Commentary: $300,000 and counting: One man’s Human Race quest
By John O’Brien
Happy 30th Anniversary of the Human Race, and congratulations to the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County for enabling local charities to raise millions of dollars over the past 30 years.
This year’s theme is “30 Years & Running Strong.” I wish I was both of these. This anniversary year brings back many fond memories (and nightmares) of my own history in the Human Race:
1. 1982 – I ran the first 10K Human Race.
2. 1989 – I started raising money in the Human Race, and this is my 23rd year. With your help, my cumulative total will exceed $300,000.
3. Since then, I have lost both parents, my sister-in-law, and many friends to cancer and my brother to heart failure, but survived my own cancer and witnessed thousands of people who have survived cancer and can now celebrate more birthdays, thanks in large part to the research and wonderful programs of the American Cancer Society.
4. I have sent out thousands of solicitation letters to friends, clients and family (and other unwilling recipients) offering my famous “incentive prizes” for large donations and have given away thousands of my autographed photographs (how is this an incentive?) at the finish line (see the 22-year collection at the Sonoma County landfill).
5. I have continuously defied all laws of nature and have pushed my aging (now old) body over the grueling 10K race course, enduring constant pain, torture, abuse laughs, jeers, embarrassment, etc. and often finishing with a slower time than many children and mothers pulling wagons or pushing stroller.
6. I have constantly made a fool of myself (easy for me) with stupid solicitation letters and by sometimes wearing outrageous outfits in return for large donations (such as once wearing a t-shirt advertising a competing law firm, costumes advertising wineries and other businesses, once a frog-hat, once a werewolf mask, wizard, etc.).
7. I have convinced thousands to trust and give money to a _*!%@A!%@A*_ attorney (expletive deleted), a major feat of its own.
8. I have made many friends, had great fun, helped others to raise more money, and laughed at myself.
I can go on and on forever, but let’s cut to the chase. You have the rare opportunity to help my cause and help stop cancer by supporting the American Cancer Society in this year’s Human Race. In case you haven’t picked up on it yet, American Cancer Society is my favorite charity, and I firmly believe that the $300,000 I have raised has made a difference in saving lives. But, a lot more is needed.
In case you need some incentive for a large donation, I again offer the following:
1. For $5,000, you will become my exclusive sponsor and you will have a friend for life (who says money can’t buy friendship?).
2. For $2,500, or more, I will be your servant/stooge/attorney for a day. Just remember my age (old), back and knees (bad) and please be nice.
Whatever amount you can give — $50 gets that photo of me — on this 30th anniversary is greatly appreciated and will help save lives. You can contact my office via Nina Cooney or go to my personal web page at the Volunteer Center’s website: http://humanrace.kintera.org/jobrien.
Thank you for your support.
•••
John O’Brien is an attorney with O’Brien Watters and Davis LLP in Santa Rosa, JObrien@obrienlmv.com, 707-545-7010. The Human Race is May 7.
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