In January 2015, through our United Way connections, we visited The Florida Center for Early Childhood because we wanted to get involved with an organization that helped little children.  They gave us a tour through the Starfish Academy and, when we went into one of the classrooms (where Ms. Peggy and Ms. Debbie were teaching), one of the kids got up from where he was sitting and came up basically running, hugged my leg and yelled "Dada!!!"  I melted, yet I was not sure how to act since I was not sure if it was "appropriate" for a stranger to hug a kid.  It was at that moment that we decided that we wanted to help and serve The Florida Center.

This is why we have volunteered in different capacities with The Florida Center over the last 5 1/2 years and hope to keep doing for years to come!

And this is why I have committed to run 100 miles in the month of October and I commit to raise $100 for every mile I run, in order to help The Florida Center for Early Childhood meet the goal of raising $100,000 to support children and families in need. 

On one Saturday in October, I will run a half-marathon (13.1 miles), so, if you want, you can sponsor that whole run and I can make sure I showcase you, your company or any other designation, based on their appropriateness.

In addition to raising funds, I hope my journey will inspire others to join me in completing the Achieve 100 Challenge. Whether you donate to my challenge or start your own, our efforts will help children and families through The Florida Center's mental health counseling, developmental therapies and early education programs.