UPDATE FROM HEIDI BOYNTON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MMRC is off to an incredible start in 2015 having served a total of over 4500 girls since we began our program 5 years ago. It makes my heart swell to think of all that has happened since our first session in 2010. We continue to expand our reach throughout the world and in the US through our 50 states by 2018 project. Using a report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on each of the 50 states' least healthy county, we are actively reaching out to each of these areas, with programming in 7 of these counties to date. We are actively recruiting for 2015/16 school year to expand our reach. The opportunities and people who have come along to build MMRC and continue to spread its message blows my mind and reminds me more and more - our children need a chance to be heard, to know their worth and to find out the finish line is just the beginning. If you haven't seen the move McFarland, USA, see it! It tells the story of what running can do for a human; how it can elevate and free the spirit as evident from this quote written in an essay by one of the runners:  “When we run we own the earth…We’re not immigrants anymore.” Over 87% of our programming reaches girls in communities like McFarland. MMRC is part of bigger conversation and I'm honored to be a part of the team. As I get ready for my 105 miles in April to tell the MMRC story , I am steeped in gratitude for the chance to help every girl find the love of movement. 

 

 

RUN.SWEAT.LOVE / 8 DAYS AND 105 MILES WITH HEIDI BOYNTON

I am inspired by the voice of a 7 year old, stopped by her tears in the middle of a run, who told me she couldn’t run anymore. I asked her why. She said she was just too sad. Her dad was in jail – she was overcome with emotion about how to help him and was wondering if she would ever see him again. This tiny little girl, her big brown eyes dripping with tears on a hot day, sweltering in her knock off Ugg boots at a Mini Mermaids practice, broke my heart. I sat with her on the grass, bewildered by what to say to her. What do I know about having a dad in jail? Nothing. I don’t know her pain. I don't know loss and I don't know helplessness. I asked her, “What would Mini Mermaid tell you to do?” She thought for a moment, “Mini Mermaid would tell me to keep running for my dad. She would tell me to study hard and to be smart so I could help my dad”. Leaving me speechless, I grabbed her hand and we ran. (more)

 

 

ENROLLMENT IS OPEN FOR THESE UPCOMING 2015 SESSIONS

CHULA VISTA, CA Session begins the week of April 6, ends at  Chula Vista Fun Run on Saturday May 16.

PHILADELPHIA, PA Session begins week of April 27 ends at See Chicks Run 5k on Saturday June 6. 

ANAHEIM, CA Session begins week of May 4 ends at Anaheim 5k on Saturday June 12. 

MORGAN HILL Session begins the week of September 14 ends at Morgan Hill 5K on Sunday, October 25.

SAN FRANCISCO Session begins the week of September 21  ends at Mermaid San Francisco 5K on Sunday, November 1.

Email: info@minimermaidrunningclub.org for more details

 

HOW CAN I HELP?

So you love the Mini Mermaid Running Club mission? And whenever you see us on social media you mean to sponsor a girl but you don’t quite get to our website to click on that Donate button?  We can help you out with a great time saving tip:  

PayPal has the option to setup a recurring monthly donation.  Simply click on the box that says “Make This Recurring (Monthly)”.  You’ll find it to the right of the donation amount you enter, and you’ll be supporting our girls and programming year round.  If you don’t have a PayPal account, the setup is easy and it a useful tool for making online payments and donations. 

Donating $15/ month supports two girls in a year; $25/month sponsors a girl a quarter through the program.  Are you ready for more than that?  Donate $65/month for a year and you support an entire TEAM of Mini Mermaids and become one of our Rock Star Mini Mermaid champions!  

 

Go ahead and take the plunge!

 

MEET MINI MERMAID NANCY

Nancy is a quiet 5th grader at Cesar Chavez Elementary School in Alum Rock Union School District. Bored of sitting at home after school each day, she decided to join Mini Mermaids. She quickly learned to listen to her inner Mermaid voice. While some girls need encouragement to find their own pace, Nancy pushed herself at every practice. The day of the race she was nervous, but determined to get her best time. Nancy placed 3rd in her age group! Through Mini Mermaids she has completed her first 5k, gained confidence, and discovered her love of running. For Nancy, the finish line truly is just the beginning!

 

WE NEED YOU!

We are FUELED by our volunteers and we want you to get involved. 

Coaches: No experience required, must be female over the age of 18. Commit to six weeks (12 1.5hour sessions) in your community and help girls discover how very much they matter. 

Coach Assistant: No experience required. Female. Commit to assisting a coach with a team of 10 girls for six weeks (12 - 1.5 hour sessions). 

Office Help: Come to MMRC HQ in Santa Cruz. General office work. 

 

NOW WHEN YOU SHOP AT smile.amazon.com AMAZON WILL DONATE 0.5% OF YOUR PURCHASE PRICE.