Cellcom Marathon donates $160K to charities
GREEN BAY - Organizers of the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon honored three local charities Tuesday, donating a record $160,000 in funds raised during this year’s event.
During the past 17 years, the marathon has donated more than $1.2 million to local organizations.
Brighid Riordan, president of the marathon's board of directors, said all those involved recognize the marathon is more than just a community tradition. It is also a cornerstone of health and wellness efforts as well as an opportunity to contribute to the local economy and nonprofit endeavors, she said.
This year’s beneficiaries are ASPRIO, Golden House and the Greater Green Bay YMCA Full Circle program, all of which will use the donations for supplies and services.
Karen Michaels, executive director of Golden House, a domestic abuse counseling program and shelter, said support from the marathon helps volunteers and staff better help domestic abuse victims and their families. She said the number of people leaving the shelter with a signed lease or supportive housing has risen 24 percent in the three years that the agency has partnered with the marathon. The 2016 marathon concluded Golden House's three-year partnership. A new charity partner will be selected to take its place in the fall.
Kathleen McKee, youth development executive for the Greater Green Bay YMCA Full Circle program, said the marathon's support helps the agency to provide more children on the autism spectrum with unique recreation and wellness programs.
"Within the first week of launching, we had over 100 children on our waiting list," she said. "This partnership will allow us to increase our capacity and resources to serve our families in a really meaningful and impactful way."
The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is accepting applications for a new charity partner for the 2017-19 events. Visit cellcomgreenbaymarathhon.com for more information.
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