Three years ago, I met
Carl. Carl is the founder of a non-profit organization, Expedition Balance.
Taken from their website, Expedition Balance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization founded in Houston, Texas, dedicated to helping combat veterans
cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Expedition Balance was created by
combat veterans for combat veterans suffering from PTSD. Our staff is made up
of veterans as well. Expedition Balance is funded entirely by donations.
This organization is near
and dear to my heart. I have a dozen or so family members and friends who have
served our country in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq. They fought and continue
to serve so that we can sleep tightly tucked into our beds at night.
I naturally gravitated to
Carl and his cause and wanted to support in whatever way I could. A few months
back we started the “Carl.” The “Carl” is a bi-weekly meet up where Carl, my
friend Emily, and I meet up at a local outdoor bar and grill. We share ideas
(and beer) and brainstorm ways to bring awareness to the cause. We’ve had several
other friends and supporters over the months join us here and there too. It’s
become a sort of thing… Something for me that doesn’t involve work, and
something that brings me a lot of joy and satisfaction.
One of our first initiatives
was to organize a 5K fun run. Houston has a big run community and running
can be just as therapeutic as yoga and meditation for some. Planning and
organizing a race is a lot of work, and we we’re up for the challenge and
putting in the work, but when we heard of The Color Run (www.thecolorrun.com) we thought that
would be perfect! So, four months ago we sent an e-mail to the organization
purposing the come to Houston, Texas and host the race on November 11th, Veteran’s Day. We we’re shocked
when we got a response from the founder of The Color Run showing interest. A few months went by
and not much else came about… Until two weeks ago…we got an e-mail. It went
something like this:
Hi Carl
Well, it’s official. We’re coming to Houston. We’d love to partner with
your organization.
The Color Run
We. Are. Over. The. Moon.
Ask and you shall receive.
The Color Run attracts thousands of people a race! The exposure alone is going
to do amazing things for Expedition Balance but the proceeds are going to allow
us to support our veterans.
So here we go! Our main
work with The Color Run is going to be rounding up 250+ volunteers to put on
this race this coming November 11th. If you're interested shoot me an e-mail at samantha.halkias@gmail.com.
I am beyond grateful to
have the opportunity to volunteer for Expedition Balance and support my good
friend, Carl. The lessons I’m learning are so valuable and the work is gratifying. I may not
be a veteran myself but through Expedition Balance I have an opportunity to
serve the men and women who serve me and protect our country.
For ways to support
Expedition Balance, please share and visit the following links:
Go out and achieve your
goals!
S
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