Patty's fundraising for GOTR Great Sacramento

I started my Girls on the Run (GOTR) journey back in 2011, when a friend recruited me to be a Running Buddy for a girl running her first 5K. Watching my buddy—and over 400 other girls—cross the finish line that day truly changed my life. The very next season, I signed up to be a coach.

As a coach, I gained a deeper understanding of the GOTR curriculum and its mission to empower young girls to be confident, compassionate, and engaged members of their communities. Through thoughtfully designed lessons, fun activities, and running challenges, I saw firsthand how the girls embraced what they were learning and grew in amazing ways throughout the season. I remember thinking, I wish I had a program like this growing up. I promised myself that if I ever had a daughter, I’d want her to have this kind of experience.

Fast forward to 2022—nearly a decade later—I now have a fourth-grade daughter and partnered with GOTR Greater Sacramento to bring the program to her elementary school. Since then, I’ve returned to coaching multiple seasons and, in 2024, joined the GOTR Greater Sacramento Board of Directors.

I can honestly say the program is as incredible as ever. I want to help make sure every girl—not just my own—has the opportunity to participate. Please consider donating and/or spreading the word. Every contribution helps bring this empowering program to more girls in our community.

$15 Every dollar helps inspire girls in Greater Sacramento to be joyful, healthy and confident!

$25 Supply healthy snacks for one team for five practices

$50 Provide new running shoes for one scholarship recipient (about 50% of girls receive scholarships)

$100 Provide new running shoes for two scholarship recipients (about 50% of girls receive scholarships)

$185 Sponsor a scholarship and running shoes for one girl who could not otherwise participate (about 50% of girls receive scholarships)

$250 Provide materials, resources, training and support for our volunteer coaches

$500 Supply healthy snacks for 5 teams for an entire season

$750 Provide new running shoes for a team of 15 girls

More about GOTR

Girls on the Run of Greater Sacramento is the ONLY evidence-based program that helps Sacramento-area girls build their emotional, mental, and physical health.

In a recent report on how physical activity can help address the mental health crisis among children and teens, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said that Girls on the Run increased participants’ overall physical activity and helped them learn critical life skills, including resolving conflict, helping others, or making intentional decisions. Girls on the Run is the only non-profit program mentioned in the report!

The program combines a professionally designed curriculum with a 5K training plan encouraging girls to develop self-respect and make healthy decisions. They also build life skills such as confidence, kindness, and decision-making.

Girls on the Run is committed to ensuring access for all participants, regardless of their financial situation. In 2024, nearly 800 girls participated. We aim to serve more in 2025, but we need your help!

By supporting Girls on the Run, you will make a tangible difference in the lives of girls in our community, providing them with essential life skills and the confidence they need to navigate life's challenges.