Natick Seeks Boston Marathon Runners to Raise Funds for Local Non-Profits

The Town of Natick has received 25 invitation entries by the Boston Athletic Association for this year's Boston Marathon.

According to Town Administrator Martha White, Natick has chosen nine charities for the 188th running of the Marathon, which is scheduled for April 21.

"We're looking for runners," White said at the Jan. 6 Board of Selectmen meeting. "They must commit to raise $4,000 for their charity."

The charities chosen are:   

Natick Community Organic Farm – NCOF was conceived in 1975 as a means of supplying much needed summer jobs to local young people at risk.  NCOF is one of the only farms in the state that is both certified organic and community based; the farm operates through a partnership with the Town of Natick and its Conservation Commission.  Unique to the Farm’s mission, NCOF works with teens and young adults in the community, providing jobs and educational opportunities to learn about organic farming.   Call 508-655-2204 or visit www.natickfarm.org for further information.

Natick Service Council - For over 50 years, NSC has served Natick's most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged residents as a center for advocacy, referral, case management, information, and job skills training.  Guided by the motto "Neighbors Helping Neighbors," they help clients meet basic needs for food, housing, and health care with the goal of promoting self-sufficiency.  Funds raised by Natick’s Marathon runners will be used to support a significant increase in client assistance programs, including financial assistance for rent, home heating fuel and utilities.  In addition, the funds would allow NSC to expand the availability of perishable foods (vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and dairy products) in support of NSC’s “heart healthy” food pantry initiative.  Call 508-655-1791 or visit www.natickservicecouncil.org for further information. 

Embrace A Family - Embrace A Family (EAF), a program of the Rotary Club of Natick, strives to help individuals and families in Natick who are battling cancer. Their goal is to support families in Natick who incur overwhelming hardships due to a cancer diagnosis.  Funds donated to EAF go directly to Natick residents for non-medical expenses and support such as transportation to and from doctor's appointments, groceries, dietician/nutrition support and guidance, child care, utility bill assistance, gas cards, housecleaning, wigs, and other expenses that can help ease the strain on a family.  Visit www.embraceafamily.org for further information.

Natick Education Foundation – NEF has asked for just one Invitational Entry; they have already identified their runner.  NEF has been in existence since the early 1990s and has been guided by a vision of leveraging the strength of the community on behalf of children.  NEF raises money from membership dues, corporate and individual donations, grants, and several fund-raising activities throughout the year.  The money raised is turned back to the Natick public schools each year through grant programs, professional development funding and high school scholarships.  To date, NEF has donated about $600,000 to the Natick schools through individual grants to students, teachers and parents in support of innovative programs from kindergarten through high school, as well as professional development for teaching staff.  

Marine Corps League – Metrowest Detachment 1037 – The Marine Corps League is seeking just one runner.  The purpose of the Marine Corps League is to preserve the traditions and to promote the interests of the United States Marine Corps.  The Metrowest Detachment undertakes a number of activities and programs, including Toys for Tots, student scholarships, Adopt-A-Highway clean-up programs, numerous ceremonies and commemorations honoring veterans, and, through their wounded warrior committee, support for veterans in need.  Call 508-429-3002 for further information. 

Kids Connect – Kids Connect is seeking just one runner.  This after school tutoring program offers educational support and skill building along with encouraging self-confidence and the ability to learn how to learn.  The target population includes children with learning disabilities, ADD, and processing challenges.  The $50/hour fee is adjusted according to the family’s ability to pay; several students do not pay anything while many others receive a reduced rate.  Money raised by the runner will be used to underwrite those students unable to pay.  Email debras@kids-connect.org or call 508-652-4211 or for further information. 

The Brian MacIsaac Sarcoma Foundation, Inc. – This Foundation has asked for just one Invitational Entry; they have already identified their runner.  Brian MacIsaac was a life-long resident of Natick and a graduate of Natick High School, where he was an all-star in football, captain of the hockey team and voted best personality and most artistic by his classmates.  In 2009 at the age of 24, Brian lost his battle with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare pediatric cancer.  The all-volunteer Brian MacIsaac Sarcoma Foundation was formed to raise awareness of and provide funding for sarcoma research at Mass General Hospital and Dana Farber.  This funding is critical because sarcoma is so rare it receives virtually no funding from major cancer organizations.

The Michael Lisnow Respite Center – The Center provides emotional and physical support for individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the Metrowest area.  Funds raised through the 2014 Boston Marathon will be used to support the Center’s Michael and Jerry Stanhope Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Jerry, a 30-year veteran Natick firefighter and his son Michael both passed away from cancer; Michael often stayed at the Respite Center and the family was very appreciative of the care that he received there.  This scholarship fund, established in 2004 by the Natick Fire Department, allows families in need of respite services to receive them at little or no cost.  Call 508-435-1222 or visit www.hopkintonrespite.comfor further information.

The Matty Eappen Foundation – This foundation is dedicated to preventing abusive head trauma and shaken baby syndrome through public awareness and education, and to providing assistance to victims and their families.  The foundation is named in memory of Matty Eappen, who died of abusive head trauma in 1997 at the hands of his childcare provider.  This volunteer-run organization provides funds in support of programs such as parental stress hotlines; development of educational, informational and training materials; medical research with pediatricians and neurosurgeons; grants for a survivor to attend Special Olympics and much more.  Visit www.mattyeappen.org for further information.