Taking Steps to Make Shadow Mission a Reality

I have used this blog to express my affinity for the non-profit Back on My Feet several times.

• I shared the first correspondence I had with BOMF founder, Anne Mahlum. (blog post)

• I Tweeted at every mile of the Cowtown Half Marathon to raise awareness about this great organization. (blog post)

• I have solicited donations to support their cause on several occasions. (blog post)

Needless to say, I have a soft and passionate place in my heart for this wonderfully great non-profit. It combines two things that I love: Running and giving the homeless a fighting chance to be successful.

Since that very first e-mail that I sent Anne Mahlum, I have not been shy about my shadow mission: Bringing a chapter of Back on My Feet to Dallas/Fort Worth.

Well...the opportunity has officially presented itself.

BOMF is starting the discussion of adding five new cities in 2011. They started in Philadelphia and have already expanded to Baltimore, Washington DC, Chicago and Boston.

Through an e-newsletter, the organization requested suggestions for possible expansion cities next year.

They wrote: "Be passionate and persuasive and tell us why we should expand to your city in 2011 here."

I think I will.

Here is what I submitted:

A little over a year ago, I planted the seed to bring a chapter of Back on My Feet to Dallas/Fort Worth.

I sent Anne an e-mail and copied anyone and everyone who would potentially play a part in making this dream a reality in DFW.

I got mayors in on the conversation, high-wealth donors, runners and running companies. I included volunteers and shelter administrators from across the Metroplex.

I copied potential coaches and city officials. I even asked several homeless clients, "What do you think about this?"

It was wonderfully great to receive everyone's pledge of support. I was blown away by their excitement.

My affinity for the homeless problem in our area had already been established, and they quickly recognized and supported my passion for bringing a chapter to our area.

If Back on My Feet expanded to Texas, I would want to be involved in EVERY capacity – from full-time employment to fund-raising, volunteer coordination, and financial support.

Based on my philanthropic involvement, I feel like I am positioned to do this. I believe I can be more than a supporter of BOMF. I could be a champion.

I currently serve on the Board of Directors for Presbyterian Night Shelter, the largest night shelter in Fort Worth. I also serve on an advisory committee for the Cowtown Marathon and have worked closely with the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition.

Through a lot of prayer and self-analysis, I have finally figured out why I give back to the causes that I do. Whether it's Big Brothers Big Sisters, prison mentoring, or going to the homeless shelter once a week – I firmly believe that EVERYONE deserves a fighting chance to be successful.

A very similar vision/mission of Back on My Feet.

If BOMF brought a chapter to DFW, I would raise awareness about the organization, the homeless problem in our region, and the power of running. I would do this through my experience in communications – specifically media exposure, social media and events.

Last summer I traveled to Philadelphia to learn as much as I could about BOMF. I also wanted to prove to Anne and the entire Back on My Feet family that I was dedicated to making my vision of a DFW chapter come alive.

I volunteered for 20in24 – stayed up all night at one of the check points. I met tons of fantastic people, but the best part of my trip was actually running with a team before flying back to Texas.

Before I did that run, BOMF had peaked my interest.

After that, this organization had a hold of my heart.

I don't know who will be reading this "persuasive" essay, but hopefully my name, my passion for BOMF, and my intense desire to bring a chapter to the Metroplex is already recognized.

Maybe...just maybe...these 450 words will push us over the top.

Other general information:
• Based on 2009 homeless count, there were approximately 7,500 homeless across Dallas/Fort Worth

• In 2008, Fort Worth put an emphasis on ending homelessness, adopting a 10-year strategic plan.

CALL TO ACTION:

If you would like to support our efforts in showing our Back on My Feet that we are serious – you can financially support BOMF's expansion campaign. DONATE HERE

GIVING BACK: Going 'All the Way' For One Day

I get an e-mail almost everyday, asking if e-Partners in Giving would be interested in some kind of volunteer initiative. (A lot of you can probably believe that, because I usually forward you a request right after that, asking you to be a part of it.)

Even though I have a hard time saying no to some amazing causes, I’ve started to be a little more selective. There aren’t enough hours in the day.

A few weeks ago, however, all the planets aligned and e-Partners in Giving was able to tackle three philanthropic endeavors on one Saturday.

MOM: “Can you help renovate a house for an underprivileged family in Glen Rose?”

Sure.

CITY of FORT WORTH: “Please note that online registration is up and running for the 2009 Cowtown Great American Cleanup...”

Same day. Different times. Let’s do it!

ME: “If we’re going to go, we might as well go all the way. What else can we do that day?”

SAMARITAN HOUSE: “Run to Joe’s 5K and 10K coming up...”

PERFECT!

In one string of e-mails...March 28th officially became e-Partners in Giving’s “Day of Giving.”

Of course, I can’t just go volunteer and not inform the world via Facebook or Twitter.

NOTE: I’m not bragging and/or showing off when I do this. I want it to be a motivational tool. I want people to say, “Drew is a pretty cool guy and he’s spending his Saturday giving back. Maybe I’ll turn off this golf tournament, skip my afternoon nap, or wait a couple hours to start drinking beer. I want to give back, too.”

Anyway...we were going to give back all day and I was going to blow it up via social media.

The following are the Twitter posts (and photos) from our “Day of Giving.”

A special thank you to members of the e-Partners in Giving family (especially TK and The Bulldog) for rolling up their sleeves for one full day of giving back. I love the fact that you guys have embraced our company’s vision and brand.

• e-Partners "Day of Giving" : Morning 10K benefiting Samaritan House, Cowtown Cleanup , and Christmas in Action (renovating homes for elderly)

• Decided to Tweet throughout our "Day of Giving" – 10K at 8 a.m. (Joe's Run) to benefit Samaritan House http://tinyurl.com/c9zz2j #giving

• When planning our "Day of Giving" – 30-degree weather & 30-mph wind gusts weren't in the forecast. Makes for better story. #giving

• e-Partners' "Day of Giving" itinerary: 10K for Samaritan House, Cowtown Cleanup (Fort Worth), & Christmas in Action (Glen Rose)

• 15 mins until 10K - NOT tweeting on course - cold, windy, great! #giving

• Running for Samaritan House, but representing w/ Back on My Feet T-shirt #giving

• 10K done (7:30 pace) Samaritan House provides opportunities to people w/ HIV & AIDS #giving

• Quick change in truck (junior high shower) starting Cowtown Cleanup #giving

• About 1/2 way done w/ Clean-up - a lot of trash b/c of old homeless camps - found vacuum & candy machine #giving

• Part 2 of "Day of Giving" done - I've got a truck full of trash & hour drive to Glen Rose (Christmas in Action) #giving

• Drive-thru for lunch - just realized that I haven't showered - nothing a little home improvement won't fix (little stiff too) #giving

• Part 3: Christmas in Action (renovating homes of elderly) http://www.christmasinaction.org #giving

• "Day of Giving" part 3 - cutting down trees & putting sheet metal around house Family w/ 4 kids, no dad & no $ #giving

• "Day of Giving" done - I'm pretty whipped and REALLY stinky I'm glad I did it! Never stop giving back #giving

• VERY sore from yesterday's "Day of Giving" -- starring down the barrel of a 17-mile run today. #giving

• Final Tweets from "Day of Giving" – Links: Samaritan House (http://tinyurl.com/c9zz2j); Cowtown Cleanup (http://tinyurl.com/d9npm2) #giving

• "Day of Giving" – Links: Christmas in Action (http://tinyurl.com/d6tpg5); Back on My Feet (http://tinyurl.com/d9ebb8) #giving


As I reflected on the day, I realized that each initiative was simply a hand up – not a hand out – to a group of individuals or communities. It was reminder how fortunate we truly are, and how a small gesture of generosity can go a long way.

Whether it was the Samaritan House residents cheering us on at the end of the race, or seeing the appreciative mother of four whose quality of life just improved tenfold – it was a powerful day.

NEVER STOP GIVING BACK.

HEARD AN ECKO: T-SHIRT KING INSPIRED TWUNNING

Marc Ecko, founder of the urbanwear behemoth that dons his name, has definitely pushed the envelope in marketing.

Probably his most famous "campaign" was when he bought Barry Bonds record-setting home run ball for almost $750,000. He set-up a web site and asked people what he should do with the ball:

• Give it to Baseball Hall of Fame

• Send it to the Hall with an asterisk cut into it – signifying that Bonds' record was tainted by suspicion of steroids

• Blast it into space

In the March issue of Inc. magazine Ecko's online voting booth was explained: "Dominating the blogosphere and landing on newspaper front pages everywhere, the campaign garnered millions of dollars' worth of publicity and reinforce the edgy, youthful image of the brand."

Mark Ecko didn't just step outside the box, he catapulted himself out of it.

I share this story, because it indirectly inspired me to do something radical on behalf of e-Partners in Giving and our mantra of "never stop giving back."

We are in COMPLETELY different leagues, but when I decided to Twitter after every mile of the Cowtown Half Marathon, Ecko's rational for the Bonds' stunt were echoing in my head. (No pun intended.)

"It was a ridiculous idea, so people would say 'Why would you do that?' I thought, take the hard news and make it go American Idol. It was a social experiment. It was a little P.T. Barnum."   – Marc Ecko

I was going to be running anyway. I thought I might as well use this new social media phenomenon to spread the word about a non-profit that has launched an all-out assault on my heartstrings and the company that I've poured my blood, sweat, and tears into.

The best part of the story...it wasn't going to cost me one penny. (Just a few seconds off my overall pace.)

I didn't land on "newspaper front pages everywhere," but people were paying attention – I received well-wishes from runners across the country and Facebook friends were making comments throughout the day.

The Fort Worth Start Telegram picked up on the story and sent out a Twitter message to its followers, as well as the NBC affiliate in DFW.

To be honest ... it was just a lot of fun to do something different and off-the-wall. Like Ecko said in the magazine interview, "...it's something I need to do more of." 

I wanted to share the entire thread with all of you who weren't glued to your computers this weekend. I've also included some pre- and post-race photos captured by my wife. (I guess I was running too fast, because she couldn't find me on the course.)

(first post of the day)

• Pre-race I….reminder, running Cowtown Half today & sending out tweet at every mile to raise awareness for Back on My Feet.

• Pre-race II….15 minutes to start; shout out to some fellow tweep runners @sdhedman @smullican @saramartisek @Mmarts.

(starting to shed clothes)

• Pre-race III….10 minutes to start – very windy; a lot of trips to porta-potty.

(representing with the homemade T-shirt)

• Pre-race IV….5 minutes to start; more shout outs @jenamn @thedailyrunner @SiobhanBulfin @virtual4now @MichelleDewbs.

(let the race begin)

• Mile 1... DONE! Tons of runners...weather is awesome (a little cool, but perfect for a 13.1-mile jaunt).

• Mile 2...Current pace 8:40 (a little slow, but too many people to turn on the jets.)

• Mile 3...thanks to everyone who supported Back on My Feet with a donation http://www.epartnersingiving.com/drewmyers.

• Mile 4....for more info on Back on My Feet www.backonmyfeet.org; Tweet @20in24.

• Mile 5....feeling strong w/ 8.1 miles to go...pack has thinned out; easier to breath and run now.

• Mile 6....this is my third time to run Cowtown (ran full marathon first 2 times); HOPEFULLY cramps not a problem this time.

• Mile 7...using this as a training run for April 25th Country Music Marathon in Nashville (trying to break 4 hours)

• Mile 8....if I can break 4 hours in Nashville, I can mark No. 41 off my list http://drew101list.blogspot.com/

• Mile 9.... still feeling strong....pacing 8:20 overall (I love running with other people).

• Mile 10…a lot of comments about my T-shirt: “Bring Back on My Feet to Fort Worth.”

• Mile 11…all down hill from here, right? Shout out to Tweep @DianneSanLuis for making donation.

• Mile 12....thanks to all Facebookers who supported my run with a donation to BOMF.

(homestretch – no tweets until the finish line)

• Mile 13....DONE! What a GREAT experiment!

(acting out)

•Post race I...what an interesting experiment. It was actually pretty fun. Definitely made 13.1 miles FLY by. I feel GREAT!

• Post race 2 (final) Thanks to everyone who supported my run. Raised $641 for BOMF in just 5 days – never stop giving back.

FINAL CALL TO ACTION: 50 Donations in 5 Days

I'm still very determined to show Back on My Feet that I mean business. 

Like I've written before, I want to bring a BOMF chapter to The Metroplex. This non-profit speaks directly to my heart, and I KNOW that it can make a difference in the homeless communities in Dallas/Fort Worth.

I need your help!

Help me show the entire Back on My Feet family that I'm very serious about this vision. I am running in the Cowtown half marathon next weekend (Feb. 28th) and I'm asking for anyone and everyone to make a simple donation of $13. (That's $1 for every mile that I'll be running in the race.)

All proceeds will go to Back on My Feet – with the hope that every single penny reminds them that there is a foot soldier in Fort Worth who is willing to fight for their incredible cause. (Not to mention an army of supporters – YOU – standing right behind him!)

My goal is to receive 50 donations in 5 days – so I will be able to mail BOMF a check for $650 before the starting gun fires on Saturday. I know this is a lofty goal, but I've never backed down from a challenge before.

For all of those who have already made a donation – I'm grateful beyond words. For those that haven't .... again, I'm asking for your help.

(click here to make a donation)

(click here to make donation)

“Back of My Feet is my way of making positive change. Running is one of the most empowering activities there is because there is no end. There is always another mile, another road, another right turn. There is no buzzer and there is no referee. It has taught me so much about life, especially the simple notion that to get anywhere, you have to take it one step at a time."

– Anne M. Mahlum, Founder and President

HELP ME SHOW THEM THAT I'M SERIOUS

Reminder: I’m trying to bring Back on My Feet to Fort Worth. This Philadelphia-based non-profit – which attacks homelessness through running – has grabbed a hold of my heart strings and refuses to let go.

In order to prove to BOMF founder Anne Mahlum and her staff that I’m serious, I am currently raising money for two upcoming races.

I’m asking anyone who reads this blog – or supports my efforts of giving back – to visit my Donation Page by clicking here. All of the donations go directly to Back on My Feet. (I've actually decided to earmark the money for a new staff position that BOMF has created for one of its members. Read his blog here.)

• $13 for running the Cowtown Half Marathon ($1 for every mile that I will be running.)

OR

• $12 for running Nashville’s Country Music Marathon ($3 for every hour I plan on being on the marathon course, which WILL BE 4 HOURS!)

THAT’S IT … $13 OR $12.

I’m not looking to break anyone by asking for tons and tons of money – but I’m looking for a significant number of these small contributions.

I NEED YOUR HELP!

To read more about my mission to bring Back on My Feet to Fort Worth, please visit these two blog posts:

• Vision Inspires Call to Action

• The Seed Has Been Planted

• The World Through Isaac’s Eyes

DONATE NOW – it's quick and easy

BACK ON MY FEET: The Seed Has Been Planted

I received a lot of comments and feedback regarding my e-mail to the founder of Back on My Feet, the Philadelphia non-profit that attacks homelessness through running. (Original blog here)

There were a lot of e-mails and phone calls from blog readers, asking "Have you heard back from her yet?"

Like every good organization, I finally did.

Almost one week after sending the initial "I want to bring your incredible organization to Fort Worth" 

e-mail, I got a response from the Manager of Special Events and Communication. I knew it was a generic form reply – nicely camouflaged with my name and references to Fort Worth – I didn't care, though....

I WAS PUMPED!

The conversation had started 

(and for those that know me ... that's all I need.)

Here are the highlights from the organization's response – at least the parts I focused on (I also included my thoughts and/or actions in parenthesis):

• "... we are doing research for our next city now." 

(Fort Worth! Fort Worth! Fort Worth!)

• "It takes a lot of support to make the replication process a success and it would be great if we could count on your help." (You know you can!)

• "If you’re running in an upcoming race soon (like the Nashville’s Country Music Marathon you are already training for), please consider making your miles really go the distance by becoming a fund-racer for Back on My Feet." (Done – I set up a Donation Page through the e-Partners in Giving web site – click here to make a small donation)

• "The 20in24 Sponsored by Nike: This is the Philadelphia area’s only 24-hour running event and has four races in one." (I wrote back and let them know that I would love to "work registration, man a water station, hold the finish-line tape, whatever!")

• "If you would like to make a tax-deductable donation..." (I let her know that e-Partners in Giving will move Back on My Feet to the top of its charitable contributions for the next quarter.)

• "Please let me know if you plan to be in Philly any time soon – we’d love for you to join us for a run." 

(My response: "I'll see you guys in early March.")

I wanted to build on the momentum of my first e-mail and reinforce how serious and dedicated I am to making Fort Worth a Back on My Feet city. 

I think they finally caught on.

After responding to the Manager of Special Events and Communication, I received an e-mail from the organization's founder and president, Anne Mahlum.

AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME!

Here is an excerpt from her correspondence:

"Drew, Maureen forwarded me your email last night and I just wanted to say thank you for everything you’re doing – fund-racing for us, coming to volunteer at the 20in24 (you’re going to have a blast), running with us (I should warn you – you’re going to be hooked!), and for moving us up on the list for a donation with your company."

She closed with: "I look forward to meeting you when you come to Philly."

I am so happy that Fort Worth is simply part of the conversation now. I can't and won't ask for anything more at this point.

I know that getting Back on My Feet to launch a chapter here – sooner than later – remains a long-shot, but at least the seed has been planted.

Anne Mahlum and her staff now know they have a city with a vision to end homelessness and a soldier who will help lead the fight. Without being annoying and/or over-bearing, I will continue to make my case for bringing this incredible organization to Fort Worth.

One last thing ... it makes me smile that there are other people across the country that believe in Back on My Feet as much as me and want to help attack homelessness through this program. My friend Katie wants to start a chapter in Minnesota and a gentleman from Florida said the RW article had the same impact on him.

My real goal is that Back on My Feet finds its way into every homeless community across the country.

Anne Mahlum has definitely opened a wonderful can of worms.

This really is the last thing ... Anne encouraged me to share images from her web site. 

Group picture from morning training run (Nov. 2008)

Michael Solomon, 

Back on My Feet member since its creation, 

completes his first marathon

Michael Solomon (center) after marathon 

(look at that pride and confidence)

Group shot after 2007 Philadelphia marathon

No caption need 

(I LOVE IT!)

REMINDER: 

You can support Back on My Feet 

through my participation 

in the Country Music Marathon in April. 

(Donation Page here)

VISION INSPIRES CALL TO ACTION

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is post No. 5 in a week-long blogging initiative.

I wanted to share an inspirational article from my recent edition of Runner's World. It is about an amazing vision of one Philadelphia woman who decided to make a difference in her city's homeless community.

All through the power of running.

THE STORY: On an early morning run past a Philladelphia homeless shelter – one she had run past many times – a simple idea stopped Anne Mahlum in her tracks. She decided to form a running club for the city's homeless.

Back on My Feet was born.

Mahlum's life was changed forever – and there was about to be a significant ripple effect through the streets of Philadelphia.

On her non-profit's web site, Mahlum wrote: "Running is such a beautiful metaphor for life. Life is about choosing different roads and our program teaches the importance of choosing roads filled with opportunity, hope and happiness.”

Here is a news clip out of Baltimore, the second city to launch a BOMF chapter:

THE CALL TO ACTION: After reading the Runner's World article, watching the videos, and spending most of my work day looking at the organization's web site, I felt inspired to do something.

Here is an e-mail that I sent Anne Mahlum:

Anne,

Greetings from Fort Worth, Texas.

My prayer is that this e-mail is not lost in the chaos – because there isn’t a doubt in my mind that you are being bombarded with messages after the recent article in Runner’s World. Especially, if other people were impacted like me. (Your organization and its dedication to helping the homeless has consumed me for two straight days.)

I am a regular volunteer at Fort Worth’s largest homeless shelter (every Tuesday night) and an avid runner. To say that the RW article spoke directly to me, is a HUGE understatement.

Instead of writing a novel of an e-mail, I’m going to fire off a few bullet points (hopefully serving as a catalyst for future dialogue.)

• I want to bring your incredible organization to Fort Worth and help the approximately 4,000 homeless in our city.

• I’m aware of your organization’s mission of “growing smartly” to new cities across the country – I applaud and admire your dedication to that vision of sustained excellence.

• But I’m also aware Back on My Feet is considering expansion to more cities by the end of 2009. (At least one following the March launch in Baltimore.)

• Question: What can be done to get Fort Worth on your radar?

• Question: Are there any newsletters, articles, press releases etc. that lay out the timeline and the decision-making process surrounding expansion into Baltimore? (I’m very intrigued how the conversation started and how the ball got rolling.)

• Question: Is there a difference between “starting a team” and forming a chapter?

Just a little more about me:
• In May 2008, I quit my job as Director of Communications at Texas Christian University to start a new business that puts an emphasis on giving back. We facilitate online donations for significant life events (birthdays, graduations, weddings, memorials, etc.) My web site, which launched in December 2008: www.epartnersingiving.com

• At the same time, I decided that I needed to “walk the walk” in regards to giving back. That’s when I began my volunteer efforts at Presbyterian Night Shelter. (I’m also heavily involved with Big Brother Big Sisters, and The WARM Place – a local non-profit that counsels and mentors children who lost a loved one.)

• I have run in two marathons (Fort Worth’s Cowtown Marathon both times) and I’m currently training for Nashville’s Country Music Marathon in April.

I have copied several people on this e-mail to reinforce my seriousness and dedication to make this mission of bringing BOMF to Fort Worth a reality. (Some of these people are Presbyterian Night Shelter administrators and board members, city leaders – including Mayor Mike Moncrief, community supporters, and friends in the Fort Worth running community.)

I appreciate your time and I hope this e-mail is the start of long and beneficial conversation.

Take care and never stop giving back,

Drew Myers
President / CEO

e-Partners in Giving

I decided to share this letter with you for the same reason I copied Fort Worth's mayor and some significant community supporters.

I AM DEDICATED AND DETERMINED

TO BRING THIS INCREDIBLE PROGRAM TO FORT WORTH!