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Ally finished the Boston marathon in 3 hours and 30 minutes (her personal best), Rob finished in 3 hours and 10 minutes. Ally, Rob, and the Newtown Memorial Fund offer our deepest sympathies to those affected by the marathon bombing. Our wounded hearts pray for those in Boston.
Ally and Rob finished the Big Sur Marathon together in 3 hours and 45 minutes! What an amazing accomplishment to finish two marathons in two weeks and raise over $36,000 in the process!
$36,427 raised so far!
Ally McDonald and Rob Clifford’s Story: Many of you are aware that on December 14, 2012 when 26 people including 20 small children were gunned down needlessly at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, my niece Isabella was in a neighboring classroom fearing for her life. Needless to say, the fear we felt that day was only matched by the relief we felt when we knew Bella was okay, followed by the sorrow and grief we felt for a town so incredibly injured.
Besides providing as much emotional support (as you can give from one Irish person to another) to my sister Tricia, her husband John Butler, Olivia 13 and Bella 9, Rob and I have been constantly wondering what else we can do to help. We have also fielded so many inquiries from many of you on how you can also help support Newtown and the families of the Sandy Hook School.
We were so happy when my sister introduced us to the Newtown Memorial Fund — an all volunteer (experienced in philanthropy and other specialties) organization of concerned Newtown citizens created to give immediate assistance to those in need without the red tape, and with the mission of creating a sustainable fund for scholarships to be made in memory of those lives lost.
The fund has already helped by reimbursing many of the affected families for costs associated with funerals, travel, lost wages, and so much more. The long-term goals include continued support, assistance with psychiatric costs, establishing perpetual academic scholarships, and an eventual physical memorial.
Now the ask. Rob, and I have decided to partner with my sister’s family, The Butlers, and the Newtown Memorial Fund to raise funds and awareness for this great organization. In exchange for your generous donations, Rob and I will run the Boston Marathon on April 15th and follow that up with the Big Sur Marathon on April 28th (13 days later but who is counting). Bella, our Sandy Hook Schooler — a great athlete and budding fashion designer — plans to run the last half-mile of the Boston Marathon with me as well as decorate a t-shirt for both of us to wear during the race!
We hope to raise at least a thousand dollars for each live lost at each race. That means $26,000 per race. Any amount is appreciated and we hope that those with special wishes for the people of Newtown or if you want to make your donation in honor of someone you will do so below.
You can also mail your donations. Please make checks payable to “Newtown Memorial Fund, Inc.” and note “2 Marathons” in the memo section so we can track your donation. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible and eligible for many corporate matching gift programs. Contact us for more information.
Newtown Memorial Fund, Inc.
P.O. Box 596
Botsford, CT 06404
If you’re ready to donate, we’re ready to run! Follow Ally and Rob’s efforts for Newtown on Facebook too!
