12/18/2014
Letter to the Editor, December 4, 2014
Dear Editor:
This was the first year that we did not have the RUN/WALK FOR TARA on November 11, Tara’s birthday. We were pleasantly surprised by many people who still sent us cards, letters, and donations to the TARA FUND, which supports Eating Disorders Programs. Some people even went to the Williston athletic fields to walk the route of the annual RUN/WALK FOR TARA. We were quite moved by this spontaneous outpouring of compassion and generosity.
For the past 12 years, we have been amazed at the outpouring of support for the TARA FUND. We salute the hundreds of people who volunteered to organize the Run, the thousands of people who have participated, and the hundreds of local businesses who have been Sponsors of the race. Thanks to all these generous people, we have been able to give out $47,050 in Grants to Eating Disorders Programs to date. Locally, we have set up a TARA
SCHOLARSHIP FUND at the Walden Behavioral Care in Northampton, to assist people who don’t have insurance to
cover their treatment. We have also sponsored educational programs at Hampshire Regional High School, the Williston-
Northampton School, and at Holyoke Community College. In addition, we have given grants to Research Programs and
scholarships for Eating Disorders Programs. In the United States, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
For a full list of grants go to www.runfortara.org or facebook.com/runforTara.
We will continue to give out grants to Eating Disorders Programs until all the funds are depleted. If anyone would like to contribute, they may make out a check to the TARA SHEEHAN FUND, CFWM, Community Foundation of Western MA. and send it to Maureen and John Sheehan, 127 Pomeroy Meadow Rd., Southampton, MA. 01073.
Thanks again to all the volunteers, participants, and Sponsors for helping us to reach out to people who are suffering from eating disorders. It is civic-minded businesses and people like you that make our community such a special place in which to live and work. As George Eliot (a.k.a. Marian Evans), said so eloquently, “ We make a living from what we get. We make a life from what we give. What we have done for ourselves dies with us. What we have done for others and the world, is immortal."
We wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Maureen & John Sheehan
Annual 5K Run and Walk in memory of Tara Sheehan. Always on November 11 in Easthampton, MA. Proceeds benefit eating disorder education and treatment.
