Well, well - look what showed up in my inbox

The good stuff starts half way down :) :) :)

August MESP Newsletter

Dear Athlete: MESP is proud to introduce you to our new monthly newsletter! We will keep you posted on the going’s on in the event world, keep you updated on the latest and greatest that MESP has to offer and introduce you to some of the folks who make our events so unique. Our motto is to “make a difference in people’s lives” – thanks for joining us as we continue to create and produce some of the most fun and enjoyable athletic events around the country ! If you get a chance – please click over to our South Beach website, we recently posted the event video up there – it was one of the coolest races we have been involved with, in a long time. The weather, the food, the course and amazing warm ocean swim all combined for a great day – so join us in Miami Beach, if you can – next year ! Take Care and have a great time working out ! Michael Epstein President MESP

Top Fundraiser: Are you the Chicken or the Pig?

“The pig and the chicken were on their way to breakfast, trying to decide what to have. When chicken said, ''Let's have ham and eggs.'' The pig then replied, ''That's fine for you, it's a small donation on your part, but it's a total sacrifice for me.'' –Unknown Rich Iazzetta the top fundraiser in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon presented by Toyota, who has almost reached his goal of $10,000, displays this quote on his fundraising page. When asked of the meaning he explains, “I wanted people to understand that they just had to give a little; that I would do the work of asking for donations, collecting money, training and competing in a triathlon!” His original goal was $5000, but he continued to get donations and increased his goal to $7,500 and finally $10,000. His secret; a personalized donation email to family, friends and clients with the incentive that he would donate $50.00 if anyone donated over $100.00. Talk about sacrifices! Rich has already donated over $3000. This is Rich’s first time fundraising with the Nautica Malibu Triathlon. He was motivated by his grandmother’s recent passing. Rich and his family in NY are gathering to celebrate his grandmother’s life on what would have been her 100th birthday and Rich is raising the $10,000 in her honor. Rich found his fundraising success through starting early, personalizing his letters, and finding creative ways to motivate people to give! If you haven’t had time to start your fundraising efforts for CHLA, click on the following link for more tips on how to be successful. http://www.fundraiserinsight.org/articles/neverfailfundraising.html And remember whether you’re the chicken or the pig, every dollar goes towards children at CHLA!

Athlete Feature: Finishing is Winning!

The Nautica Malibu Triathlon presented by Toyota not only brings out elite athletes, celebrities, challenged athletes and those triathletes who just enjoy the weekend challenge, but it also brings out the first time triathletes who overcome obstacles to race Malibu. Andy Mattick, a local Pastor in Malibu, is one of those first timers. After cheering on the 2007 athletes he was inspired to try the race. His first challenge; he was out of shape, weighing 360lbs, and if that wasn’t enough, he didn’t even own a bike. After dropping 35lbs while training and finding a used bike, he quietly went to register. Like other athletes, Andy found that regular race registration was sold out, which became his second obstacle. His church community helped purchase a charity slot and became the official sponsor of “Team Rev. Big Dog.” Andy’s last hurdle will be the triathlon. He is continuing to train, lose weight and enjoy his new healthy lifestyle. Andy’s goal isn’t to win his first triathlon, but he desires to cross the finish line that morning and ride up the block a hundred yards to proudly preach a sermon wearing his Nautica Malibu Triathlon finisher’s medal.