A letter from the Rochester Area Family Y

The following letter was recently sent out from the Rochester Area Family Y to all of its staff and members.

My name is Jim Parry and on August 3, I will be running on a treadmill in the lobby of the Rochester Area Family Y for 17 hours to raise funds for the Strong Kids Campaign. My family was able to take part in Y programs when I was a child because of this scholarship program. We would never have been able to afford those opportunities without the generosity of others. This event is called Mr. Parry’s Endurance Challenge for the YMCA and is one way I feel I can give back.


I take the responsibility of being a positive role model for children seriously and running is an easy way for me to do that. I also know that sometimes this just is not enough for some. The Strong Kids Campaign provides the resources to participate in Y programs for those who would not otherwise be able to afford to.

The idea for Mr. Parry’s Endurance Challenge came to me soon after I started teaching in my hometown of Stewartville and, before I knew it, became a reality with the first event happening in 2009. I ran/walked 96 miles during those 24 hours…this year, I ran and walked 100.68 miles over 24 hours from April 29-30. I have heard many stories about how individuals made big changes in their lives because of Mr. Parry’s Endurance Challenge. Those stories motivate and inspire me.

I need your help to fulfill this challenge. The Y is providing a 2nd treadmill for people to run or walk on with me. You can sign up for 15 minutes or an hour. It’s up to you. My run is from 5am – 10pm on Tuesday, August 3. It makes a HUGE difference for me to know that people are supporting me and this wonderful cause.

Please consider signing up on the bulletin board in the Y lobby. You do not need to be a member of the Y to join me that day. You can also call the Y at 287-2260 to sign up. Thank you!

Jim

To find out more about Jim Parry’s Endurance Run for the Y, talk to a fitness center staff today. You can also make a pledge to support Mr. Parry online at http://www.ymcastrongkids.org. More information about Mr. Parry’s Endurance Challenge for the YMCA can be found at http://www.rochfamy.org/ and http://mrparrysendurancechallenge.blogspot.com/.