Be fit and make a difference, support me in the American Red Cross Resolutions - Treadmill 10K

I’d rather be running on the rooftop of my brother’s house in Manila. Last summer, I got up at 5am, and ran for an hour – as the sun rises! (It was just really calming- it’s like yoga-like!)

But it’s winter in New Jersey – so there’s no waking up at 5 in the morning to even go outside for a walk!

We’ve had a snow storm almost every week since Christmas – and because my Filipino bones aren’t accustomed to the cold weather, I haven’t had a chance to run outside.

This week is the Red Cross Treadmill 10K. I figured, it will also kick-off my training for my first half marathon.


So I’ll get my running shoes and head to the community center’s gym! I plan on running at least 7 miles today. (which means no Power 90 work-out for me today!)
I was telling my husband, how tough can a half marathon be? I was able to do 6 miles with no problem, do I really have to train for the half marathon? Can I just wing it and show up on the day of the race?


His answer: “Yes you can just show up…but will you run or crawl to the finish line?”

Hmmm…such little faith.

That’s a challenge (among other challenges I’ve given myself for this month!)

So, please support my efforts in raising funds for the Red Cross. I know that Red Cross may not be popular for some people, but Red Cross does provide a great relief to most people. Like most organizations, Red Cross isn't perfect and can't possibly help every single one who needs help, but to those who receives their assistance, it truly does make a difference.


I've asked the director a few questions and he replied quickly. Here's his response:

GottaLoveMom:  "Most people say that funds go to administrative expenses as opposed to the victims."

Red Cross:
The truth is, though, a very small percentage of our funds go to adminstrative expenses. Independent studies say that 91% of donations go to programs with only 4.4% going to administrative expenses and 3.6% to fundraising.


You can see the study at http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3277 .

GottaLoveMom: "Red Cross had turned down a few people who needed assistance. And that rejection had left a bad impression about the organization."

Red Cross: 
"It is also an unfortunate fact that the Red Cross doesn't provide every kind of assistance a family might need. We are a disaster relief organization, and don't provide services for poverty relief so likely would not have helped your friend's mother in that case. I would also note that Pap Cancer, St. Judes, Susan B. Komen and Deborah would not have provided any assistance in that case either since they are all focused on health care. All non-profits have to focus their efforts on certain services, and cannot do everything because we all have limited resources. By each oranization focusing on a specific target we can maximize the use of our dollars.

However, whenever the Tri-County Red Cross receives a call for this kind of assistance we do provide support in directing people to the appropriate organizations. We have a brochure to assist in these cases, and also provide help to the United Way and their 211 program that is a central resource for everything that is available in our territory. "


Thank you to all those who supported the GottaLoveMom Team. As I said, any help - no matter how small can make a big difference in someone's life!

If you want to make a donation, Just CLICK HERE:   or the icon on the corner top left of the page.


(I am reposting this blog entry about the Red Cross Treadmill 10K).

A New Year...a new beginning!

Around this time of year, we usually reflect on what we have done (or missed) and look forward with high energy into what the New Year brings.

Around this time of year, we want to do great things– to other people and in turn feel good about ourselves. We don’t have to wait to make a great huge accomplishment; all we need to do is to start small. Every little gesture makes a big difference.


Making a difference.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

So if you think there’s something out there that needs to be done, don’t wait for someone else to do it. And don’t think you can’t do it either. Think “Yes, I can!”


A few months ago, when American Red Cross approached me to write something and participate about the upcoming fund-raising, I was honored. (Every new opportunities seem to be geared to my purpose in life! My husband had always encouraged me to start a non-profit organization that is dear to my heart. I guess I’m lucky that way, most partners are asked to focus on going out to the work force, while mine , as I work from home, wants me to tap into my inner “Mother Theresa”.)


I’m not trying to be a preacher. I am no Oprah, but I believe what Mother Theresa once said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”

Helping one person while helping my one self. It can't get better than that!

Being from the Philippines, I know first hand what it’s like to have almost nothing. And when natural disaster comes, most of us rely on American Red Cross to help ease the suffering.

Every 60 seconds...the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross has benefited 250 people.

With your help, you are helping someone when disasters strike.

    When a neighbor’s house burns down.
    When someone needs a lifesaving blood transfusion.
    When a child needs a hug and a blanket.



So please join my team, GottaLoveMom, in the American Red Cross Treadmill 10K.
My friends in the different corners of this world, what better way to celebrate the new year together than doing the American Red Cross Treadmill 10K Challenge! Run, walk or dance the 10K with me

(Here are the details)

The American Red Cross Treadmill 10K is a twist on that old fundraising standby, the “Walkathon”. You exercise on foot, treadmill, bike or whatever for 10 Kilometers, and your friends, family and co-workers donate $1.00, $2.50, $5.00 or more a kilometer to the Red Cross!

The thing is, it is up to you when to do the 10K – anytime during the week of January 22-29.

Want to do the whole 10K on your fitness center’s stationary bike in one day? Great!
Want to split it up and do 2K or 3K on the treadmill for four or five days? Awesome!
Want to take the dog for a brisk mile walk each day of the week. Excellent!

Jersey Gardens Mall is hosting a walk on January 23, 2011 at the mall. Each time around the mall is .8 kilometers, so 7.5 times and you're done! Phenomenal! (It was a success! Red Cross raised at least $2500)

 No matter your health level, you can participate in the Treadmill 10K, helping you get healthy in the New Year and raising funds for local disaster relief

Treadmill 10K Team members have the opportunity to fulfill their New Year's Resolutions to get and stay fit, while simultaneously raising funds to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world!

Helping someone, and yet fulfilling your own fitness goals.

Hope you can help me make someone smile.

To Donate go to http://american.redcross.org/goto/gottalovemom

To Join the GottaLoveMom team, go to http://american.redcross.org/goto/crumbcatchers

To my local friends, we'll get together on the 26th of January to do our own 10K challenge.

So please do join me!

Share LOVE, you'll get more of it in return.