Asking your consideration

[bimmridder]

I’m going to do something I have never been comfortable doing. I am going to ask for your support and sponsorship. Some of you know me personally, some know me from the  boards, and to most of you, I’m an unknown. A  little  background about me, and why I’m here today. I am a partner in a Printing company, Bimm Ridder Sportswear, out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (Hey, we all have to be from somewhere). We have been in business since 1988. We’re not a big shop, nor are we small. We are solid in our markets. The last five years of my business and personal life have been a hell of a ride. In 2008, our business was flooded and under 6-8 feet of water. We could have easily walked away and said screw it, but we chose to rebuild. And we did, with the help of many friends and strangers. Honestly, without some of the people here, we could not have made it. A few months after the flood, and our heads still spinning, I tossed my pack of smokes to an employee. I just opened it and asked myself, “What the hell am I doing?”  That was the end of my 2-3 packs a day for twenty some years. About a year later I decided I needed to get off my fat ass and lose some weight. I started walking, then jogging, and finally rediscovered my love of running from my high school days. (I also figured I should get in better shape to be around to torture my kids longer)  This wasn’t the only love I rediscovered , but that’s another story. Most recently, I had to make the heart breaking decision to put my mother in a nursing home, as Alzheimer’s/dementia has done enough damage to her that she needs constant care, which we can’t give her. All of these things together have brought me here to ask any or all of you to consider something. I am going to run a full marathon in January. I am going to ask if any of you would consider sponsoring me in this run. My original thought was to ask anyone that would, to pledge to their local or national Alzheimer’s group. After thinking about it, I realized what’s important to me, may not be to others. So any donation to a charity of your choice is what I would ask. I don’t want you to send anything to me, unless it’s a note telling me what you have chosen to pledge to whom. That will be more inspiration to help me finish what I would consider  another milestone in my life. I apologize if this is not the place to do this, but the chance to help do a lot of good to others has been tugging at my soul for some time now. Thank you for reading and considering  to help. Dave Filip

[ole jobe]

Dave, I can appreciate what you are doing. I can't run any more, do good to walk to me deer stand behind the house. I heard about that flood and I know about alzheimers. However, my greatest concern right now is cancer, having lost 2 wives that way, So I will pledge $50.00 to the American Cancer Society in your name. God Bless.

[blue moon]

We need to give Dave some incentive to finish the whole thing! I'll give to the Alzheimer's, $2 per mile if you stop early or $5/mile if you finish!

pierre

[brandon]

Hey Dave,
You are more well known than you think Sir. Your business does very sharp work. It does sound like you have been through the ringer in the past few years and I can relate. I am sure there are many out there as well. While my business does have one sponsor we do a lot for in the name of free printing and garments I would personally like to help you out. My Grandmother passed away to Alzheimer's. I do not know how to describe it and I am sorry for your loss. The hurt it put my Grandfather through was beyond words. I would for sure like to donate to your cause. While I have not kept up on the latest medicinal reports on the subject I do remember hearing of progress. The brain is a very, very fascinating subject. I am in New Orleans for the next few days dealing with some family issues myself but can give you a call if you are around. I will pm you in a bit.

[tonypep]

I'm in Dave. I'll figure out the details later. I'm gradually winding the smoking and Jan 1st is the cut off date. Good to hear about you're rebound but sad about your setbacks. It's how we respond to the latter that truly defines our character.
Rumour has it that Marathon is right here in Charleston. Anyone who wants to make a road trip and join Dave and I for dinner/beer is welcome.

[brandon]

When is it? I am back home the end of May. 

[tonypep]

Mid January

[mavgraph]

Dave,

We donate to St. Jude's and Brewbeagles.org. Kinda at the ends of both spectrums, but both are close to our hearts.

[bimmridder]

BUMP

 last day here before leaving for the race. Thanks to all that have already relied

[tonypep]

When are you hitting town?

[bimmridder]

Tomorrow late morning. Registration and expo tomorrow PM. Staying at Hilton Garden

[jesterapparel]

I just now saw this thread.  Can I still get you a check?

[RICK STEFANICK]

Tomorrow late morning. Registration and expo tomorrow PM. Staying at Hilton Garden

dave, are you coming to columbia?

[tonypep]

Rick you should come down here for lunch/dinner

[RICK STEFANICK]

I MAY..if i do i'll have my 2 youngest with me. the wife and daughter have ANOTHER cheer competition in charlotte sat and sunday. i do need a break from her though..lol i'll call you tonight