RUN ACROSS MAY RUNNER PROFILES: DANI MARSH
Dani Marsh first got involved with WORK with the Run Across Haiti in 2019. An avid runner, she leapt at the opportunity to take on a new challenge, and combine two of her passions: running and philanthropy. Traveling to Haiti for RAH provided Dani with a taste of the culture, the chance to make new friends, and a sense of community. Moreover, Dani continues to support WORK and our families through the 1:1 program.
Dani participated in the Run Across May for the past two years, though her challenge this year looked a little different than last. To try and simulate RAH, Dani committed to running 200 miles in Pittsburgh in 8 days! Dani wanted to challenge herself further by completing her 200 in such a short amount of time, and cited her own supporters as the reason why.
“I’d already done the 200, and I felt like if I was going to be promoting [RAM] and try to raise money and try to get my family and friends behind me, I had to actually do something that was harder than something I’d done [before].”
When I asked Dani what she wanted other people to know about her involvement, she explained that WORK emphasized the importance of community and communication in all of their efforts. She remembers how supportive the people in Haiti were during her time there in 2019, as well as how diligent the organization is at keeping their donors and supporters in the loop concerning family progress and Haitian news. As a part of the 1:1 program, Dani particularly appreciates that WORK is very transparent in our communication about updates on the ground in Haiti.
Moreover, Dani spoke about how there was a place for everyone in the organization, an issue or cause that will speak to anybody. Throughout these interviews I have been conducting, I’ve found that every supporter has a different cause that they’re passionate about and WORK addresses each one. Whether it’s the heart of the organization itself--getting rid of poverty-- or confronting concerns of environmental sustainability, education, and health, there is a cause that anyone can resonate with within the organization.
Passionate supporters like Dani allow other people to get involved with WORK which creates an even bigger community and stronger impact!