Hello Chelmsford folks, 

While we've still got plenty of summer left, I want to remind you that The 8th Annual Grace Race is less than 2 months away - Saturday Oct. 1st will be here soon enough! Are you getting in shape to run or walk? Have you registered to run the 5-miler, walk the 5K, or volunteer on the course?  You can do all of the above online, or download an application at www.gracerace.org and mail it to us. Pre-register by Sept. 17th for $20. Remember to sign up your kids for the free childcare and kids' program we'll have at the race, too. 

This year we're announcing a new incentive for you to raise pledge money ... our "Pledge Back Rewards" program. Depending on how much money you raise through pledges (from neighbors, friends, family, coworkers, etc.) you can win a Kindle (Wifi - Graphite), iPod Touch, iPad (Wifi), and more. You'll get a free ticket to the "Heart of Africa" Gala Dinner at Grace Community Church on Oct. 8th, too. Most importantly, by enlisting the people you know to pledge - even just $20 a person, for example - you'll be helping us to complete construction of the school and vocational training classrooms at the Grace Children's Center in Naivasha Kenya. Once the school is complete, the facility can open its doors and orphans who are in much need of a good home can move in and begin living there. For details of the Pledge Back Rewards program, visit www.gracerace.org and download the pledge form (in the right sidebar) - details are on the back side. 

Thanks so much for your support. We'll see you on October 1st!

- John, for the Grace Race team 

P.S. The famine in East Africa is severe and heart-wrenching, as you've seen in the news. While Naivasha is in the southern part of Kenya and not suffering as much as the northern area of the country, getting food and clean water throughout Kenya is more challenging than it normally is and is a daily struggle for many many people. Be grateful for the clean water and abundant food that we have in our community.