Going the Distance
What happens when you combine athletic ability, a creative idea, and a desire to financially support AlphaCare’s mission? For Josh Parris, it resulted in the inception of a personal half-marathon we christened “Josh Runs!”
Last year, participating in the annual Philly Half-Marathon while dedicating any funds generated to AlphaCare, Josh raised $2,765. Covid-19 shut down the 2020 Philly Half-Marathon – but it couldn’t stop Josh from running.
Josh said, “I was hesitant to do a fundraiser this year given the uncertainty of everyone’s job situation,” but then decided to follow God’s leading and pour his best effort into this year’s solo run. He was hoping and praying to raise slightly less than last year ($2,500) by way of this 13.1 mile course.
God blessed Josh’s commitment and determination in an amazing way. Josh didn’t just meet his goal. He didn’t just exceed it to match last year’s amount. He doubled it, to a total of $5,000.
Josh was stunned by this surprise outcome. He says he “still can’t believe it” – especially when he considers how many people will be financially impacted by the money God allowed him to raise. His efforts also included introducing 24 new donors to AlphaCare!
“I am thankful that the Lord put AlphaCare on my heart,” Josh states. “It’s been an organization that I’ve been excited about serving in the past, and am hopeful that the donations will be of good help.” Apart from his gratitude to the Lord for His blessing, Josh wants to honor his sponsors. “I am also thankful for the people in my life who felt stirred to support me. I was telling a friend yesterday that all I had to do was run!”
We are so grateful to Josh as one of our AlphaCare Ambassadors. Since we are funded solely by individuals, churches and a few foundations, God uses our Ambassadors to enable us to provide ongoing hope and help to our moms and their babies. If you’d like more information about becoming an Ambassador yourself, please contact us at info@alphacarephilly.org.
Josh writes, “Thanks for allowing me to be a friend of AlphaCare!” We thank Josh for being such a good friend to us as he partners with AlphaCare in this unique way to further the ministry’s work.