Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer. You can view past posts from the series here.
The following article is a guest post from Lauren Pedigo. Lauren and I connected via GOOD.is. Being from the Boston area and having written about and donated to The One Fund in the past, I welcomed her post and her fundraising efforts. Good luck, Lauren!
Boston has given me my first job, my first apartment, my first blizzard, new friends, my first lobstah roll and more New England adventures than I can count. As a Midwest transplant, I’ve come to love to this city and the people who bring it life.
I’m the kind of person who finds something I love and then really “dig in” for the long haul. I’ve worn the same brand of running shoes since seventh grade. I avoided applying for college because I couldn’t imagine college being better than high school. I chose a major before freshman year and four years later graduated with that degree.
Upon graduation from Butler University in Indianapolis, I set my sights on a new adventure in Boston. In the fifteenth months, I’ve met people who will be lifelong friends and mentors. It’s taken me by surprise how quickly this vibrant city found its way into my heart.
Erica was one of my first friends I met after I moved here and she ran the Boston Marathon last year.
Erica, her parents, my roommate and a handful of friends were on Boylston Street cheering for the thousands of people accomplishing their dreams.
Sitting behind a computer screen at work, I watched the tragic events unfold on Twitter. Fear and helplessness inundated my mind immediately. In a sleepy Midwestern town like my own tragedies happen on television, not in real life. My co-workers and I split a cab home and the longer we drove, the more nauseous I felt. I hadn’t heard from any of them. Phone lines were jammed and news outlets had no verified information. Forty-five minutes later, my roommate’s text finally came and I learned they were all safe. Unfortunately, that wasn’t reality for so many others.
In the days and weeks following, I received an outpouring of love from family and friends, just for living here. It opened my heart to feeling loved even from thousands of miles away. I attended vigils, prayer nights and fundraisers to support the victims. I felt something unexplainably strong for the people of this beautiful city that welcomed me with open arms just months before.
I’m truly honored to spend the next few months giving generously to the people whose lives were changed forever on April 15, 2013. I hope to bring a glimmer of hope and love to the people of this city. I’m raising $10,000 for One Fund Boston, the nonprofit that raises money for the victims and families of the 2013 Boston Marathon. This project will be funded by the generosity of people just like you. You can join me in making a difference here.
Lauren Pedigo is a Midwest transplant working, living and exploring in Boston. She’s a long-time journal keeper, runner and adventurer. In 2014, she’s running the Boston Marathon and raising $10,000 for The One Fund. You can find her blogging here.
