This is going to be Incredible!

This afternoon, Bottom Line hosted the kick-off meeting for our Boston Marathon journey.

I met the other 20 team members. We're a group full of experience, spirit and enthusiasm - I can tell we're going to have fun!

Greg Johnson, the Executive Director spoke for awhile about Bottom Line and how they help students from high school through college graduation and beyond to career placement. We also had the chance to hear two students speak of their challenges in life and experience with Bottom Line. Most all of the students' stories are almost unbelievable. It was inspiring to hear. I was fortunate enough to have a smooth transition and easy road from high school to college and through to a career. As I learned today, Boston high school students are graduating from college at a low rate of 36%! With the help of Bottom Line, their enrolled students graduate at a 76%rate!

We also met our coach, Rick Muhr- who is superman. He's running the marathon with us, which will be his 35th? marathon. He mentioned a lot of running accomplishments. I have no doubt that he'll be the secret weapon to our success. He's very excited to help us cross the finish line. Rick said, "Boston is the Mecca of Running!" He gets it. Boston is the big race and he graciously pointed out, getting the chance to run Boston for a charity is a double win. As coach reiterated a Margaret Mead quote, we all looks around with chills, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." We're going to change the world of the Bottom Line students. What a powerful truth!? We're going to provide hope!

Another important message from Coach Rick, "Nothing significant in life is ever achieved alone." My marathon and fundraising goal will not be my accomplishment alone - the cheers, advice, donations, words of encouragement have meant so much already! Thank you so much for your support! keep it coming!