Race With Grammy!

Meet Bev DiCarlo, a.k.a. “Grammy.” In January 2010, she laced up her running shoes and left the starting line of the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon in Orlando, FL, the first of her 50-state quest to raise awareness and philanthropic support for the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation. At 66-years old, “Grammy” is on a mission to complete half-marathons (13.1-mile races) in every state by the time she turns 70. On top of that, she has also set a goal of raising $100,000 in support of the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Barber National Institute.

What prompted “Grammy” to set this great challenge? Her grandson was diagnosed with autism, and as a child he received services at the Barber National Institute. Thanks to the help of his specially trained teachers and the support of his family, he is now enrolled at a local elementary school and is making wonderful strides. He stays involved with the Barber National Institute’s Connections Camp and uses the support room at the Elizabeth Lee Black School when needed. “Grammy” teamed up with the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation in order to make her 50-state challenge more meaningful and to spread awareness of the Barber National Institute’s programs and services.

“Grammy” is very excited about the Race With Grammy challenge, and her enthusiasm is contagious! For each contribution of $50, you will receive a Race With Grammy t- shirt (see the picture below). We have youth size 12-14 and adult sizes S-M-L-XL available. 100% of your donation will be used to support our children and adults here at the Barber National Institute.

Let’s help “Grammy” complete her 50-state challenge by December 31, 2014! Click here to make an online gift (be sure to include your t-shirt size if your contribution is $50 or more). Or, you can download our printable donation form and mail it to:

Advancement Office
Dr.Gertrude A. Barber Foundation
100 Barber Place
Erie, PA 16507

If you have any questions, please contact Gary L. Bukowski, CFRE, vice president for advancement, at (814) 878-4033 or GaryBukowski@BarberInstitute.org.

To learn more about Grammy’s story and to find more ways you can be involved in her challenge, visit www.RaceWithGrammy.com. “Grammy” also has lots of great pictures posted, and you can find out where she’s heading next!

Thanks to everyone who made the Erie Runners Club Mother's Day 5K and 1/2 Mile Fun Run a success.