The beauty of an organization like GOTR is that you never really know where it's going to lead or the people you may meet along the way.  As 2009 comes to a close, I thought it would be fun to remember all the cool people and places we've been this year.

This year we had our first site down town with Janelle as our coach.  What an amazing woman.  She shared lots of uplifting stories about her girls and how they were being changed.  How for many of these girls this was their first after school activity, and who could forget the story about the little girl who came from a war zone in Africa only to not be allowed to play outside in her new home in the city.  How GOTR allowed her that freedom for 2 hours a week!

2009 also brought Katie Visco into our lives.  We had a gathering for her in August and our entire board showed up.  I think we were all moved in some way.  For me, her visit brought an understanding of empowerment and how doing what your passionate about can lead to amazing things!

2009 also brought many fun events our way.  Emily, Sarah and I got to hang out at the Martini Mile (really a 1 mile run that ends with a martini.) We got to promote GOTR EVERYWHERE - Independence Center, KC Marathon Expo, Power and Light Family Day, KC Women's Triathlon.

Emily spearheaded some awesome new relationships including Paradise Park where we got to host our Spring 5K, and the American Heart Association where we got to hang out at the Royals Game in their booth promoting GOTR.  Emily also took charge with "Sing for Your Supper" providing us with a tear jerking performance showing all 500 guests what GOTR is all about!

And we got to hang out with dear friends.  2009 saw our relationship with RCG YMCA take off, they hosted our fall 5K, allowed us to meet there when we needed to, and provided a space for our bake sale.   DLT continued to be a great place to host a site and a great location for coach's training and volunteer orientation.

Oh, and National came to town.  I got to hang out with lots of GOTR staff from around the midwest as well as Molly and the gang from Charlotte.  Now that was a great time!

What are your GOTR memories of 2009?

Spring Season Rapidly APPROACHING

This March marks our 6th season of Girls on the Run of Jackson County.  What started as one site and 6 girls has grown to 6 sites and up to 90 girls.

As we gear up for the spring season, it feels like we're exploding, and  needing more volunteers than ever before. I want to urge you to GET INVOLVED!!!

Volunteer orientation is January 14, 2010 from 6-7pm at DLT (6217 Blue Ridge Blvd. Raytown, MO 64133.)  Come, meet other women who are passionate about GOTR, ask questions, learn more about the program and decide where you want to help.

This orientation is open to anyone who wants to attend, but please RSVP so we know you're coming - jaco.gotr@gmail.com.

If you've been to volunteer orientation before, feel free to come again, it's a great chance to meet new people and share your experiences with new volunteers.

You know you've been wanting to get involved, NOW'S YOUR CHANCE!!!!!