RunningBrooke Fund
Run globally. ACT locally.

RunningBrooke, also known as Brooke Sydnor Curran, started running in her late 20s after she had her three children as a way to get out and have some time to herself. Brooke's first marathon, the 2002 Marine Corps Marathon, only left her wanting to run more. She decided to run the five major world marathons – Boston, Berlin, Chicago, London, and New York a goal she will accomplish next April when she completes the London marathon. Brooke also has her eye on running a marathon on each of the seven continents. So far, she's done Europe, North America and South America. Finally, Brooke wants to run one marathon in each of the 50 states.

After running many races, Brooke realized she wanted to bring purpose to her running by using her passion to make a difference in her community. She struggled for a year to connect her running with raising money for Alexandria charities. She thought about starting her own nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, but there was too much paperwork. Brooke talked to Lori Morris, a founding member of the ACT Advisory Board who suggested Brooke open an ACT donor advised fund. Today, the RunningBrooke Fund encourages others to match her commitment to running with their commitment to charity and the community. The money she raises benefits Alexandria, with a small portion going to support the building of a medical clinic in a village in Ghana. Brooke's goal is to raise $20,000 in 2009, and she is 75% of the way there!

Reactions to her mission have been very positive and encouraging. "People think it is cool and they are inspired," Brooke says. "It feels good to know we are coming together to help the community. Their enthusiasm invigorates me." Brooke's advice to anyone who wants to connect their passion to "doing good" for their community is: "Find something you love and something that will draw people to love it with you."

You can follow Brooke's progress at www.runningbrooke.com. Follow her lead by starting your own fund or learn how to connect your passion with "doing good," by contacting ACT at 703-739-7778.