The Williamsonian Winter 2015 | Page 21

finish line that day. You may remember seeing this image of him holding a poster which reads: “Stop hurting people. Peace.” The Richard family has started a foundation to remember Martin and promote his wish for peace. I am honored and grateful that Martin’s parents and siblings have personally selected me to support the foundation by running the 2015 Boston Marathon on April 20 as part of “Team MR8.” Sunday, Dec. 14 is my 60th birthday and to help me celebrate, I would like to ask you to contribute to my MR8 goal as a birthday gift to me. Every gift counts, but in honor of this milestone birthday, I hope that everyone who is able to will consider a gift of *$60 in honor of 60 years.* As anyone who knows me knows, I do not usually make requests like this, but this is a cause that I have felt personally connected to ever since I realized that a mere 20 minutes before Martin Richard was killed, he was cheering for me at the finish line on Boyleston Street. To make your donation online, please visit https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/kevinblackney/bostonmarathon2015.Alternatively, checks made payable to the Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation can be sent to me at 211 Walnut Avenue, Wayne, PA, 19087. Thank you to everyone for your consideration of this request. Thanks, Kevin. That is powerful and meaningful. My news doesn’t compare, but I had my best fall yet, entertaining in 16 states in six weeks. I got to hike up to Sacred I