There are many charities that I feel passionate about for a variety of reasons; I write about them often. One that I have supported every year since it was founded is Alexandra’s Playground. This organization was founded by my friends, Andrea and Michael Vitale, to honor the life of their daughter who passed away in 2008 when she was four years old. Alex loved to play, so the mission of the organization is to provide opportunities for children all over the country, and the world, in underserved communities to have safe and active play areas and programs.
Andrea and I went to college together and later became friends through (surprise) running when we literally ran into one another time and time again in New Jersey and New York City on the run. Somehow when the going got tough in Central Park, or during the New York Marathon, Andrea’s smile and cheers would carry me forward. Her positive energy and spirit are unmatched.
Last year, I asked Andrea to tell us more about Alexandra’s Playground in her own words.
What is Alexandra’s Playground?
Alexandra’s Playground was founded to commemorate the very special life our our daughter, Alexandra, whose beautiful life ended was lost in 2008. Recognizing the void left by all the ways in which Alex would have impacted the World, my husband, Michael and I founded Alexandra’s Playground. Embracing Alex’s spirit of play, we chose to focus our efforts to support opportunities for safe, active play throughout childhood.
How did you determine the mission and structure of the organization?
Deciding that we wanted to support play opportunities was easy! Figuring out how to do this was not! We have worked closely with a “Friends and Family” Board of Directors to create the mission and structure of our organization.
With 4 boys and 2 full time jobs, how do you and Michael manage to grow and develop the organization?
Raising 4 boys and working and growing Alexandra’s Playground has been challenging! We have a wonderful Executive Director, Trish Heywood, who does a lot of the blood, sweat and tears work of our organization. We are lucky to have incredibly supportive friends and family who take on roles within the organization too.
What is the most rewarding experience you have had a result of one of the playground projects?
Building playgrounds is incredibly rewarding!! I love showing up on the day of a playground build and having nothing but an empty lot in front of me and then working all day and having a finished playground after a hard days work! Seeing the children’s faces at the end of a “build day” is just priceless!
If you could build a playground anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Children all over the world do not have access to safe and active play! In the past we built a playground at a girl’s school in Afghanistan and then many playgrounds in the US. In April, we will be scouting playground locations in Haiti!
Why is play so important to you?
Play is so important for the social, emotional and physical well-being and growth of all children. My husband and I are very active athletes (runners, skiers, bikers, etc.) and believe that all children should have access to safe, healthy and active play. Alex loved to play, she loved playgrounds and we needed a way to keep her playful spirit alive!
For the THIRD year in a row, I am joining the Alexandra’s Playground NYC Half Marathon Team. Last year, the team raised over $50,000 to build playgrounds and deliver programs all over the world. In 2013, they built playgrounds in Chicago and in Haiti. In 2014, they are building playgrounds in Long Island, New Jersey, New Orleans and additional playgrounds in Haiti!
Since I recently raised money for Cycle for Survival, I have not spread the word far and wide for this fundraising effort. You are in luck – I decided to host a RAFFLE instead!
Here are the raffle PRIZES:
I hit $2,000!!! So here is a new bonus grand prize:
WINNER – Deb G. – A Timex GPS Marathon watch. This one.
I hit $1,000 so here are some bonus prizes! Prizes to be selected by winner in order of draw and what is available!
WINNER – Andrea W. Bonus 1: Item of the winner’s choice (up to $55) from Finds’ Faves Swirlgear, Atayne or Flow397.
WINNER – Kim S. Bonus 2: One gunmetal red Timbuk2 Hidden BDF bag – great for traveling! ($39 retail value)
Winner Elyse P. Bonus 3: Bliss Body Butter in Naked and Blood Orange and White Pepper ($58 retail value)
WINNER – Mahala H: 1. Runner Goodie Pack: I KNOW that spring is coming. I just know it! This “runner goodie pack” would be good for the treadmill or the great outdoors. It includes: 1 Ultimate Direction Fastdraw Bottle ($22.95 value), one “Safe Side” towel for the gym ($14.95), one Nike SPARQ band ($6.00 value), One Spi-Belt SpiBand ($9.95) , One set of discits for laces ($7.95) and some awesome 26.2 hair ties (thanks Debbie for those!) Total – over $60!
WINNER – Lissy B. 2. Vera Bradley Zip Around Wallet in Deco Daisy: Cute and practical – zip around large wallet. Great for travel! ($39.99)
WINNER – Sara L. 3. Run Accessories – I have a ton of new running accessories in a variety of sizes. I will send one lucky winner 2 pieces based on their size and gender (+choice). I have LOTS of socks from Injinji, Smart Wool glove liners, a few styles and sizes of arm warmers, headbands and more… prize value will be $20 – $35!
WINNER – Kathy J.4. Contigo Quincy Insulated Travel Mug (14oz in Lilac) with some Finds’ Fave teas! Alex’s favorite color was purple, so I am giving away one Lilac travel mug with some tea! This travel mug features Contigo’s leak-proof and spill-resistant AUTOSEAL technology with an AUTOSEAL button integrated directly into its handle. It has a double-wall body to help retain beverage temperature and prevent external condensation. ($14.99) + tea! ($20 value)
WINNER – Lauren P. 5. An Alexandra’s Playground T-shirt – details to come!
Also, If since I raise raised over $1,000, I will add added additional prizes!
HOW TO ENTER a/k/a THE RULES:
1. Donate $10 or more to Alexandra’s Playground. Please go to my page on Crowdrise click the DONATE TO THIS FUNDRAISER button. It is a 501(c)3 organization so your donation is tax deductible! Please note that $10 is the Crowdrise minimum – if you would like to donate less than $10, that is great, too – let me know and I can facilitate it.
2. For every $10 you donate, you will receive one entry into the raffle. ($50=5 entries and so on) I will keep a tally with each donation in order of the notification of receipt.
3. Please leave a comment on this post when you donate, so that I can add you to the list!
4. Want extra chances? Please share this post on FB, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or email (and leave a comment telling me you did and where). One entry per share!
5. All tapped out at the moment, have other commitments or don’t want to donate, but still want an entry? Leave me a comment with some encouragement for the team/for my run! (ooh and please “like” my Facebook Page, if you have not already!)
6. I will pick the winners with Random Number Generator at the end of the day on Wednesday, March 19th and announce them when the winners have been notified.
7. Entrants must be in the US, over 18 and void where prohibited.
8. One prize per winner. Winner selects prize in order of draw.
Please consider supporting Alexandra’s Playground (and my run) and remember that you have to be “in it to win it”!