#JRs50by50 - A Reward Gift Forward
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JR’s 50 by 50
In November I will turn 50 and I will have 50 medals to show for it! I will complete 50 races and am looking to raise $50K to give four charities in honor of some of the people that have helped and inspired me over the years.
1. American Red Cross - EIN: 530196605
2. Jewish Family Services of LA - EIN: 951691013
In 2003 a plane crashed into my building in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles. Five people died and many were injured. I fell out of my 3rd story apartment window and sustained multiple breaks to my low back, wrist and ankle. I was injured and without a place to live. The American Red Cross gave me support, as well as Jewish Family Services, even though I am Christian, and I am forever grateful to both.
3. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - EIN: 13564491
I have been a masseuse for over 30 years. A former patient of mine, M, was an Architect and Tri-athlete. She was an incredible human being and we became close friends. In 2011 she impressed all my family and friends at my birthday, leaving me to say, "I want her to be my wife one day!".
I was 364 pounds at the time and she started to delicately encourage me to care of my health by suggesting to perhaps pick up running. In 2012, she was training for her biggest challenge and fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with a party and silent auction. I arrived not knowing anyone, but M. After greeting her, I checked out the auction items... one was lunch and a walk on the beach with M. The starting bid was $25 with $5 increments. Not being in the best financial position, but wanting to support her, without hesitation, I placed a $300 bid! As I left that evening I overheard excited wonderment over the high bid, bringing a huge smile to my face.
Unfortunately, a few weeks later, M was killed in a tragic biking accident while training on PCH in Malibu.
Despite being heartbroken, I tried to focus on the inspiration she had given me. I started running and lost 135 pounds. At my 47th birthday after completing only a couple 5K's and one Half Marathon, I set a goal to complete 50 running events by my 50th birthday, this November!
4. Lupus LA - EIN: 461126232
In honor of a dear friend Nicole, as well as a number of wonderful friends surviving & striving, with Lupus.
5. SPCALA EIN: 951738153
In 2001, my USC graduation gift to myself was a 6 week old pot bellied pig called Harley. I had him for 2 years, until my accident and I could no longer provide a good home or care for him. Although I never saw him again, he luckyly was rescued and given a wonderful loving permanent home.
As of now, I have run 45 races with five very important ones left to go. Please help me to move forward and give back! #JRs50x50
Help spread the word!
In November I will turn 50 and I will have 50 medals to show for it! I will complete 50 races and am looking to raise $50K to give four charities in honor of some of the people that have helped and inspired me over the years.
1. American Red Cross - EIN: 530196605
2. Jewish Family Services of LA - EIN: 951691013
In 2003 a plane crashed into my building in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles. Five people died and many were injured. I fell out of my 3rd story apartment window and sustained multiple breaks to my low back, wrist and ankle. I was injured and without a place to live. The American Red Cross gave me support, as well as Jewish Family Services, even though I am Christian, and I am forever grateful to both.
3. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - EIN: 13564491
I have been a masseuse for over 30 years. A former patient of mine, M, was an Architect and Tri-athlete. She was an incredible human being and we became close friends. In 2011 she impressed all my family and friends at my birthday, leaving me to say, "I want her to be my wife one day!".
I was 364 pounds at the time and she started to delicately encourage me to care of my health by suggesting to perhaps pick up running. In 2012, she was training for her biggest challenge and fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with a party and silent auction. I arrived not knowing anyone, but M. After greeting her, I checked out the auction items... one was lunch and a walk on the beach with M. The starting bid was $25 with $5 increments. Not being in the best financial position, but wanting to support her, without hesitation, I placed a $300 bid! As I left that evening I overheard excited wonderment over the high bid, bringing a huge smile to my face.
Unfortunately, a few weeks later, M was killed in a tragic biking accident while training on PCH in Malibu.
Despite being heartbroken, I tried to focus on the inspiration she had given me. I started running and lost 135 pounds. At my 47th birthday after completing only a couple 5K's and one Half Marathon, I set a goal to complete 50 running events by my 50th birthday, this November!
4. Lupus LA - EIN: 461126232
In honor of a dear friend Nicole, as well as a number of wonderful friends surviving & striving, with Lupus.
5. SPCALA EIN: 951738153
In 2001, my USC graduation gift to myself was a 6 week old pot bellied pig called Harley. I had him for 2 years, until my accident and I could no longer provide a good home or care for him. Although I never saw him again, he luckyly was rescued and given a wonderful loving permanent home.
As of now, I have run 45 races with five very important ones left to go. Please help me to move forward and give back! #JRs50x50
Help spread the word!
Organizer
Johnny Ray
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
