Women’s Fund Selected as Half Marathon Charity Partner

Inaugural Bellin Women’s Event is Saturday, Sept. 26

The Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay has been selected as the charity partner for the inaugural Bellin Women’s Half Marathon on Saturday, Sept. 26.

A fund of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, the Women’s Fund provides grants to local organizations that focus on leadership and self-esteem initiatives that empower women and inspire girls. Through the help of donors and special event fundraising, the Women’s Fund endowment has grown steadily to its current level of more than $2.2 million.

“The Women’s Fund truly is the perfect charity partner for our female-focused event,” said Bellin Women’s Half Marathon Race Director Linda Maxwell. “We are so excited to join forces with this phenomenal organization, which helps improve the lives of women and girls in our community.”

Dubbed “a race to empower women,” the inaugural Bellin Women’s Half Marathon is the first event of its kind in Northeastern Wisconsin. The 13.1-mile individual race and two-person relay is designed to celebrate and motivate female athletes of all levels and abilities. The female focus also provides an opportunity to spotlight training and health issues specifically related to women.

As the event’s charity partner, the Women’s Fund will provide volunteers to assist with pre-race and race-weekend activities. Half Marathon participants can earn a free entry into the race by raising $400 for the organization.

“The Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay is truly honored to be selected as the recipient of the proceeds from Bellin Health’s first half marathon for women,” said Women’s Fund President Nancy Thompson. “This generous gift will increase the dollars the Women’s Fund will be able to grant to local organizations that positively impact the lives of girls and women in our community.”

The Women’s Fund offers donors and sponsors the opportunity to directly help women and girls in the greater Green Bay community by funding the organizations and programs that research has shown are of greatest local need.

Since 1995, the Women's Fund has awarded grants totaling more than $395,000 to more than 70 initiatives and community programs, including educational and character development programs for girls; skill-building initiatives for women to help them overcome barriers and move out of poverty; and leadership programs for women and girls. More information is available at www.womensfundgb.org.

Registration opened May 1 for the Bellin Women’s Half Marathon, which starts at Bayshore County Park and meanders along the bay to conclude at a favorite Green Bay destination, Bay Beach Amusement Park. There is a 2,000 participant cap for the event’s first year.

Visit www.BellinWomensHalf.com to register or for more information.