It is with great excitement that I announce I have been training for my return to marathon running and plan to participate in the Kilimanjaro Marathon in Tanzania on February 23, 2025, in support of The Foundation for Tomorrow (TFFT). While I am thrilled for this opportunity, I am extremely aware and sensitive to the issues surrounding the devastation in multiple parts of our own nation. So much heartache, need for rebuild, and a chance to succeed. While it is important to support domestically, it is equally crucial to ensure all people have the tools to face challenges ahead.

My support of Team TFFT includes committing to raise a minimum of $10,000 to help secure quality education and emotional support for orphan and vulnerable children in the Tanzania area. Now in its 18^th year, the foundation is the brainchild of Charlotte native and Charlotte Country Day alum, Meghann Gunderman Sehorn, who recognized an estimated two million children between the ages of 7 and 13 years are out-of-school in Tanzania.

Rick and I, and each of our children, were fortunate to have excellent education opportunities available that allowed pursuit of professional goals, provide stability, self-dependency, and foundations for a meaningful quality of life. We are appreciative of the power of education and its trajectory on one’s life.  Using the gifts of sport and networking, I am hoping to use my voice to raise awareness for the less fortunate children of Tanzania for a chance at a better life.

But WHY should YOU support me to support TFFT?

In addition to fixing our domestic issues, we must support other countries to be self-sufficient and build up future leadership. Tanzania is experiencing encouraging economic growth yet remains in need of strong leaders to help sustain, increase, and utilize this growth to reverse widespread poverty. Despite sustained economic growth and persistent decline in poverty, in 2024, 26 million people in Tanzania live in extreme poverty.

With 45% of its population under the age of fifteen, Tanzania is a young country hungry for learning opportunities. Inequitable access to schooling and quality education is a massive barrier for children in Tanzania, limiting children’s prospects. Fifty-eight percent of Tanzanian youth graduate primary school and only about 29% continue to secondary school. Primary school-aged children from the poorest families are three times less likely to attend school than those from the wealthiest households. Unemployment rates are also high. Of the 800,000 graduates annually entering the Tanzanian labor market, there are only 40,000 jobs waiting to be filled.

Investing in the next generation should be a global effort. TFFT believes the most impactful way to invest in this generation is by harnessing the power of education. My race trip in February, will include activities with the scholars and alumni at the TFFT Learning Centre, visits to current scholars at their schools so we can see their education in action, and visits to the homes of some of their scholars so we can see the communities we are helping to uplift.  All raised funds go directly to TFFT to help support their holistic services including access to quality schooling, health and psychosocial support, and life skills programs. Your investment will help transform children today, and communities for tomorrow.

 As I head to Africa mid-February, I would appreciate your prayers for continuing success of this incredible foundation, safety of the team during this trip, and a healthy run. As you are making decisions towards charitable giving for 2025, I am hoping you will consider my request for support to The Foundation for Tomorrow. Please use the link https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/michele-stack  or the QR code below to donate and remember, every dollar counts & no level of contribution is too small.

Thank you very much for considering a gift, your prayers, and supporting me in this challenge.

Fondly,

Michele