I want your Medals

[BamaEd1]

I really do want your medal but not for me or eBay or anything like that. I am the area coordinator for a group called Medals for Mettle. We take donated, EARNED medals from 1/2 marathons, marathons, and triathlons, put our own ribbon on them and give them to people who are running a more difficult race than our own; people fight for their lives against diseases. The Disney medals are especially popular at Childrens' Hospital; Marine Corps and Air Force marathon medals are popular at the VA hospital. Rock and Roll races are popular with teens.

I know how precious those medals are to people; I carry mine around in my pocket for about 2 weeks post race. Once the "thrill" wears off, though, it just sits in a box and usually gets lost. I have found that donating it means so much more to me than keeping it. If you are interested in the organization, you can find more info at www.medals4mettle.org . If you would like to donate to me or your local chapter, that would be great. Please though, write a note about why you would like to donate; it makes the gift a little more special to the recipient. If you would like, when I take it to the hospital, I can send you a pic of the person receiving your medal. Also note, I have a small cost involved in this, about $5 per medal for the new ribbon, printed materials, bags, gas and such so if you could, please try to help out in that way if you can.

Thanks and congrats on everyone's successful race!

Ed

BamaEd1@gmail.com

 

[FireDancer]

I have heard of organizations like this and think they are great. I gave all my little league (well, almost all, I kept the champion one) and my youth bowling trophies to a similar organization that does the same with trophies.

Can I suggest contacting some of the larger local race organizers. In Cleveland we have a couple and one of them puts on about 100 races a year. I know they often have finisher medals for races along with age group awards that are ever claimed. While I recognize a gift from an individual is more personal these organizations can get you a bunch that would give them a larger back inventory.

 

[chimera]

That's really cool, Ed. I sent in one of my Minnie medals a year or two ago. Great organization!

 

[BamaEd1]

Can I suggest contacting some of the larger local race organizers. In Cleveland we have a couple and one of them puts on about 100 races a year. I know they often have finisher medals for races along with age group awards that are ever claimed. While I recognize a gift from an individual is more personal these organizations can get you a bunch that would give them a larger back inventory.

One of the principle of Medals for Mettle is the grass-roots/personal touch of an earned, donated medal. Thanks for the idea, though.

 

[escape]

Bumping.

Ed, I remember reading about this in a Runner's World article a while back. Sounds like something I'd like to do. Thank you for volunteering your time and efforts to this great organization.