The Ironman Foundation Community Fund will distribute $50,000 in grant funding to initiatives and groups in the greater Chattanooga community in conjunction with the inaugural 2014 Little Debbie Ironman Chattanooga to Benefit Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America triathlon taking place on Sunday.
Through more than 200 Ironman Chattanooga Foundation race slots, athletes have helped raise over $130,000 to support the Ironman Foundation Community Fund.
The proceeds from the Community Fund then provide grant opportunities to non-profit organizations in the communities where U.S. Ironman events are held.
“The mission of the Ironman Foundation is to leave Ironman's legacy through philanthropy, voluntarism and grant making, and to support various non-profit organizations around the world,” said Betsy Langan, community relations manager for the foundation. “We are thrilled to expand the foundation’s reach and impact through community grants in Chattanooga.”
The foundation also provides registered athletes with the platform to fundraise for the foundation or a non-profit beneficiary of their choice as they train for their Ironman event.
Deacon John Broehl and Lori Lyons are the top fundraisers in the “Your Journey, Your Cause” program for Ironman Chattanooga. Mr. Broehl has raised over $15,000 for Make a Wish and Ms. Lyons has raised over $12,000 for Project Giving. Collectively, the “Your Journey, Your Cause” athletes have raised more than $50,000 for their respective causes.
Additionally, in partnership with the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, the Ironman Foundation will donate $14,000 to the Hamilton County Special Tactics Search and Rescue to show support of first responder groups. This donation will be used to procure a new Polaris Ranger XP Search and Rescue All-Terrain Vehicle to help with rescue in wilderness areas, transportation of injured patients and to provide medical support during major sporting events like the IRONMAN triathlon.