THE POWER OF A RAINDROP
I remember being fascinated by my 6th grade science teacher’s explanation of how a drop of rain is formed. She said that microscopic particles of dust get swept up into the sky where they float on the air currents. The dust particles act like magnets, attracting tiny droplets of water vapor which condense on the particles and stick to them like glue. In time, the particles, now laden with water, become too heavy for the winds to keep them aloft so they fall to the earth as raindrops where they could make a powerful impact.
Many years later when I became the owner of Fleet Feet Hartford, I realized that locally-owned businesses were like raindrops for their communities. We are like those particles of dust dancing on the air currents, forming a nucleus for others to join so together we can make an impact on our corner of the world.
People, especially runners, have such big, generous hearts. They want to do good but don’t always know how or have the resources to do it. Sometimes they think that their efforts are too small to make a difference. But when we can combine those small efforts, the impact is huge which is why being a nucleus has become an important mission for me.
I am fortunate to workout with a great trio of community-focused business owners: Matt & Betsy Udal of Great Point Financial Management, Jill Merriam of Key Hyundai and Kevin Doyle of CrossFit Hartford. After class one day, Betsy mentioned that she wanted to do a fundraiser to help those who are food insecure. Something unique. Something fun. Something big that the whole community could be a part of. Within hours the premise of PB & Burpees was hatched - now we need your help to bring it to life.
From now through November 9, we are collecting jars of peanut/nut butter. Our goal is 1,000 jars of this protein-rich food that is also shelf-stable and easy enough for kids and seniors to make for themselves without risk of cuts or burns.
We have a collection box at Fleet Feet, but welcome anyone who wants to host their own peanut/nut butter drive. Just reply to this email that you’re interested, and I’ll get you a collection box and poster.
Then, on November 9, we’re hosting a Burpee Challenge to raise money for Foodshare to purchase even more peanut butter! Participants – either solo or as a team – will do burpees based on the number of jars collected.
There will be prizes, food from Iron & Grain and beer from Thomas Hooker Brewery. Grab your running buddies, co-workers and friends and put a team together (the more people = the less burpees you have to do!).
The Fleet Feet staff is nuts enough to take on this challenge - are you?
(For more information, click the flyer below.)