A big thank you to everyone who participated in our World Health Day blog contest. We asked our supporters to answer “Why is Vitamin Angels’ mission is important to you?” and we loved reading your answers. It’s inspiring to see what rallies us together behind Vitamin Angels’ work. 

It was a close race, but here your winning answer. Anna’s insight about maternal and child nutrition leading to a better future for all of us inspired the VA staff.

Unfortunately, we dropped the ball and due to an unfortunate mix up, we were unable to capture Anna's email to talk to her about her free VA shirt. Anna, please send us an email at fundraising@vitaminangels.org. We would love to get you your shirt!

In July, singer and activist Michael Franti played an incredible show at the Lowell Summer Music Series in honor of Vitamin Angels. The concert was a huge success, bringing in $1,750 in donations from the audience! Just before the show Franti met up with Vitamin Angels president, Howard Schiffer, and invited him to speak at the 11th annual Power to the Peaceful Festival.

Howard will be speaking at the PTTP festival on September 12th in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. Also speaking will be Rigdzin Gyatso Namkha Rinpoche, a renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher who works closely with the Dalai Lama and Cynthia McKinney former Congresswoman and Green Party Presidential Candidate (2008). The speakers will be part of a greater movement for peace and social justice brought by the festival, which will also include concerts, art, yoga, and more. Then on Sunday, September 13th at the Power to the Peaceful Global Action Forum & Celebration presented by Michael Franti and CARE, Howard will be participating on the panel to discuss global hunger and food reform along with other local and international social change advocates.

Starting Sept. 11th and up until September 18th you can join us in our efforts to reduce child mortality worldwide by texting the word GIVE to 20222. Doing so will instantly donate $5 to our programs, and will provide the funds to give 20 children the essential nutrition they need to live a healthy life. (Don’t forget to text back verifying your donation when prompted!)

The Vitamin Angels team will also be at the festival selling t-shirts and providing the crowd with information about our organization and the important work we are doing around the world. Come stop by our booth, say hello, and pick up your very own Vitamin Angels t-shirt! See you at the festival!

Find out more about Power to the Peaceful on their website>>

How did you learn about Vitamin Angels?

Through the company I work for, Natrol, Inc., a dietary supplement company whose relationship with Vitamin Angels started back with Natrol's founder, Elliott Balbert, a long-time supporter and board member of Vitamin Angels.
 
Can you tell us about the event that you’re competing in to benefit Vitamin Angels?

Every October, for the past 30 years, on the Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, the Ironman World Championship triathlon is held. Approximately 1700 of the world's top amateur and professional triathletes compete in a 2.4 mile ocean swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run done in the heat, wind, and humidity that has made this race so famous. The Ironman World Championship is arguably the world's toughest single-day endurance event.
 
What kind of training have you undergone in order to participate?

I have been training specifically for the Ironman since Memorial Day 2008, when I found out I had gained entry into the race. I train approximately 18-22 hours weekly in the combined disciplines of swimming, biking, and running, along with incorporating a stretching and weight training regime into my program.       
 
You were planning to compete in the 2008 Ironman World Championship triathlon, but were unable to. For those who don’t know, can you tell us what happened?

Unfortunately, less than a week before I was scheduled to leave for Hawaii for last year's race, I was involved in a bike-to-car accident on one of my final bike training rides. I suffered a severely broken collarbone, which required two surgeries and six months of physical therapy to treat. Previously, in 2007, I had started on a journey to regain my health, dropping 90 pounds with the goal of racing again. The Ironman was not in my sights initially, but through the help and sponsorship of both Natrol and one of its sports nutrition subsidiaries, Medical Research Institute (MRI), my sponsor, I was lucky enough to gain entry into the race through a charity lottery slot.  
 
Why are you so passionate about Vitamin Angels? What is it that inspires you to work so hard for the cause?

Vitamin Angels' benefits run far and wide. I enjoy knowing that every dollar I raise has an immediate and tangible impact to help better the lives of others across the globe and right here in the U.S. I am happy to link my Ironman efforts to Vitamin Angels because this charity touches so many people, families, and children around the world who are not as fortunate as us. Through the Janus Charity Challenge, the Ironman folks make it very easy for athletes like me to coordinate with their charity of choice to raise both awareness and funds (my donation link is here).
 
How can people support your race?

By clicking my Janus Charity Challenge donation link (here) and contributing!  If I am one of the top fundraisers as an Ironman World Championship participant, there will be a matching grant for Vitamin Angels from Janus. The deadline to donate is Friday, October 9 (at 2 PM)…so donate early and often!!!
 
What words of encouragement do you have for others who are working to improve their personal health and fitness?

Little changes lead to bigger changes. Start slowly and be consistent. Through a better diet, regular exercise, and focused supplementation, I regained my health, which I had lost previously due to matters in my personal life (job change, new family responsibilities, and a failed marriage). It is within us all to make those changes that will improve both our health and overall wellness.
 
Do you have any recommendations for individuals who want to get active, and get involved in the cause?

Do something you enjoy. I did my first triathlon twenty years ago and have been racing pretty steadily since. Many people set realistic (but challenging) goals to complete a triathlon or marathon, and tie their efforts with a cause of their choosing to give them a little more motivation to reach their goal. Likewise, in connection with my Ironman efforts, I thought it was important for me to do something that would help raise funds and get the message out for such a great organization as Vitamin Angels.
 
Lastly, will you be running in the Santa Barbara International Marathon on December 6th to benefit Vitamin Angels?

I hope to join the Vitamin Angels' relay team and run a leg of the Santa Barbara International Marathon for them. It would be an honor and a privilege to help them complete the 26.2 mile event, and raise further awareness for Vitamin Angels and their causes.