A few months back, a friend convinced me to enter the lottery for the Tokyo Marathon. I figured with an acceptance rate of 5%, my chances were almost negligible, so why not?  Against these odds, I got in, which means I will be heading to Tokyo on February 28, 2016 to run in my first marathon. (Disclaimer: the picture above is from my first training race this weekend!)

Which leads me to this fundraiser...

I feel very lucky to have been given a life of opportunity. As I get ready to graduate college and start my next chapter, I want to take the occasion to give back and support the education of others. I will be fundraising for a nonprofit I deeply admire called Akshaya Patra, an organization that feeds 1.4 million children healthy lunches every day across India. (The picture below was taken with staff members on my recent trip to Bangalore, India where I was fortunate enough to tour their kitchens and meet some of the children they serve.)





Why $2000?

It costs about $1500 to feed a small school of children mid-day meals for a whole year.  Because of fundraising fees, the first $1600 I raise will go directly towards supporting a school in India.

And because getting to Tokyo isn't cheap, anything after that will help me cover some of my expenses (flights and accomodation).

I am so grateful for your support on this personal journey, doing something I never thought I would do in a million years. I am so excited to fundraise for Akshaya Patra and help kids receive the nourishment and motivation to continue their education. Thank you for helping me reach my goal. 


With love and gratitude,

Caitlin