Ken Gordon's Fundraiser:

I am currently training to run my 1st marathon, the 2014 Boston Marathon on April 21.  I am part of a team running for One Fund Boston.  As you probably know, One Fund Boston was formed to assist victims and families affected by the tragic events at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013. To date, One Fund Boston has raised more than $70M for the victims and their families. In late June 2013, over $60M was distributed to more than 230 individuals who were injured.  The money we raise will go directly to victims as part of a distribution to be made after the 2014 Boston Marathon.

A lot of people have asked me why at the age of 50 I am running my 1st marathon.   Before I started training for the Marathon, I had never run more than 6 miles.  So, what made me decide to run this year?  Several things are motivating me.  Here are a few of them:

1.     Last year’s Marathon—As a lifelong Boston resident, I, like people everywhere, was profoundly affected by the tragedy of last year.  We all remember where we were when we heard about the bombings.  It was a day – actually a week - that none of us will ever forget.   We were all affected in one way or another.  We as a city are stronger than ever and as the immortal Big Papi said, “This is our [expletive] city….”.  Running in this year’s Marathon, while raising money for the victims of last year’s bombing, is my small way of saying “This is MY [expletive] city—BOSTON STRONG”.

2.    The Challenge—As I said above, prior to training for the Marathon, I’d never run more than 6 miles.   I have not run an organized race since summer camp.   I’ve stood in awe and admiration of the runners in past Boston Marathons as a spectator.   I’ve always wondered if I could complete such a long run.   2013 was an eventful year for me as I turned 50 in November and lost my father last March.  As many of you may know, my father had a drugstore for many years at the very site of the bombings in Copley Square.  What better way to honor my father’s memory than to take on a challenge I’ve always wondered about?

3.    My children—I am fortunate to have 4 wonderful children: Danielle, Jaclyn, Olivia and Harry.   They are terrific kids who make me proud every day.   I want to show them that if you set your mind (and body!) to it, you can accomplish anything.   50 years old and an inexperienced runner?  No problem.  A grueling 26.2 mile race for my1st organized run in over 35 years?  No problem.   Running 4 times a week, often at 6 AM on cold winter days, and logging upwards of 40+ miles/week?  No problem.    As Bruce Springsteen says in Thunder Road:   The door’s open, but the ride, it ain’t free.

4.    Giving back—I have never held a fundraiser such as this one before.  I’ve contributed to many causes over the years, but I’ve never been the organizer.  It’s time that changed.  I love this city and this is just a small way for me to give back to show my support.

I have set a fundraising target of $15,000 for my run.   I am confident that with your help, I can easily exceed this target.   I know there are a lot of charities to which we are all asked to contribute.  They’re all worthy causes.  What I believe makes the One Fund donation so meaningful is that your donation will go right to work and make its way to the victims shortly after the race.   We will have a direct impact on those still living with horrendous injuries which will require years of care and support (financial and otherwise).   Please support these innocent victims with a pledge to the One Fund.  Please remember that many of your employers will match any donations you make and, of course, corporate donations are always welcome as well.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Ken

For those who may want to write a check instead of doing an online credit card donation, please send your check (made out to One Fund Boston, Inc.) to me in my office (see below for my office address) and I’ll see that it gets to the One Fund.

My office address:

Kenneth J. Gordon
Goodwin Procter LLP
Exchange Place
Boston, MA  02109

More about One Fund Boston follows below:

One Fund Boston was formed to assist victims and families affected by the tragic events at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013 and in the days that followed. In the weeks after the Boston Marathon, through the incredible generosity of thousands of individuals, foundations and corporations, One Fund Boston has raised more than $60M for the victims and the families. In Late June, over $60M were distributed to more than 230 individuals who were injured.

The One Fund's mission to support those most impacted by the attacks is continuing as part of a collaborative effort to coordinate services to help the survivors and victims' families.

The recovery is just starting for many and it will be a long road. Their resilience has inspired our city and nation, and we ask that you continue to support and stand united with them. To date, One Fund Boston has raised $70.5M million. The One Fund is in the process of conducting a formal assessment to determine the long term needs of the victims, families and community and will announce its future plans once this assessment has been completed. One Fund Boston will work to establish this longer term operating model through communications with survivors and families in a manner that will provide for a productive transition from a victim relief fund to a service and support network. We will continue to provide updates on our website on the amount raised to support those most impacted by the 2013 Marathon attacks.