Sunday, June 14, 2009

Ginny Finishes The Race!


Hi Everyone,
What a great day for the RAP House and a huge round of congratulations and thanks to the organizing committee and all the volunteers! You made the walk I did a pleasure! What a great feeling it was to cross that finish line after years of being barely able to get around. The last 4 months of training for yesterday were grueling and painful at times but it was all worth it! My husband Rick, friends, and Keystone Rotary Club members were there to see me cross the finish line and I have to tell you the tears flowed! It was so exciting and you can bet I will be back next year. I know many had set their sights on running, walking and just finishing yesterday and I was so proud to be a part of something that was such a great community effort. I will take a few days off but will continue walking because it is such a part of my life and daily routine now. Thanks to everyone for their support and encouragement and as I sign off my wish would be that we double those numbers next year for the kids that count on us.

Walking for Health, Happiness and the RAP HOUSE

Ginny

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Race Day Information

Race day is almost here! Here is some information to make your morning go smooth. Remember, you can still sign up the morning of the race.
  • Day of registration opens at 6:30 am & closes at 7:45 am
  • Day of registration fee is $20
  • Pre-registration packet & chip pick up begins at 6:30 am & closes at 7:45 am
  • 5K Run/Walk starts promptly at 8:00 am
  • Trinity Business Association Fun Run starts at 8:05
  • Awards ceremony will start around 9:00 - 9:15

After you cross the finish line, hang around and enjoy the post-race party:

  • Food & beverages supplied by Carrabba's Italian Grill- Lutz, Smoothie King of Trinity and Sugar & Spice
  • Visit the Team E Indy Racing Car and get your picture taken. Also, walk through their transport
  • Post-race massages by A Family Affair Chiropractic Center and Unger Chiropractic
  • Raffle prizes

Have a wonderful race day!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Team E Racing Is Bringing Their Indy Car To The RAP River Run





Team E Racing, the 2008 FIRESONE IndyLights New Team of the Year will be displaying the #17 car and transport at the RAP River Run. You will be able to walk through the transport and kids can have their picture taken in the Indy Car. Be sure to visit Team E Racing at the post race party.




















Friday, June 5, 2009

Ginny Bumps Up Mileage!

Hi Everyone,
My trip to Ohio was fantastic and I am happy to report that out of 14 days away I walked 2.5 miles 10 of those days. Two were for travel and because of the grades/hills where I walked I had gotten a blister on one of my heels and had to take two days off for that to heal. I'm back to the Florida heat and today bumped up my mileage to 3 miles in preparation for the Rap River Run next Saturday. I truly felt that last 1/2 mile but I did it and plan to continue with the 3 miles a day until the race. It will be a huge accomplishment for me and "my metal parts" to cross that finish line. Hope you are there to join me in the celebration!
Walking for Health, Happiness and the RAP House!
Ginny


Thursday, May 28, 2009

Spring Engineering, Dex Imaging and Publix Super Markets Charities Sign On to be the Presenting Sponsors for the RAP River Run 5K Run/Walk


Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc.'s (YFA) RAP House Leadership Council has announced that Spring Engineering, Dex Imaging and Publix Super Markets Charities have committed to be the presenting sponsors for the second annual RAP River 5K Run/Walk - Giving our children a pathway of Hope!

"We are thrilled to have three great companies commit to support the RAP House and The RAP River Run," said Victoria Barley, Committee Chair and local Realtor with Residential Asset Partners Realty. "These businesses truly understand the meaning of community and giving back. They are very committed to exposing West Pasco to the many wonderful ways RAP House is helping our children. We are honored to have Spring Engineering, Dex Imaging and Publix Super Market Charities as our partners."

The second annual RAP River Run 5K Run/Walk will take place in New Port Richey on Saturday morning, June 13, 2009 at 8:00 am. The scenic run along the beautiful Pithlachascotee River and around Orange Lake will raise much needed funds for YFA's RAP House serving Pasco County's runaway, abused, neglected and at-risk youth ages 10-17 since 1982. The RAP River Run will feature a 5K race for runners and walkers as well as the Trinity Business Association Kid's Fun Run.

The RAP River Run will be a "green race" and all runners and walkers will receive a custom designed 100% organic cotton shirt. The course has been certified by the USAT and the IPICO Chip Timing system will be used. Information about the race and registration information may be found at the RAP River Run web site. Runners and walkers may register for the race for $15.00 prior to June 7th.

RAP House, opened in New Port Richey in 1982, provides runaway and youth crisis services that help prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system and/or child welfare system. Many of these youth have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect and some may be awaiting a permanent home or are between foster care placements. Without the timely intervention by counselors and staff who truly care, the future of these young people and their families are cloudy at best. In fact without services and programs like RAP House many young people in these types of situations will turn to crime often resulting in greater cost to Florida's taxpayers. Working with runaways, at-risk youth and kids in foster care, especially those who are victims of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, or outright abandonment, helps them discover their future in a caring and safe environment. Helping these youth now can positively influence subsequent generations by stopping the vicious cycle of violence. To arrange a tour of RAP House call 727-835-1777. For more information about YFA and RAP House, visit the YFA web site.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

A Thought From Maya Angelou

"Sister, there were people who went to sleep last night, poor and rich and white and black, but they will never wake again. And those dead folks would give anything at all for just five minutes of this weather or ten minutes of plowing. So you watch yourself about complaining. What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it." -

Change is pretty powerful stuff. It is often just what the kids at RAP House Shelter need to begin to turn their lives around. Last Tuesday was a powerful day for me as Youth and Family Alternatives' Development Director, the guy that looks for $$ for our programs and services. I received notice from a United Way in Arizona that a donor had pledged over $1,000 to our not-for-profit! That isn't an everyday occurrence. When I reached the donor later in the day she told me that she only wished she could contribute more because in 2001 our shelter "made all the difference" in her son's life and oh by the way he is about to graduate law school! RAP River Run is more than a 5K race. It really is a day to make a difference! - Jim Simms

Monday, May 18, 2009

Ginny's Training For RRR Is On!


Good morning all! I had wonderful weekend of walking, getting my 2.5 miles in everyday. The rains have created aches and pains where all the metal is implanted that I haven't felt for awhile but I am pushing forward and determined to keep walking! I will be walking daily or at least every other day while visiting family in Ohio for the next two weeks so stay tuned. It's very cold there right now but I am hoping for "spring-like" weather when I get there later this week.
Ginny