In 2005, when I started at IRIS, I felt our mission of welcoming refugees deserved the energy and enthusiasm of a road race. We had a catchy name, The Run for Refugees,  I was encouraged by my best friend and marathon runner, Ron Berger of the Shutesbury Coffee Cake Running Club.  Barry Nalebuff, founder of Honest Tea, invested in our "start up" and became our first title sponsor. But we needed to find a date on the calendar. It was John Bysiewicz of JB Sports who boldly suggested we hold our event on the morning of Superbowl Sunday, the middle of winter.  The rest is history.   By 2017, thanks to all of you, the Run for Refugees has been attracting more than 2,000 participants every year. It has become our nation's biggest celebration of the American tradition of welcoming refugees.     

A month ago I stepped down from my position as IRIS Executive Director.  Since this Sunday will be my final event, my IRIS colleagues talked me into doing something a little crazy with this personal fundraiser. So here it is:  If your donations total $10,000 by race day,  I will dye my hair purple - the official color of IRIS -- the organization I've had the privilege of serving for 18 years.

So, If you'd like to see me with purple hair this Sunday -- or if you just want to support a great cause --- please donate.   

Thank you, 

Chris George