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 | Ironman for Adoption Campaign Raises $44,000
Rich Pais, Founder of 3:16 Athletic Wear, Inc. finished Ironman USA in Lake Placid New York in 13:20 minutes. But completing the grueling 140.6 mile event was not the blessing Rich was most thankful for. “Thanks to hundreds of donors, volunteers and corporate sponsors we raised $44,000 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. As foster dad and adoptive parent, I just couldn’t stop thinking about all the kids looking for a family – especially during the race. They gave me strength beyond imagination”. As part of the fundraising efforts 3:16 Athletic Wear, Inc. produced a limited addition Dave Thomas bike jersey “We sold over 40 the first week we had them” said Julie Pais, 3:16 president. “We also had a bike rally for foster parents sponsored by local bike shops. Over 50 bikes were repaired; helmets and safety gear distributed, and the kids went on a ride with a small group of triathletes and ironman finishers who were present. It meant so much to the parents; it is very hard to keep the bikes maintained. Foster parents have so much to deal with just trying to heal these kids”
New helmets were a big hit at the bike rally!
Wendy’s restaurants also helped with a special promotion during May to help raise money for Rich. They created the “Ironman for Adoption” campaign and raised over $20,000 through Frosty Float coupon sales. “The best feeling wasn’t at the finish line, it came as we were approached by many people who had considered foster adoption but were too scared to move forward. We prayed with these people and helped lead them to the right agency, ministry or organization for their needs. Many people are now moving forward to adopt kids who desperately need a home.” For their actions in the “Ironman for Adoption” campaign the Pais family was named “Adoptive Family of the Year” by Voice for Adoption. Christian Spin Class at Wilkes Barre YMCA a Huge Success
3:16 Athletic Wear, inc. founder and 3-time Ironman finisher Rich Pais conducted the first “Christian-Spin” class ever at the Wilkes Barre YMCA in the spring of 2008. The class utilized inspiring Christian praise and rock music to guide riders on an 8-week course of increasing intensity. “The goal was to get people ready for the spring season: both the bike season and the season of Easter” Pais stated. The road to getting the class started was not easy. “People were nervous that we would “offend” some of the members with our praise and enthusiasm. The original offering was to have a class before Christmas – but that was turned down” noted Pais. In the end, the class became one of the most popular at the Y. In fact, several new members joined just to participate in the workouts. “They want us to do it again in the fall, and God willing, we will be there!” 3:16 Athletic Wear, Inc. Sponsors FCA Endurance Triathlon Camp
3:16 Athletic Wear was a proud sponsor of the FCA Endurance Triathlon Camp in Scottsdale, Arizona in March 2008. “We provided our signature “3:16 – Your Race Number for Life” shirts to everyone in attendance. We also provided raffle and door prizes for the athletes” stated Julie Pais, co-founder and company president. “Their mission is so close to ours. We have to have athletes stand up and not be afraid to testify for Christ – especially endurance athletes who attract so much attention and admiration from their family and friends”. 3:16 is hoping to team with FCW Endurance on other projects including a joint appearance with the 3:16 Praise Van and DJ system at the Marine Corps Marathon this fall. 3:16 Rocks the Course at the New Jersey Marathon
3:16 thanks everyone who made our time at the New Jersey Marathon very special. We will keep all those in our prayers who we met – especially those in Trenton, N.J, who are considering their calling to priesthood and the Team Autism athletes who ran strong all day. The Praise Van was rocking with high volume Christian tunes for 3-hours and was joined by a small crowd who helped us cheer on, bless and pray for every single athlete who passed through in both the half marathon and full marathon. The following testimonial says it best (and makes us sorry we won’t be in Connecticut in June: “Just wanted to personally thank you for being such an important force in the NJ Marathon two weeks ago. I have run the course before but this is the first time I've experienced such inspiring people guiding me. I wanted to quit at the half marathon point but just knowing I would be able to hear your encouraging words and empowering Christian music again along the course made me persevere. On June 22, I'm running the Fairfield CT Half Marathon. Will you be a part of that race? I sure hope to see you there.
Please let me know.
Once again, thanks and God bless you all!
F.M.2008 NJ Marathon Finisher
3:16 Adds Air Force Marathon to Appearance Schedule
3:16 Athletic Wear has announced it will be adding the Air Force Marathon at Wright Patterson Air Force Base to its list of vending and praise events for 2008. “We have had such a strong reaction from the military towards our clothing and mission that it just seemed natural to add this event. They understand the blessings of God on our country and on their lives in a very unique way. It will be an honor to be there” stated Julie Pais, co-founder and company president. “We don’t have military clearance to bring our music and blessing on course yet, but we hope to have that soon”. 3:16 will be preparing a special verse for shirts at Marine Corps and Air Force Marathon. The shirts will be trimmed in air force blue and army green and have 2 Timothy “A good soldier does not concern himself with civilian affairs; he wants to please his Commanding Officer”. 3:16 Granted Permission to Bring Praise Van on the Course at Ironman USA
In a remarkable and very special way, 3:16 Athletic Wear will have the opportunity to bring cheer, blessing and prayer to athletes at Ironman USA in Lake Placid. “North Country Ministries has an amazing presence at Lake Placid every year – and because they are so well known and appreciated, the director of volunteers at Ironman USA is letting us bring the Praise Van out onto one the most lonely and difficult portions of the course” stated Rich Pais, 3:16 Athletic Wear founder. “We have heard stories of salvation coming from athletes in this race. It is just so hard. No one can do it alone and we will make sure no one forgets that” notes Pais a three-time Ironman USA finisher. “We will crank up the music, offer blessing and prayer for every athlete that wants it. We will be there until the last runner passes by at midnight; we will not leave them alone.” 3:16 Adds New Race Opportunities
“Our ministry just keeps growing. It’s awesome” says Julie Pais, 3:16 Athletic Wear, Inc. cofounder. “The amazing thing is, when we focus on our ministry – then God blesses us with new contracts.” In addition to supplying 200 jerseys to a bike tour for wounded veterans, 3:16 will now be supplying race shirts for the following races: Athletes of Christ 5K, Danbury Connecticut Garden Village Youth Triathlon, West Pittston, PA (2nd year) The Wilkes Barre Triathlon, Wilkes Barre, PA (2nd year) The Anthracite Triathlon, Jim Thorpe, PA
“We are also producing custom cycling jerseys for “Nothing but Nets” Pais says “We are supporting a group of riders traveling from Vancouver to San Diego this summer to help raise awareness about malaria and acquire funds for the purchase of mosquito nets in tropical Africa” 3:16 Athletic Wear, Inc. is a provider of high quality Christian-oriented athletic apparel and mission clothing. 3:16 specializes in products made with hydro-wicking and moisture absorbent material. They produce clothing for cycling, running, triathlon, tennis, golf, etc. The company is unique in offering each customer customization of individual shirts, jerseys, and other products to include bible verses or inspirational phrases. 3:16 Athletic Wear offers deep discounts and special opportunities to charitable organizations for fundraising and maintains an active ministry presence in adoption, foster care, and athletics. 3:16 Athletic Wear is located in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania and offers a complete line of products manufactured and produced within the USA. They may be reached at www.316athleticwear.com. |
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