Calling All Non-Runners

So, this whole Chicago Marathon is in full swing.  It is exciting to see everyone get on board, to see all my close friends and family offer to run 26 miles (several of whom have never even run 13 before) and to see strangers and internet friends offer to support in any way they can.  Our team is currently 9 strong and growing.  I realize that the majority of the support has nothing to do with me, but really because God is working in the hearts of cool people and they want to support the least of these in a fantastic way.  I can't think of a better way than helping keep families and communities together in Ziway and Adami Tulu, Ethiopia.

Sooooo, for those of you who offered to help from the beginning and I just gave you a starry-eyed look and said "I really haven't a clue what I'm doing, but I will let you know..."  Here's specific ways that you can help:

1) Prizes.  I have super generous friends I met on my first trip to Ethiopia   He is a marathon runner and considered joining the team.  However, they thought it might just be too expensive after the registration fee, airfare and travel expenses.  So, being amazing like they are, they said they would offer to pay the registration fee ($175) for the person who raises the most money for Lifesong Ethiopia.  Cool incentives and prizes apparently get runners excited to join teams.  Who knew?  I would like to offer up a prize/incentive for the person who recruits the most runners for the team.  Anyone else willing to offer up something cool?  (my limited non-creative list of ideas:  airfare and/or hotel credit (most runners are flying in for the race), cash (to cover travel and/or registration), Amazon gift card (or any type of gift card?), Garmin running watch, anything cool/running related?).

2) Freebies.  I would like our team members to have cool matchy matchy look-how-cool-our-team-is shirts they can run in.  Unfortunately, the type of shirts compatible with running 26 miles in are more expensive than cotton tees.  Anyone willing to sponsor a shirt/shirts?

3) Share this link (www.RunforZAT.com).  Do you have a vested interest in Ethiopia?  Send personal emails asking running friends to participate and tell them you will support them, should they run.  On that note, go like our Facebook page "Run for ZAT"

4) Local help.  Do you live in Chicago?  Would you be willing to let a couple of people crash on your couch?  I feel that many people would be excited to run for the team, but hotels in Chicago are pricey, y'all.

5) PRAY that God will bless this endeavor.  God has not left these children alone and He will provide for them.  Sometimes He just wants to use broken 'ol us to do so.

And, just to give you a picture of what all this nonsense is about ... meet Mihiret:

Mihiret is 5 years old and currently in Kindergarten in the Ziway/Adami Tulu school.  $19 a month will give her an education, provide her with two meals per day she might not otherwise get and any medical care she needs.  $19 per month might give her mother the hope to keep going, to keep her family together, knowing her daughter is being loved and taken care of during the day.

In October we will be running for Mihiret and hundreds like her, who are currently without a sponsor.  Together, we could change that for her and many more like her.

Will you join us?

And a question ... what cool incentives would inspire you to join a charity team?  Am I missing anything here?  I'm a total newbie and would love suggestions.

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