings me to another awesome charity I've seen a few fellow runners racing for, it's called Give Kids the World. I'm sure everyone knows how much I love Disney. My love of Disney has pushed me to run half marathons, it has given my family amazing memories, and is an institution I couldn't imagine not being in my life(Cheesy, I know!). I never experienced Disney as a child, I didn't go for the first time until I was well into my 20s. It's extra special for me to give these trips to my kids, to fill their hearts and minds with magic and imagination, to watch their eyes light up in wonder. But my children are healthy. We don't face things like high medical bills and constant doctors appointments. We don't have to choose between paying for medicine or a hospital stay or a trip to Disney World. Other parents aren't as lucky. They have children with life-threatening illnesses, their days and weeks are filled with doctor visits and appointments, they don't save for Disney, they pay the latest bill that comes in. They worry their child might not be healthy enough for that kind of trip. That's where Give Kids the World comes in. http://www.firstgiving.com/gktw From their about page: "The most magical sound in the world is that of a child’s laughter. That is what fills the air at Give Kids The World Village—a wish-fulfilling, fanciful, carefree retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses, and their families. Give Kids The World Village is a 70-acre, nonprofit “storybook” Village located near Central Florida’s most beloved attractions. Here, children and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free fantasy vacations, complete with accommodations in the Village’s whimsical villas, transportation, donated attraction tickets, meals, and much more. At the Village, these precious children learn that dreams really do come true, as they and their families are immersed in joy, hope, and non-stop fun for a few unforgettably happy days. Since 1986, the Village has welcomed more than 115,000 families from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. This extraordinary, life-changing experience is Give Kids The World’s gift, made possible only through the generosity of dedicated corporations and countless individuals" A truly awesome organization if you ask me. I know what you are asking. "What do charities have to do with a giveaway? I came for the free stuff!" I'm getting there, I promise. I recently met another runner online, who is raising money for Give Kids the World. Her name is Miranda and she will be running the WDW 1/2 Marathon in January 2014. Between now and then, her goal is to raise $3,000 for GKTW, and every donation counts, getting her closer to that goal. Her fundraising efforts would be responsible for sending a family with a sick child to Disney, giving that child the chance to experience the magic, to forget about their medical issues for a week and to just be a kid. Here is here fundraising site: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/mconnelly/wdwmarathonweekend2014 Miranda's qualities aren't limited to just running and having a big heart. She also makes awesome vinyl decals. To help with her fundraising efforts, she sent me a set of vinyl decals for my IPhone.

She also sent a set for one reader! Want to Disney-fy your IPhone or your case? Here's your chance. Plenty of ways to win. "But April," you say, "I never win anything. Well it's pretty simple if you want your own IPhone or car decal. With any donation of $15 or more, Miranda will give you your own decal. You're not limited to just IPhone skins, she makes all kinds of decals, including the awesome ones for your car like this: If you've run or are running a big race, she's got lots of choices for race decals. You already pay $8+ for one of these custom decals, why not donate to charity and get one? Everybody wins! a Rafflecopter giveaway