RUN ACROSS MAY RUNNER PROFILES: RJ Shanafelt

RJ Shanafelt

RJ Shanafelt is a longtime supporter of WORK. After attending a couple of WORK events and seeing running coach Matt Mauclair train for the 2017 Run Across Haiti, RJ was inspired to get involved with the organization himself. Training with someone who already went through the process allowed RJ to understand the mental and physical strain that RAH demanded. RJ continues to support WORK through the 1:1 Campaign, their recurring giving program, and most recently he raised over $5,000 for the 2021 Run Across May campaign by running and cycling over 200 miles.

Like many others, WORK’s mission speaks to RJ. In his interview, he stressed how important the right to be employed is and how he believes that everyone should have the opportunity to make a living for themselves. 

At the heart of the organization is to give people the tools they need to work themselves out of poverty. By assisting families for however long it takes rather than providing one-time help, WORK gives them the foundation and structure to support themselves so that eventually, they can be financially independent and self-sufficient. 

Along with WORK’s mission resonating with RJ, he also highlighted the organization’s willingness to keep its supporters well informed about any news, updates, or announcements in Haiti, an aspect that I’ve come to know a lot of our participants appreciate. Moreover, RJ has loved learning more about Haiti’s history, culture, and people through his involvement, as well. 

RJ’s story is one that embodies the sense of community that WORK has always encouraged. Getting involved can only take one conversation, one attendance to an event; staying involved takes commitment, passion. And a trip or two to Haiti never hurts!

– Simi Shetty, WORK intern