I admire those who run marathons or half marathons or even 5Ks… (I am not a runner, you see.) So, hats off to The Spa’s very own Andy for joining Team Burnham for a second year in a row and running in the Disney Marathon!

Team Burnham is participating in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, January 7-9, 2010, to raise money for the Sanford Burnham Institute for Medical Research. The Sanford Burnham Institute for Medical Research is dedicated to discovering the fundamental molecular causes of disease and devising the innovative therapies of tomorrow. Burnham, with operations in California and Florida, is one of the fastest-growing research institutes in the country. http://www.burnham.org/default.asp?contentID=15

This will be Andy’s second marathon. This year however, Andy is accompanied by his son Dylan and their goal is to raise $6,000 before marathon weekend. In support of Andy’s and Dylan’s endeavor The Spa will be hosting a clothing drive between November 1-December 13. We are asking Spa Patrons to bring in used or gently worn clothes that will be donated to Plato’s Closet. In return, the funds from Plato’s Closet, will be submitted to Burnham and attributed towards Andy’s & Dylan’s fund-raising efforts.

So what’s in it for you, aside from clearing out clothes in your closet that let’s face it, you haven’t worn for the pest three years? As added encouragement for people to donate and help them obtain their goal, if you donate $25 or more to their on-line donation page, The Spa will give you a $25 gift card to The Spa. The gift card can be used on any spa service including Happy Hours (January’s is chocolate themed!). This is a great last minute gift for anyone on your list, or a great way for you to start off the New Year with a spa treatment! Donate $25 (or more) to charity; get a $25 gift card – now that’s a deal!

So, if you are a non-runner like me, support Team Burnham by contributing to Andy’s & Dylan’s goal. If you are a runner, you can still contribute to their goal and join the marathon!

Good luck Andy, don’t forget to stretch, hydrate and breathe! Oh and make sure you book a massage before and after the race – I think you will need one!