Alef: The NEXT Conversation

Bet My Life

By Aaron Lerman

As I stood watching Jon Markowitz run past me for the last time, grinning ear to ear, enroute to finishing Ironman Switzerland, I thought to myself, “Wow, he’s really gonna do this.” But Jon wasn’t just finishing that last lap back in July 2008 for himself; he was finishing this race in memory of his parents and for the people that would benefit from the funds raised through Bet My Life Charities, the charity he formed months earlier.

The goals of BMLC are simple: provide athletic education, training support, and anything else a budding athlete will need to complete a race of his/her choice, be it a casual 5k or an Ironman Triathlon, all while raising money for worthy causes.

On a daily basis I try to practice Tzedakah and acting as Vice-President of Bet My Life Charities challenged me to explore my own Jewish identity. What does it mean to be a “good” Jew? Surely, giving people a venue to get in shape, have fun, and train with other like-minded people is one step in that direction. Whenever I’m handling my duties with BMLC I have this warm and fuzzy feeling, knowing my time is donated for the greater good of humanity and knowing my help with our atheletes makes a real difference in their lives as well.

And personally, I too, have grown since that cool and misty day while watching Jon swim, bike, and run through Zurich. It got me motivated to train for my own triathlons and marathons and my participation in his charity has helped me bridge two important things in my life that have always remained separate: athletics and Tzedakah. What better than being able to combine them! I had wanted to get in shape and watching Jon and thousands of other racers got me thinking that if these people could train for a race, surely I could too!

BMLC has set up two sponsored recipients of funds raised: The Barbara L. Stone Foundation seeks to eradicate illiteracy and The Eric L. Markowitz Cancer Research Society Foundation awards stipends to families with loved ones undergoing experimental cancer treatments. Our sponsored athletes go that extra mile, not just training for the half-marathon, but raising awareness about those less fortunate. They also find a personalized coach, mentor, and friend in Jon.

The funds raised through BMLC go to real people and really make a difference, helping to support the concept of Tikkun Olam. I am proud of BMLC because we are determined to make a difference, and even though we are small now, we’re dreaming big! If you have any desire to get in shape and raise awareness about those less fortunate, check us out and email me or Jon personally – I cannot wait to work with you!

Visit us online at BetMyLife.org

Picture by infomatique licensed under Creative Commons

Tags: Charity, Orgs, Sports

Posted by Rafi, Wednesday, January 27th, 2010, 8:23 pm, Jews and Sports.