See Donation Dollars In Action
ING’s Run For Something Better a big win with Hartford kids
October 13, 2008
There may have been gloom on Wall Street Friday morning but there were nothing but smiles and sunshine in Hartford's Bushnell Park as nearly a thousand middle school students ran the final 1.1 miles of a half marathon they've been logging over the past six weeks.
It was just the latest chapter of ING's Run For Something Better (IRFSB), which the company developed in 2003 to introduce kids to the benefits of running, physical fitness, and healthy lifestyle choice. Since the program began, approximately 30,000 children have participated, logging over a million miles in the process.
"I like math and all, but I really like this run!" said Justin Swan, a 13-year-old East Hartford Middle School student who would have been in math class if not for the Friday morning event. "Yes, definitely," said classmate Wilfredo Diaz, who readily agreed with Justin. "We don't like to be in school on a day like this, but don't tell my teacher."
ING volunteers also seemed to be enjoying a break from the routine. "This has been a great experience," said first-time volunteer Brian Mays, ING Regulatory Documents Administration, Windsor, CT. "It's nice to see everyone pulling together. It's a big win for ING, the city and the kids."
From a business perspective, the IRFSB has been a great door opener for ING with local schools. "It's really a nonthreatening approach," explained Mark Luckinbill, ING Worksite Sales, Charlotte, NC. An avid runner himself, Mark enjoys being part of ING's race sponsorship efforts, and was in Hartford Friday to help out. "When you make an appointment to talk about the ING Run For Something Better program, it naturally leads to a business perspective. After all, everyone supports fitness. And school administrators in particular are aware of the obesity crisis among children. This program really helps the kids, so you're received in a positive way when you go to see a potential customer."
Mark's colleague, Michael Linehan, senior wealth management advisor for ING in Connecticut, Windsor, agrees. "ING is a leader in the Education marketplace," he said. "We feel a real responsibility for the markets we serve. ING's Run For Something Better helps children make better choices, healthier choices for their futures. This program really helps to differentiate us in the marketplace."
Nationally, the IRFSB program has donated more than $1 million to schools and community organizations that support running and fitness initiatives - and has committed over $2 million through 2010.