Aching to help Easter Seals
by Rachel
Working with the National Associate Board (NAB) here at Easter Seals as a staff liaison is truly a pleasure. NAB members are so committed to the Easter Seals mission, and they’ve done so much to support us over the past year: events from races to raffles, and a bar social night, too! Today I’m pleased to introduce one NAB member, Louis Bacigalupo, with a guest blog about his fundraising efforts.
Running, swimming and biking for Easter Seals
by Louis Bacigalupo
Louis Bacigalupo
My life has been positively affected by a family member with disabilities. That’s why I’ve been a long time contributor to Easter Seals: I have a high level of appreciation for the work they do. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to support and care for a person with disabilities and how important and helpful Easter Seals services are to families. So when I was contacted by Kelly Perez (Manager of Volunteer Engagement at Easter Seals) last year about the National Associate Board (NAB), I was excited to join and see how I can help differently going forward.
Last year I ran my first Chicago Triathlon, too. It was a fun experience and I got myself into the best shape of my adult life. I felt great and met a lot of cool people while training and competing.
During discussions with other NAB members this year I learned that some of them were raising money through the marathon and Ragnar Relay events (nice work Amy and Mike). Why not raise funds for Easter Seals while improving on my personal best time at the triathlon? I didn’t break any records, believe me, but it was an accomplishment for me to do what I did!
I started race day by jumping in Lake Michigan bright and early at 6:18 a.m. and when all was said and done I beat my personal best by 6 minutes and finished in the top 25% for my age group. More importantly, I raised awareness for the Easter Seals cause and earned over $2000 for the organization.
I don’t know if I’ll ever run another Triathlon. The time commitment to train for it is pretty heavy, and with a career, young children, and a new house, it puts a strain on my summer. I will always have fond memories of my experience this year, though, and will continue to support Easter Seals and their great work.
Easter Seals and the National Associate Board are planning the Walk With Me Chicago event on October 20, 2013 and are looking for teams to participate and support the organization. Please sign up now to help the Walk With Me event and help out in any way you can. Thank you!
September 18th, 2013 at 5:12 pm
Yikes! Nothing like a dip in Lake Michigan at 6:00 in the morning! Congrats on this awesome feat….and, oh yeah, finishing the Triathalon. Appreciate your support of Easter Seals!
September 18th, 2013 at 9:31 am
Louis – Congrats on achieving your personal best at the race and for your commitment to Easter Seals and helping children and adults with disabilities and their families. You are an awesome inspiration!
Dottie
September 18th, 2013 at 9:26 am
So inspiring Louis!! Managing family and career while at the same time achieving your PB at a tri? Wow!! Thanks for the inspiration and what you do for Easter Seals!!!
September 18th, 2013 at 8:58 am
Louis, thank you for all that you do for Easter Seals! We are so fortunate to have you serve on our National Associate Board and be a part of our Easter Seals family. Thank you for demonstrating a creative way to be engaged with our mission.
September 16th, 2013 at 3:58 pm
Louis – Your commitment to Easter Seals as a National Associate Board member is so inspiring! It is a privilege to have you as a member of the NAB, and we are so grateful for all you continue to do to spread the word about our important work! Thank you so much!