FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Runners, Donors Help Send Students on Global Learning Journey
Cleveland Student Funded by Race Returns after Traveling World
CLEVELAND (May 7, 2009) - A Chagrin Falls 2008 graduate has returned to the
United States from an eight-month world-wide trip with Thinking Beyond
Borders, a non-profitorganization dedicated to educating youth about the
economic, political and cultural realities of our world, much thanks to the
Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K.
The 2008 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon was the avenue to help Thinking Beyond
Borders (TBB) raise nearly $16,000 (nearly half of a full scholarship)
through participant fundraising to assist Zach Toedtman, the Chagrin Falls
High School Football and Lacrosse team captain, in discovering the meaning
of "global society."
Toedtman went door-to-door to raise the remaining funds to help send him on
his journey around the world to learn about sustainable agriculture in
Thailand, the AIDS epidemic in South Africa and public education in China,
among others.
"This year, the goal is to raise the full $39,000 scholarship needed for
this eye-opening program," said Jennifer Stakich of TBB. "We've got 25
people signed up thus far to run one of the races in the Rite Aid Cleveland
Marathon and help raise the money on May 17, including Zach and his
family."
For the second consecutive year, runners in the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon
who are not already associated with TBB can show their support for this gap
year program by donating to the charity, in an effort to provide one full
scholarship to a deserving student that requires financial aid to
participate. Runners wishing to run for the charity can sign up at
www.active.com/donate/TBB2009, and then click "Become a Fundraiser".
Those not running who wish to still donate may do so at
www.thinkingbeyondborder.org.
"The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon has been a wonderful forum for Thinking
Beyond Borders," said Stakich. "Not only can we raise much-needed funds for
the program, but the marathon is also a great way to get the word out to
future participants." The 2009 TBB program will bring 36 students to four
countries to study cultural issues facing that particular area - clean
water in Ecuador, public education in China, sustainable agriculture in
India, and AIDS and public health safety in South Africa.
Once travels are completed, the students will return to the United States
where they will spend their last five weeks in the program translating what
they have learned into action - visiting with leading politicians and
representatives from corporations including the World Bank and
International Monetary Fund in New York City and Washington, D.C. They will
also tour high schools nationwide to discuss the myriad of issues involving
international development. This is the phase that the 2008-09 students are
taking part in presently.
"The students have worked hard to convey as much as they can of what
they've learned over the last several months into these short
presentations, and it's near impossible," explained Stakich. "But I think
the students have done a spectacular job condensing the information and
passing on one of the most important lessons - translating what they've
learned into action."
If you or your organization is interested in scheduling a presentation with
Zach Toedtman, please contact Jennifer Stakich at (502) 558-6880 or
.
For more information about Thinking Beyond Borders, visit
www.thinkingbeyondborder.org.
The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon offers the following opportunities for
people to participate in the event: full marathon, half marathon, 10K, full
marathon walking division, half marathon walking division, 10K walking
division, 5K (run or walk), Kids' Run and Corporate teams. Volunteers are
needed for a number of pre-race and race day responsibilities.
For details on the race, or to register for the 32nd Rite Aid Cleveland
Marathon, call 800-467-3826 or visit www.clevelandmarathon.com.
About the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K
The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K is in its 32nd year of
providing a running experience for all individuals who want to participate
regardless of their abilities. More than 260,000 runners have
participated, generating more than $12 million annually to benefit the
Cleveland community.
Mission Statement:
-To provide a running experience for all individuals who want to
participate regardless of their abilities.
-To produce an event that highlights the Cleveland community and provides a
positive economic impact for the community.
-To give charities an opportunity to benefit financially from the Rite Aid
Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K, along with the new 5K.
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