Well, today is day one of this first go around. Nothing too exciting, except for the fact that I’ve let most of the people know about this site (and why I only have 13 votes so far is a mystery to me). In any case, come Friday, I’ll be ready to contact the ‘winner’ and let them know what I’m up to.
Also, I don’t want folks to think that I chose this first period of Nov. 1 to Jan. 1 mistakenly. I realize that it’s pretty much the time when most Americans add to their waistline…all the reason this becomes more of a challenge. Though, I would like to point out that part of the time frame in which I lost 30 lbs last year covered the Holidays as well.
After going through several organizations, I have narrowed down the choices to three organizations that I feel are worthwhile causes. Not only do I feel that they’re worthwhile, but I feel that no matter the amount we eventually raise, we will be able to make a good contribution with an impact. In no particular order, the finalists are (each header has a link to the organization’s website):
The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education is dedicated to transforming U.S. public education for underserved youth. The Foundation drives reform by engaging in practice, policy and partnerships that provide quality education and enrichment opportunities… We put these beliefs into practice at Agassi Prep by closing the gap between the low level of funding the state ofNevada provides and the appropriate level of funding that is required to deliver a quality education.By applying passion and discipline to our work we create an environment in which children can excel.
Free Arts of Arizona is a nonprofit organization that brings the healing powers of the creative arts to abused, neglected and homeless children by partnering with over 100 group homes, treatment centers and shelters in Maricopa County… Many of the children we serve have been removed from their families due to abuse or neglect, and have been placed by the state into a group home. Still other children live with one parent in a domestic violence shelter or both parents in a homeless shelter. Some children live in residential treatment centers where they work to conquer painful issues of physical and sexual abuse, substance abuse, and violence. The creative arts give children a way to identify their emotions and express them through a positive medium. The creative arts give children the tools they need to improve self-esteem and social skills. The creative arts give children a voice.
The mission of Nuçi’s Space is to prevent suicide by providing obstacle-free treatment for musicians suffering from depression and other such disorders, as well as to assist in the emotional, physical and professional well being of musicians. To accomplish this mission, Nuçi’s Space actively participates in treatment, educates to destigmatize mental illness and advocates for sufferers.
You will see off to the side a box where you can cast your vote. I urge you to vote soon (limited to one) and to please continue to spread the word. The voting will end next Friday, November 6th at exactly 12:01 p.m. I’ll immediately post the winner afterward.
These three organizations represent causes I care about, but also have geographical significance as well. I was born and raised in Arizona, my wife was raised in Nevada (near Las Vegas), and we currently live in Athens, GA. It was nice how the final three came out.
I have, on more than one occasion, seen individuals or organizations lose weight for charity. I definitely don’t claim the Fitlanthropist to be wholly original (of course, I’d like to think that certain aspects of it are ). If anyone out there is at all familiar with someone who is doing something similar to this, I am definitely interested in knowing. I’d love to get in touch, build a network, whatever…just to see how others are “getting healthy for a greater cause.” In fact, it might be nice to feature them here, too!
Seems to me that runners are often doing something along similar lines…raising money per mile run or something like that. And though it’s been quite some time since I’ve headed out to pound the pavement, I’m hoping I can get back in the swing of things…perhaps I’ll do the Couch-to-5k program again, as it seemed to be quite useful, not to mention pretty fun!
All right. Monday, October 26, 2009. That’s the date I’m going live with this. I’m going to tell everyone I know. I’m nervous because I’m letting everyone in on something that is highly personal…but I promised myself I wouldn’t keep it in. The people who know me know I’m fat…so really, what’s the big secret?
There’s a lot to be done, and I conteplated not starting until I had everything in place, but in heeding my wife’s suggestion of, “You’ve got to start someplace,” I am going to proceed…and hopefully be able to incorporate some others’ help in making some decisions. Like which organization I’m raising funds for…
In the words of the not-so-immortal Jimmy Buffet: “Come Monday, it’ll be all right…”
This is most definitely not my first attempt at losing weight and improving my health. It is, however, the first time I have given myself the charge to do it for not only me, but for those who perhaps have even greater needs than I do.
I’m getting less shy and more candid about my life over the past couple of years. In that time, my wife and I quit our jobs and moved from Arizona to Georgia, I started a Ph.D., we had our son, I was challenged exponentially in my doctoral program (this will surely be strung out in other posts, so I’ll spare you here), I discovered relatively late in my education that I had a learning disability, I watched a loved one go through substance abuse issues, I discovered I had diabetes, and I summarily watched other areas of my health decline. Needless to say, it’s been a challenge.
So, I thought that I needed to get serious…and creative. I started a blog thinking that it would be a useful tool to help keep me accountable in my weightloss. And, in fact, the many readers of Fat Guy in a Little Coat did just that. They were warm and supportive. I, for the most part, was also relatively anonymous. I kept my ordeal to myself, a few others close to me, and to my new supporters. Then, I decided to go public and let all of my family and friends know. This time around, there’s no secrecy–I plan on being up front, honest and real. I had started running (I even ran a 5k and won an award in my age division) and in a matter of months, I lost 30 pounds. I was happy with my progress.
But then I stopped. And here I am with those 30 pounds back in tow.
So, I am here to start anew. This, as the title indicates, is my “new, new” beginning. I realize that I may be starting from scratch again, but I think that my health, my family, and my cause are all worth it. I hope you will explore this site and follow my endeavor. It’s not necessarily a new concept, but it is an experiment I’m excited to be involved in. And yes, I also hope that you will become a matching donor for my dollar-per-pound goal, or make an in-kind donation once I have settled on the organization I wish to donate to.
). If anyone out there is at all familiar with someone who is doing something similar to this, I am definitely interested in knowing. I’d love to get in touch, build a network, whatever…just to see how others are “getting healthy for a greater cause.” In fact, it might be nice to feature them here, too!
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