More than $539,000 donated in 12-year history

The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon celebrated another milestone this season, surpassing a half million dollars contributed to local charities since its inception in 2000.

This year’s Cellcom Green Bay Marathon generated at total of $129,182.90 in proceeds for its three charities – a combination of direct fundraising through the Run for a Reason program, general fundraising (amounts raised for all three charities) and additional proceeds from the event itself. This brings the total donated by the event to local charity partners to more than $539,000 over the past twelve years.

Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin, Junior Achievement of Brown County and Cerebral Palsy, Inc. each received their donation today at the CP Center in Green Bay.

“The past three years as a Cellcom Green Bay Marathon charity partner has allowed Cerebral Palsy, Inc. (the local CP Centers) to accomplish what is truly important; assisting hundreds of area infants, children, and adults with profound physical and cognitive conditions,” said Tanessa Klug, director of development for Cerebral Palsy, Inc. “It has been an honor for the local CP Centers to collaborate with a variety of organizations in executing this world-class event. We hope our volunteers have been helpful to the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon crew, as they have so greatly impacted our clients through the generosity of everyone involved in the event.”

Cerebral Palsy, Inc. is concluding its three-year partnership with the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. The marathon is currently accepting applications for a new charitable partner for the next three years. More information is available at www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com or by calling race director Sean Ryan at 920-606-2458. Applications are due no later than September 30.

The eighth annual Mary Poppele Award, which is given annually to the top fundraiser, was also presented today. Recipient Editha Krueger of Green Bay raised $2,013.61 for Family Services through the Run for a Reason program. The award is given in memory of Mary Poppele, an avid marathon fundraiser, who passed away in April 2004, while training for the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon.

Jeff Poppele, Mary’s husband, now serves as the Marathon’s charity fund-raising director. “Mary’s memory lives on through hundreds of people who raise money for the Marathon’s charity partners,” said Poppele. “Mary was a very giving person who was always helping those in need.”

Of the 142 active fund-raisers this year, 111 received free registrations through the marathon’s Run for a Reason program.

In addition to a positive community influence, marathon organizers estimate the three-day weekend event had an economic impact of more than $1.4 million.

“The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is much more than a running event,” said Ryan. “Each year, thousands of volunteers, participants and businesses come together to benefit our community in many, many ways.”

The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon seeks to create community spirit through a world-class marathon for people of all abilities. To learn more, visit www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com.