A mother runs with her child in a running stroller across Merrill’s Marauders in Merrimack, NH. I had the privilege of joining her and friends as we helped them maneuver the stroller through various obstacles in the trail.
RUNNING, WALKING, and SUPPORTING the KIDS
October 6th has come and gone but the good deeds and memories will remain. For me, personally, it was a special one because it was my first time being involved in a bigger fundraiser for Ubaka U Rwanda in my hometown of Merrimack, NH. My traveling over the years has led me to doing most of my efforts away from New Hampshire. Luckily, Heather Martin and the Able Ebenezer Brewing Company took it upon themselves to get things going locally in 2016. This year was my first year helping and attending and it was an honor. There was a great mix of friends, family, surprise visits, and folks I had never met before.
The runners and walkers in Merrimack, NH
We had an earlier date than the years’ past so we could try to get some better weather for the runners on the east coast and we nailed it. It was a beautiful day. After the run, we had an all day celebration with food, beer, and live music. I am extremely grateful to those who came out and helped and ran. My favorite memory will be walking the last half of the course with some of my best friends, and my best friends’ mothers and enjoying the effort for the kids and the chance to enjoy where we live. Upon arriving back to the brewery, there were people all about enjoying their well deserved brew.
Thank you to everyone who ran, walked, donated, supported, and helped throughout!
It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you go for the Rafiki Runs. It’s all about doing something good for yourself and supporting the kids in Rwanda. In this picture, on our way back to the brewery, my lifelong friend and our lifelong friends’ mothers enjoyed a rare moment of relaxation altogether.
ENCINITAS, CA - THE UK - and MORE
As was the case last year, Caroline Weber and Jo Booth brought together their awesome network of friends for another Rafiki Run near San Diego and the ocean. I might need to get to their’s one day because they always help us so much and seem to have so much fun with it too. I can’t thank that group of folks enough.
I cant say enough about the Encinitas gang. I only know a couple of them, but they are incredibly generous and humbling.
We also had our scattered supporters from all over the world, putting in an effort for the kids. Folks like my sister in San Francisco, or Lucy and her family in the UK sent photos to us to show their solidarity throughout the day.
Lucy and her family went for a jog from the UK. Lucy has been helping the kids in Rwanda longer than I have.
THE RESULT
Putting together everyone’s efforts on October 6th, we raised just over $2,500! That is the most we have raised on a Rafiki Run day so far and I couldn’t be more grateful. Add to the great feeling of accomplishment, we may add the benefits of just being with good people for a good cause and sharing a lovely day. The $2,500 will go directly to the kids’ school fees for 2019 and will surely go a long way towards securing their bright futures.
I had the fortune of meet Luke for the first time. He has visited and helped support the kids in Rwanda as well. Luke is in the Coast Guard and came from Connecticut on Saturday morning to join us. It was awesome to finally meet him and strengthen our desire to work together to support the kids.
UP NEXT
In the future for 2018, look forward to a few more events. I will continue my annual Run the 1 fundraiser in Big Sur, California on December 1st. I will run fifty miles from Ragged Point in Big Sur, to Los Osos, CA. Many of my friends, and family will join me that day as well and I can’t wait. It will be our 8th year! Stay tuned if you want to run, party, or support us.
A classic photo from Run the 1 in 2016
We still have school fee needs and running costs needs always for our home and kids in Rwanda. Please contact me if you are interested in sponsoring one of our kids to insure his monthly needs. It is our most intimate and important way of making a difference in their lives. I will return to Rwanda in January to insure they return to school well, update our sponsors, implement other projects we raise money for, and to spend quality time with my favorite kids in the world.
Some of our kids in Rwanda before school one day. This is who I run for.
Thank you again for everyone’s efforts on Saturday and throughout. These kids are worth it and will male a brighter future for themselves with our support. And one day, they will make Rwanda even brighter too if they haven’t already begun to do so.
Komera ( Be Strong),
Shaun Sullivan
Ubakasully@gmail.com
Cheers from Encinitas, CA