Last month we announced our Trailblaze Challenge fundraising event to benefit Make-A-Wish Alabama. The event is undertaken in honor of four employees who made an impact on the company and all passed away within the past few years: John Long, Sean Gucken, Al Poston, and Arthur (AT) Thomas. This month, two of the team members have shared their reasons for tackling this challenge.
The Trailblaze Challenge is a 26.3 mile, one-day hike, a hiking marathon, if you will. It will be held either May 5th or May 19th, depending on the weather. It will use a section of the Pinhoti Trail, near Oxford, AL. This trail spans 337.1 miles through Alabama (170 miles) and Georgia, ultimately providing connection to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
Team members are currently in their training regimen, completing anywhere from 12 to 15 miles per week. The health aspects of the training appealed to both Lance Owens and Derek Lamar (Derek’s wife Crystal is also a team member). Said Lance, “I felt it would also challenge me to better my health and be more thankful for the life I’ve been given.” And for Derek, “We had just purchased an eliptical machine to work on our fitness, and I knew this was something I wanted to do with her.”
Derek and Crystal make their training a family event, including their two children in the weekend training hikes they do. “The hikes end with us exploring new areas and restaurants. We’ve grown closer during this time, and our kids have gained some independence.
But the primary reason for both Lance and Derek is the opportunity to honor John, Sean, Al, and AT, while simultaneously benefitting children that are facing health challenges. Lance stated it well, “I never new John Long or Sean Gucken, but Al and AT both had significant impact on me here, and I know from others the kind of impact John and Sean had. I believe it is good and right for us to honor them.” And Lance added, “I’m glad that Revere has chosen a memorial event that will also benefit many children.”
The team is seeking to raise $2,500 by each of the six members. We invite you to participate with us, whether or not you knew John, Sean, Al, or AT, in this Trailblaze Challenge.