What keeps me going Everyday?

On the occasion of Mahatma's Gandhi's birthday (also known as International Non-Violence day), I decided to tell you all the reason and motivation of me doing a marathon.

If you have come to this page it means you are at least curious to know what all this running and fund raising I have been talking, emailing and broadcasting about. A big thanks for your interest and the time you are taking to read what I need to say. For the past two months, I have posted many entries on how am I training for the marathon. While all those things are very important to keep physically fit and be ready to do the marathon on Dec-14, it is the thought of helping underprivileged children that keeps me motivated to wake up early in the morning on a Saturday, get up early on weekdays run/cycle in the dark and go through all this physical stress.

My biggest inspiration to run a marathon is to provide under-privileged children an opportunity to LEARN and receive a proper education, a shot at a good life and a chance for a better future. For this cause I committed to raising at least a $100 for every mile I plan to run in Dallas White Rock Marathon. This is possible only with your help !

The power of your donation:

* $10 - Takes care of the education of a child for a complete month. Less than what it would cost you to watch a movie.
* $25 - Takes care of the education and living expenses of a child for a complete month. Costs less than a dinner outside.
* $50 - Takes care of a child's education for almost half a year. Costs less than an evening out with friends.
* $100 - Helps educate 100 rural pregnant women on infant health. Costs less than a visit to an amusement park.
* $250 - Takes care of a year's education and living costs of an under privileged child. Costs less than a new Wii or X-BOX.
* $500 - Funds the education of a 10 year old girl until she finishes high school. Costs less than that new IKEA couch.

While the above gives you an idea of the power of your donation - absolutely anything will help and I encourage you to start with a minimum of $10. Click on the link (http://www.ashanet.org/dallas/soh/Srinivasan_profile_2008.html ) to make your donation for a great cause. Paying by credit card is the most preferred method. Please also take a few minutes to check with your company if they can match your donation to charitable organizations like Asha.

Learn more about Asha here: http://www.ashanet.org

Learn more about Asha-Dallas Chapter here: http://www.ashanet.org/dallas/

Learn more about the wonderful ongoing / successfully accomplished projects of Asha-Dallas Chapter here: http://www.ashanet.org/dallas/projects/index.html

Learn more about the Asha "Strides of Hope" fund raiser program here: http://www.ashanet.org/dallas/soh/index.html

If you would like to ask me any questions about fund raiser, running or generally feel like dropping a line or have a chat, here is my e-mail / chat address is Srinivasan.Raghavan@gmail.com