The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Middletown woman runs 24 miles in 24 hours
Over $2K raised for Borgen Project to help with global issues
MIDDLETOWN — Runner Alexandra Giardina recently completed a challenging day-long feat to raise money for an organization that brings attention to global poverty, world hunger and other global issues.
She came up with the fundraising event as part of her internship in public relations and marketing for the nonprofit The Borgen Project. “I was trying to come up with new and exciting ways to get people involved,” said Giardina, a graduate of Middletown High School.
“I tried sending out informational letters, posts on social media, and I used my video skills to create YouTube videos to try and spread the word,” she said.
The July 19 feat, posted afterward on social media, coincided with her 21st birthday.
Her ideas were good and raised some awareness, but Giardina knew she could
do better. She had heard of the 24x24 run being used as a fundraising event through other social media platforms and figured she would give it a try.
“I knew that people would gain respect for me for putting myself through a tough 24-hour run, and it would prove my determination and passion toward raising this money and spreading the word about The Borgen Project. Ultimately, no ‘marketing tactic’ can top respect,” she said.
Giardina, who has been running since she was 13, routinely clocks her time under 8 minutes per mile. In high school, she played soccer, indoor track and softball. At Stonehill College, she continued playing soccer.
This was the first time she ever participating in a fundraiser.
“It was very rewarding that I could put my mind to something so big,” Giardina said. “We were able to raise so much money for a great cause, and the support that I had from my family and friends was such a big part of how I was able to finish such a challenge.”
Giardina soon made a post on her Facebook page explaining her goal and overall mission. “At first, the donations were coming in slowly, and I was having a hard time drawing attention to the event. I was just patient, did some word-ofmouth advertising, and prepared myself mentally.”
By the first mile, Giardina had secured 24 donors, raising an unexpected $460. Within 24 hours, she received support from 92 donors and raised an “unbelievable” total of $2,230.
“Without them, I would have nothing to think about to push me through those miles at 3 in the morning. I may have been the one running the miles and gathering the donations, but we are the people that made the world a better place,” she said.
The runner is very thankful for the experience.
“I am proud of myself for not only being able to complete 24 miles in 24 hours, but for having an idea that I was able to successfully bring to life to raise money for a great cause. I am so lucky to have such a positive support crew,” Giardina said.
For information, visit borgenproject.org.