On November 3rd I will be running the 2024 TCS NYC marathon as a member of team A Fair Shake for Youth. Over the coming months I will be raising funds for A Fair Shake.
Through a structured 10-week hands-on program with therapy dogs, A Fair Shake for Youth helps youth in underserved New York City communities build greater empathy and self-esteem and the skills they need to succeed in and out of school.
Each week, for ten weeks, an instructor and three therapy dog teams (dog and volunteer) work with 12 students. The students learn to give commands, teach tricks, and challenge the dogs with games and basic agility. As the students work with the dogs, they practice positive reinforcement, see the impact of verbal and non-verbal communication, and build relationships based on trust and respect.
The dogs are honest, non-judgmental, and loving, they make it safe for the kids to let their guard down and learn about themselves and each other in ways that are not possible in a traditional classroom. AFSY targets pre-teens because they are in a critical transitional stage, deciding who they are and who they want and can be. The dogs help the kids find their best selves.
Since its founding in 2010, A Fair Shake for Youth has served over 3600 youth in partnership with over 60 schools and community organizations from the South Bronx to East Harlem and Brooklyn.
It’s an honor to be chosen to raise funds for A Fair Shake for Youth. When I was looking for a charity partner for the NYC marathon and saw A Fair Shake, I knew it was the one for me. Everyone knows how much David and I love our little Minnie, and Mary and Louie before her. Dogs make everything better. I have a friend that said “dogs are the best people,” and I couldn’t agree more. Our dogs have given us joy, hope, happiness, massive amounts of laughter and loved us no matter what.
When I read about how A Fair Shake helps youth work with therapy dogs to learn self esteem, build skills and compassion, I couldn’t help but think of how amazing this would have been for myself when I was growing up around so much chaos at home. Having something positive, healthy and fun to look forward to is a wonderful thing. We could all use that, especially kids. This is a wonderful charity. Thank you for donating to support the kids of New York City and thank you to the dogs!!!
A Fair Shake is a not-for-profit 501(c) organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
** 100 percent of funds raised will go to A Fair Shake for Youth. I have paid my race entry, airfare and lodging. **
