October 20, 2009

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I haven't decided if what I am embarking on is the result of complete insanity or a midlife crisis. Perhaps it is a combination of both. However, through my efforts - and hopefully through yours in concert with me - I will reach not only a personal goal but I will accomplish something far more important - raising funds for two causes that are close to my heart.

On May 15 and 16, 2010, I will embark on a 100-mile ultramarathon race that begins in Key Largo, Florida and ends in Key West. The ultimate test?

I have only 32 hours to finish. The event is called the Keys 100 (its website is Keys100.com so feel free to take a look).

My objective is to raise $10,000 that will be split evenly between the Weymouth Food Pantry, which provides provisions for families in Weymouth, and Care Packs Inc., a non-profit Weymouth organization that sends care packages to United States troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. I can assure you that every dime I raise will go directly to the charities. Any and all overhead with regard to my training, my travel, my accommodations and anything else involved with the race will be happily absorbed by me.

I will be hosting a couple of fundraisers in the future, which you are all certainly invited to. One is a meat raffle at Kelly's Landing in Weymouth, Massachusetts from 3-7 p.m. on November 7. Another event, which will feature many raffle prizes, is December 7 at the Hancock Tavern in Quincy, Massachusetts from 5-10 p.m. Any and all donations are gratefully accepted. We live in challenging times financially but even a small donation from many will add up to a meaningful benefit to both charities.

The effort and love invested by the wonderful people at both these organizations is an ongoing inspiration to me.

The money going to the food pantry - if I am fortunate enough to reach $5,000 - will provide groceries for 330 families. The funds going to Care Packs Inc., will contribute toiletries as well as CDs, DVDs and other items to the troops.

For 23 years, I have chronicled the sweat and perseverance of other athletes - many among the best in the world in their respective sports - as a writer for the Boston Globe. It has been a privilege. And although I wouldn't begin to compare my quest with anything those elite competitors have ever done, for one 32-hour period in May, I am hoping to push myself to accomplish something I previously would've never dreamed possible.

I am undertaking this in the sincere hope of making a difference for the deserving people in Weymouth and for the troops risking their lives for our country. I hope you will join me in supporting both causes. I have a link on WeymouthFoodPantry.org and information on my website - Marrapeseonline.com. You can also send a check to me directly and I will make sure the charities receive the funds.

Nancy Marrapese-Burrell