I am running the Brooklyn Half Marathon on April 24th to celebrate all that my daughter Lenna has overcome and to raise money for her amazing school, One World Project.
Lenna was born with a benign lung tumor that required multiple surgeries and COVID-like precautions and restrictions BEFORE the time of COVID. She constantly talked about the day she would be able to go to school and have teachers and friends. Her dream came true when she started preschool at OWP in September 2021. She is thriving, has made great friends, and been nurtured by amazing teachers who have taught her Spanish as well as fostered her creativity and emotional growth.
In the face of the pandemic the OWP team has gone above and beyond to ensure the kids can continue to learn and grow safely. They have re-designed outdoor spaces as classrooms, installed extra sinks, hired additional teachers to maintain pods, etc. All the extra safety measures come at a big financial cost and are straining the school as the pandemic has stretched on for so long.
OWP is also committed to economic diversity in the classroom. In order to not compromise this mission OWP is raising funds to continue their scholarship fund to allow them to welcome more families irrespective of their economic means.
If you’re able to give, please give what you can. Every little bit helps and it will ensure OWP can continue to make health and safety a priority without compromising the quality of education, pay teachers generous wages, and welcome students of every background.
¡Sí Se Puede!
On Saturday, March 21 we’ll be running or walking the Brooklyn Spring 5K, 10K a wonderful event that will allow all our team to pick the race that is best for them.
Friday, April 24 is La Vuelta. We’ll gather at One World Project and the kids (and some grownups) will run, walk or scoot along Vanderbilt, down East 4th, along Greenwood Avenue, and up East 3rd. After the loop, we’ll gather on the patio for a party with upcycled medals for all participants. In Spanish, la vuelta means loop, like the one we’ll do around the block. Vuelta also means return. If your children have grown and you are no longer part of our preschool or after school program please consider La Vuelta an invitation to return to OWP for a visit. We would love to see you!
On Sunday, April 26 we will join half marathoners for NYC Runs, an epic running journey. The route starts in North Brooklyn and winds around the waterfront taking you under the historic Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn Bridges. From there, the route heads up the grand concourses of Fulton Street & Flatbush Avenue before passing through Grand Army Plaza and into historic brownstone Brooklyn. We will turn into Prospect Park at mile 10 to complete our 13.2 miles.
With love and care we have built a nurturing school and community center committed to learning. We want to sustain what makes One World Project so special and grow our scholarship fund and support our Universal PreK program so that OWP is accessible to more families. Together we are working to raise $50,000.
We truly appreciate anything you are able to give.
