Thursday, August 7, 2014

Third Time's a Charm!

2013 was the third year for the Heart Walk for Ron's Mustache Mafia. As the years go on, it gets a lot harder to raise money even though it's for the same great cause.  So this year, I decided to do something different.  I wanted to stress the benefits of being physically active and heart healthy, and enjoyed running myself.  Therefore, I decided to create a 5k run/walk in memory of my dad.  All proceeds would then go to the American Heart Association from RMM.

Well let me just tell you that it definitely was NOT easier!  I had no idea how much work, time, and dedication had to go into creating such an event!  I still had to ask for money (which if you know me, you know I HATE doing), and had to cross my fingers and hope for a good turnout.  I have to throw in a HUGE thank you to my coworker, Scott Bauer, for doing a lot of the behind-the-scenes work to allow this event to take off.  He is the PE teacher at our elementary school and received a grant from ING- Run for Something Better for his Lub Dub (the sound of your heart beating) running club.  He was able to introduce most of his club members to their very first race by having a separate 2k for the students to run in that day.  Between the 5k and the 2k we were both shocked and thrilled at the amazing turnout!

The moment I knew it was all worth it was when I received this card in the mail along with a check to sponsor my race...


"Thanks for making a difference.  Clint"

Clint Hurdle will forever be my hero.  Reading this and realizing... I AM making a difference, and it's getting noticed gave me the power to keep pushing through and making each year bigger and better!

I'd like to take this moment to thank ALL of our amazing sponsors that helped make this event possible:  Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Holsinger, Clark & Armstrong, Jim Connelly, Dr. McDowell, Rosebud Mining Co., The Grapevine, Indian Haven, PlayBall Sports, Walbeck Insurance, C. Frederick Bowser Funeral Home, Hideaway Cable LLC, Homer City Legion, Indiana Total Therapy LLC, William G. Mechling Insurance Agency, INC., William E. Thompson Insurance Agency, INC., Homer City Bilo, EBS Photography, a donation in memory of Braden Michael, and FastTimes who created our shirts.  Without you, this never would have been possible.  THANK YOU!

Hosting the 1st Mustache Dash was every emotion wrapped in one.  Mustaches were stuck on, I gave a teary-eyed "thank you for coming" speech, the shot fired, and the racers were off!  Racers crossed the finish line, refreshments were enjoyed thanks to Hideaway Cable, and medals were handed out.  Done and done.  My favorite part of the day, in addition to seeing everyone who came out to race and all of my volunteers, was crossing the finish line with my 8-year-old nephew/Godson.  It was his first 5k and he wasn't too thrilled to have to run at first, but once he got in the groove, he was off!  His Pappy Ron would have been so proud:)

Me & Michael Joe

At the end of the day, we were able to donate $2,500 to the American Heart Association from this event alone.  Check out pictures on Instagram using the hashtags 
#mustachedash13 and #ronsmustachemafia



Ron's Mustache Mafia once again earned 1st place in Pittsburgh amongst community teams.  With $7,034 raised, we were awarded "Top Community Team" and "Community Team of the Year."  Over the past three years, we have donated over $22,000 to the AHA.  2014 WILL hit $30,000... mark my word;)

Mom, Cheese Chester, Me
Ending the Heart Walk with a little pierogie celebration!