I volunteer because raising as little as $25 can do so much to improve the life of a child in Kenya and I believe that the most important step to breaking the cycle of poverty in any country is through education.

I run because I used to weigh almost 200 pounds more than I do now. I am running this race because I will be in Nashville for the American Judges Association Conference. I am a Judge in Cleveland and I work in an urban court with a predominantly African American population. I am constantly learning about the challenges and stigmas that the people in front of me face daily. This includes the heritage they share. I have been blessed with a relatively easy life. I believe it is my responsibility to support those less fortunate whether they live in my neighborhood, state or anywhere else in the world. It is nice to be able to say this without people thinking that my motive is re-election or self agrandization. I am not running for office in Nashville, I just want to be a part of your endeavor.

I volunteer because a 10-year-old inspired me six years ago to help a country I had never thought about. And, because every person deserves dignity. Now I've been to Africa and have seen - first-hand - the impact we're making.