“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more” – Robin Sharma

My name is Nadim Zoghbi, I’m 28 years old and I live in Laguna Beach, CA. I’ve spent the last few years trying to find ways to challenge myself and elevate various aspects of my life. About 8 months ago, I finally got the courage to register for my first ever triathlon, which was a Half Ironman in Cabo, Mexico. After 3 months of training, I crossed the finish line and officially completed my first Ironman 70.3 on November 6, 2019.

The feeling was unreal, and I knew right away this was the first of many Ironman races I’d be attempting over the next few years. When I got back from Mexico, I signed up my 2nd Half Ironman race in Australia, which was scheduled to take place on May 3, 2020. 

Fast forward to today, as we all witness and endure what may end up being the most eerie and difficult period of our lives. I write this from my house in California as the Ironman race has been cancelled due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

It is still hard to believe that this health crisis has had such a devasting impact all over the world. Medical professionals and healthcare workers have been on the frontlines fighting this virus tirelessly, including my younger sister who’s been risking her life to support COVID patients at Mt. Sinai in New York City. Meanwhile, 1 in 4 local restaurant and small business has been forced to close their doors, cutting out the only source of income for them and their families.

There are over 46,000 schools that have closed in the United States alone, many children run the risk of going hungry. Over 14.7 million public school children depend on the School Breakfast Program, and over 30 million children depend on the National School Lunch Program as their sources of nutrition.

I’m very fortunate and grateful to still have a job and be able to support myself through these uncertain times. However, my heart goes out to all the families and people of all ages who are struggling to keep up and wake up wondering if they’ll be able to eat on any given day. The parents who can’t afford basic household needs for themselves and their children. Those who no longer fear the virus, because they’re worried about losing their entire life savings and not being able to make it out of this crisis.

And so, I’ve decided to stick to my original plan to complete a 70.3-mile triathlon on May 3, 2020. However, instead of competing against thousands of other triathletes in Australia, I’ll be taking on the solo challenge in my own backyard and dedicating my 70.3-mile race to those who have been most impacted by the pandemic. I’m launching this campaign to raise money for this cause and pledging 100% of the donations to Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County to support them in feeding underprivileged and hungry kids, seniors and families in Orange County, CA.

These are difficult times for all of us, and this pandemic has shown us that we’re all vulnerable in one way or another. It has served as an equalizer across the globe. It’s an opportunity for us to unite as human beings and join forces so we can minimize the impact on our communities and overcome this challenge.

My goal is to reach $3,000 before race day (1 week away!!!), but I’m confident that together, we could blow past this number . I know that many of us are struggling financially and dealing with a lot of uncertainties for the foreseeable future, so I completely understand if you cannot make a monetary contribution towards this fund. Having said, please know that even $1 will help make an impact and taking a few minutes to share this will go a very long way!

Thank you all in advance for your support and generosity! I hope you and your families stay safe during these difficult times!

#StayStrong

More information about Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, Inc.: Second Harvest Food Bank's mission is to end hunger in Orange County. We envision a future in which no one goes hungry. Ever.