Griffin's Friends: Miles for Smiles

Join Team Griffin's Friends in our 26th year for a VIRTUAL EVENT this July! Every registered entrant will attempt to cover as many miles as they can during the month of July. Miles can be run or walked, and split over the course of a day. For example, run five miles in the morning and five miles at night. Walk 2 miles in the morning and run 2 at night.

The Inspiration for Miles for Smiles

Inspired by Team Griffin’s Friends member Matt Rich’s goal to run close to 500 miles in July, we’re excited to invite all team members (new and old) to join us for a unique and virtual running experience. Matt’s goal is to run every day of the month, with his daily mileage equaling the corresponding day on the calendar. In his plan on July 1 he'll run one mile, the 2nd two miles, the 3rd three miles, and so forth until running thirty-one miles on July 31st. This is a very lofty goal and we wish Matt the best of luck! For the rest of us, we’ve designed a virtual challenge that will allow everyone to participate based on their own abilities and goals.

Fundraising

We realize that times are tough right now, but we still strive to raise a substantial amount for Griffin’s Friends events and activities for children. For us, this is just as much about everyone feeling connected during these times and spreading some joy. All registered runners raising a minimum of $100 will receive a limited edition Griffin’s Friends T-shirt designed for this event. 

Virtual Teams

If you wish, you may also form a virtual team (up to ten members) to increase the comradery and accountability. Your virtual team mileage will be totaled (or averaged) and bragging rights are on the line! We're also working on some fun ways to recognize our teams.

More About Griffin's Friends

Griffin's Friends Children's Cancer Fund is a nonprofit organization in Springfield, Massachusetts, part of Baystate Health Foundation, Inc., and founded in honor of a young boy, Griffin D. Kelleher, who struggled with and died of cancer at the age of 14 months. Volunteers help to provide relief for families and children in their times of need. Team Griffin's Friends and its volunteers help to plan parties, trips to sporting events, picnics, and many other sources of entertainment for the children, siblings, and families of the pediatric oncology clinic at Baystate Children's Hospital, which this organization benefits. As an organization, we also purchase toys, art supplies, computers, and other things for recreational use for the inpatient wing of Baystate Children's Hospital.