Philanthropy
Marathon Kids
Heroes for Health honors Susan Combs.
Marathon Kids started 16 years ago as an Austin grass-roots initiative and is a free, six-month, running-walking-nutrition and gardening program for kindergarteners through fifth graders most vulnerable to Type 2 diabetes and sedentary lifestyles. Now in eight cities throughout the country, the organization serves more than 250,000 registered elementary-aged children per year.
On Oct. 20, Marathon Kids’ Heroes for Health will honor former Austin Woman cover woman and Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Susan Combs. The event will benefit the 83,000 Austin-area registered Marathon Kids who run or walk 26.2 miles during a period of six months and are challenged to eat five fruits and vegetables at least 26.2 days a month. As an early and passionate voice in the fight against childhood obesity, Combs has long advocated healthier diets and more active lifestyles for Texas’ boys and girls. During her two terms as Texas agriculture commissioner from 1999 to 2006, she focused the state’s and the nation’s attention on this growing challenge. She spearheaded the implementation of a Texas public-school nutrition policy that reduced serving sizes, required daily fruit and vegetable options and prohibited high calorie and unhealthy treats during the school day. Dubbed “the Cupcake Nazi” by some parents and teachers, Combs accepted the sugarcoated epithet because the school policies she pushed for would ensure better food choices for students. The Governor’s Commission for Women inducted Combs in to the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 2004 for her dedication and commitment to providing healthy food for Texas school children.
For her leadership in tackling Texas’ obesity crisis, the American Medical Association presented Combs its Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service in 2006. The Michael and Susan Dell Center for the Advancement of Healthy Living also named her the first Leadership Award recipient for Obesity Prevention.
“Marathon Kids–the name says it all,” says Combs. “It is a happy passion and the kids, the parents and the commu- nity are all involved cooperatively in helping the children develop healthy habits. The program is flexible and comes from the grassroots of the communities. It is a proactive program and will turn in to a lifelong marathon of healthy living. For every $10 that is raised, one kid gets through this marathon, and that is a really good ROI. I am a believer that P.E. in our schools matters and that Marathon Kids can really make a difference. I am so pleased to be a part of it. This is simply the right thing to do for our kids.”
For more information: marathonkids.org.
Austin Woman Sponsored Events
American Diabetes Association Gala This first-annual gala gathers more than 250 supporters on Friday, Oct. 21 for a black-tie masquerade at The Oasis on Lake Travis. Cocktails, dinner, live music and auctions benefit the ADA’s mission to prevent and cure diabetes. Visit diabetes.org/austingala for more information. Austin Women in Communication Get Smart Conference AWC’s fifth-annual professional-development conference will explore how to keep your creative energies flowing while meeting demanding deadlines and balancing tight budgets. Keeping the Muse Alive: Nurturing Inspiration and Creativity Against the Odds takes place Friday, Oct. 21, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit awcaustin.org for details. Texas Book Festival Texas’ most beloved book festival returns for its 16th year. Visit the Capitol grounds on Oct. 22 and 23 for book readings, signings and panels. Texasbookfestival.org. Austin Children’s Shelter Gala This year’s ACS gala, A Season of Dance, will feature performances from Blue Lapis Light, Ballet Folkorico, The Dance Spot and others. Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Hilton Hotel Austin. Girls Scouts of Central Texas’ S’more Soirée This exciting alternative fundraiser allows busy women a chance to escape their modern stressors and reconnect with nature at the Girl Scout campgrounds at Camp Texlake. Spa treatments, horseback riding and campfire songs with Sarah Hickman are a just few goodies included. Oct 29 and 30. Reserve tickets at gsctx.org. Center for Child Protection Play Bingo Luncheon Eighth annual ladies’ get-together. Bring your friends for tasty drinks, fabulous auction items and, of course, bingo!
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