Hello friends & family –

After nearly 12 years of city living, I'm excited to announce that I will be running the New York City Marathon this fall! This will be my very first marathon...and my first trip to Staten Island. Prepping for the race has been really fun thus far, and I'm lucky to be formally running with Nike's Project Moonshot and informally training with one of my best friends, Erin Mader (who is also entered in the marathon)!

Although I did not need to fundraise to gain race entry, I will be running to raise money for The State Theatre  in my hometown of Easton, PA. The State is an amazing community arts organization that is particularly special to my family. It served as both the start of my performing arts career (The Nutcracker in 1997) and the end (The Freddy Awards in 2006)! It's also where my parents held their 40th anniversary party, and where my Dad spent many, many hours listening to music, making friends, and shoveling snow. As most of you may know, my Dad volunteered and later worked as the Facilities Manager at the State up until his recent cancer diagnosis. It's a place that's incredibly special to his heart – not only because he loves the arts, but because he loves the community of people that he found there. The State has added so much joy to my family's life, and I would love to return the favor – all of the funds raised will be donated directly back to the theatre in my Dad's name to honor him and everything that he has accomplished. He instilled within me a deep love for music, hard work, and New York City, so it feels particularly powerful to be running this race for him.  

Any donation would be greatly appreciated, no matter how large or small.  I entered this marathon without regularly running in almost 7 years, so I know firsthand that every step forward counts. Please feel free to pass along to anyone who may be interested in donating or going for a run with me :) 

Love,
Katie

PS - Please click the video link above to see my Dad's passion for LED lights! :)