Roopa ("Ruth") Dearing

Dear friends and family, 

I have again joined the 2025 52.4 team and, for several months, have been training to complete 4 half marathons in 4 weeks!  This is my 7th year to participate in this  fundraising effort for children in India suffering with , or affected by, HIV/AIDS. The funds will be used to support orphanages there that WILL take in these children, to meet the endless needs of HIV/AIDS affected orphans - and to give them a shot at life, albeit a shortened one;   a life in which one in which they will experience love and being valued.   Many orphanages will not take the children in due to the societal and cultural stigma associated with the disease.  

I'm committed to completing this venture along with a group, 120 strong this year, comprised of runners and walkers.  I am boldly asking you to partner with me to make a difference in the lives of these precious children in India. Reaching my lofty goal and completing the 4 half marathons will be, no doubt, be challenging - that's  been true every year I have done this.  But,  I'll be walking for a purpose much greater than myself - children I have held and hugged when Paul I have gone to India , and who don't have a voice. I am using my (very loud!) voice to ask  for YOUR support on their behalf.  

Through the generous support of friends, family, and local businesses, Fifty Two Four, a grassroots organization in Boise, Idaho  - started by a small group of runners who were deeply moved by the plight of the children in India 17 years ago - has been able to raise over $1,625,000 in that time frame!  This is our 18th year.  Because Fifty Two  Four is a totally volunteer run and operated organization, all race fees and associated personal expenses are paid by each participant, and organizational expenses are covered by the board.  Be assured, 100% of YOUR donation will go directly to our cause, and  the money used "as advertised".  Paul  and I have been deeply moved by what we have seen  - the love and care poured out by dedicated leaders and workers changes the children.  Every penny goes to India, each dollar goes  a LONG way - pun intended!   Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the most generous support you can provide  as I take on this physical challenge. Thank you on behalf of those who will likely never be able to thank you  personally - the children in India for whom we all do this.

Fiftytwo.four is a 501(c)3 community based non-profit organization. We operate solely on lots of amazing volunteers and donations. Any overhead costs (which are very minimal) are covered through designated donations of our board of directors. We are a very grassroots organization full of lots of amazing people that just simply want to use their lives to make a difference in lives of a lot of beautiful children in India that need our help. 100% of the money that we raise is sent to the organization that we support in India. Our money is specifically designated for the endless needs of HIV/AIDS orphans. It covers anything and everything pertaining to the needs of HIV/AIDS orphans but is designated each year based on where the greatest need is. Some ways that our funds have been spent in the past 17 years: medical needs, nutritious foods, education costs, medicine, building costs for new HIV/AIDS facilities/orphanages, vehicles to transport the children.