Columbine Visit & The Race With Grace THIS SUNDAY

Greetings from Craig,

I have a story to share about Columbine High School. Most people are aware of the tragedy that took place at that school around 15 years ago. That horrific event gave rise to a leadership class where each year, students choose a topic and make it their cause. This year, one group in the class picked "living in a wheel chair." Part of their project included outreach to Craig Hospital, and the group visited me in my room to learn my story. They also wanted to help, and they flew my longtime friend, Colette Brown, out to Craig for a visit. It was great seeing her and catching up, and I am very thankful to the students of Columbine being a part of my story. Below is a picture of Colette and the Columbine students with me:

I have also been following The Race With Grace event scheduled for the 26th. Me and my family are grateful for all the support, and truly honored that people have taken the time and effort to show they care. I hope those that are participating have a great time this weekend!

Over the last several weeks I have had visits from Mackenzie Monroe, Liam Cetti, Hannah Seabury, Gabe Reali, Kimmy Madden, Devon Fitzgibbons and Hannah Robinson, plus my cousins Ben and Elizabeth from Texas. It has really helped to get a break from all the hard rehab work.

Finally I want to give thanks to my cousin Dan Kilgore who organized all the "Ballers" to play on my behalf last weekend. It brings me happiness to know how much people care.

Gracie

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[From Paul]

I wanted to repeat the information about The Race With Grace Gracie mentioned above... it is happening this weekend, and I hope you can participate in the event, either by donating or becoming part of a team. I look forward to seeing you there - Paul (Team Red Dog)!

The Race With Grace event is designed to cheer her on as she faces incredible challenges every day and make sure she knows she is not alone. We also hope to raise funds to help with some of her family’s expenses, including an accessible van.

The Race With Grace is on Sunday April 26 at the San Marcos High School track. The fun filled day will include a fun run/walk/skip for individuals and teams. Teams of neighbors, friends or coworkers will enough participation to cover a collective 104 collective laps (104 laps = 26 miles) as symbolic support of Gracie’s own marathon to beat AFM! Along with live music, food and awesome prizes, there will be free haircuts by Arturo’s Barbers and Hair/Nail Art!

How Can YOU Help?

1. Join or Set Up a Team and Start Fundraising for Gracie.

• Go to https://crowdrise.com/RaceWithGrace to begin.
• Click the pink “REGISTER or Fundraise” box
• Click “REGISTER to ATTEND”
• Click “Next Step”
• Select “Join A TEAM” or “CREATE A TEAM” and then type in your Team Name. Upload a profile picture for your team and yourself.
• Note: You’ll be starting a fundraiser within the larger Race With Grace Fundraiser. Once you are registered with a team, give your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers a direct link to your team’s fundraising page via email and social media to raise funds.

2. Donate to a team member or the general fund.

Go to https://crowdrise.com/RaceWithGrace and click the purple DONATE box, or mail us a check (recommended for $300 +). Checks may be remitted to: SBFFA Charity Fund, PO Box 60638, SB CA 93160. Team captains can enter your check as an offline donation at Crowdrise in Manage Campaign section, then Donations Toolkit.

3. Sponsor the Event with Prizes or Services.

We welcome all levels of sponsorships and will provide name recognition in all media and event materials to those giving $750 or more in cash or prizes. See attached form for details or contact Mary Ann at (805) 729-2702 for more info.

Worth noting:

• When donating online, we recommend NOT giving the extra 10% suggested by Crowdrise. It goes directly to Crowdrise and we already pay them 5% to use their site.
• This event is co-sponsored by SB City Firefighters Association Charity Fund. All contributions are 501c3 tax deductible (Tax ID 76-0797274). 100% of funds raised will go directly to the Fishers.
• You may fundraise for the event even if you are unable to attend. Choose “Fundraise Only” after selecting the Register button.
• On the event registration page we asked number of people they are registering, i.e. a family unit, but only one tee shirt size is asked. Better to register each person attending individually (there is no cost to register) so we know your shirt size.
• Attendees raising $104 or more will get a free Race With Grace tee shirt!
• Thank you for helping make this an awesome event!

Instagram: racewithgracesb