Track Club Joins Hands, Opens Wallet in Support of Boston Marathon Victims

Two days after a moving moment of silence at a San Diego Track Club practice, club president Kate Garcia informed members that the group would take another step to remember the Boston Marathon bombing victims and help in recovery.

“Your San Diego Track Club Board of Directors made a decision at the board meeting this week to donate $1,000 to One Fund Boston, a nonprofit fund set up for the victims of the tragic events on Monday,” she wrote.

On Tuesday, gathering for a regular night practice at San Diego High School’s historic Balboa Stadium, club members held hands around the track.

In email, Garcia wrote Thursday:

To My San Diego Track Club Family:

One of the many things l love about our community is how we come together in the good times and the bad. This week has been so challenging for all of us. We are so grateful that all of our Boston runners are unharmed and home now.

Personally, I have been overwhelmed with the response from our members asking how they can help and what we can do. Your San Diego Track Club Board of Directors made a decision at the board meeting this week to donate $1,000 to One Fund Boston, a nonprofit fund set up for the victims of the tragic events on Monday.

If you’re interested in donating or you’d like more information you can get that here.

There are lots of other organizations who were there at the bomb site and are worthy of your support. The Salvation Army is providing transportation, meals and comfort to those affected, including runners who were locked out of their hotel rooms. 

Boston Children’s Hospital is caring for the youngest and most vulnerable of the victims. Today there are several children still being treated who will need ongoing care in the months and years ahead to heal. 

There will always be a need for blood and blood products. For those of you who would like to donate blood, the San Diego Blood Bank has several locations and online appointments can be made here - http://www.sandiegobloodbank.org/

A note of caution to Rockin’ & Runnin’ marathoners and new half marathoners, you should NOT be donating blood at this time. It takes two weeks to replace the blood you donate, which would impact your training and possibly your health with the increased miles you’re running now. Your coaches urge you to find other ways to show your support so you can show up at the start line healthy and strong.

Finally, just a word of thanks to all of you for all you do. I have been held up by you this week. I know that this senseless event will not keep us from doing what we do everyday, lacing up and showing up. You make a difference in my life.