We run to make a difference.
There are many reasons to run Relay Iowa, but know that if you do, your money goes to make a difference. Relay Iowa supports Restoring Hope International and local Iowa charities. We also run for Relay Iowa co-founder Jill Raine.
The following excerpt from her obituary has become our mantra. It captures the essence of Jill and the essence of the run.
“Relay Iowa has become a metaphor for a life well lived. It is not a race to the finish, but an extended relay of individuals journeying closely together, sustaining each other as they stretch the limits of their physical endurance, test their mental toughness and draw upon their emotional well in a place beyond their comfort zones, for the sole purpose of improving the life of another human being.”
For Restoring Hope International
Relay Iowa is a non-profit organization committed to supporting Restoring Hope Village, a network of homes for orphaned children in Welkom, South Africa. Restoring Hope Village offers a secure and nurturing environment for children who have experienced neglect and abuse, addressing their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.
The partnership between Relay Iowa and Restoring Hope Village began in 2009 when Bill Raine, co-founder and former director of Relay Iowa, volunteered at Restoring Hope. His experience inspired him to establish Relay Iowa to support the village's mission to "break the cycle of illness and loss that leads these children to our care."
Restoring Hope Village depends mainly on private donations to fund its operations, as government grants are minimal and inconsistent. Contributions from churches, individuals, clubs, and even children help sustain the village's critical work. Thanks to the support from the Relay Iowa community, Relay Iowa House and Jill’s House were inaugurated in the summer of 2016, providing essential facilities for the children in Welkom.
For more information about their work and how to contribute, please visit their website at www.rhi.org.
For Jill Raine
Jill Raine cofounded Relay Iowa along with her husband, Bill. She was the behind-the-scenes master who held the event together, corralled all the details and focused tirelessly on its success. The hardest working person in the relay business, Jill did the work of three people. We know this to be true because there are now three people managing her vast list of relay-related tasks.
Relay Iowa bookended the last years of her life. Jill was diagnosed with cancer three days after the inaugural Relay Iowa held in 2010. She left us on June 8th just a few hours after the final team of 2015 crossed the finish line in Dubuque. From her bed at home, she and Bill were able to monitor the teams and she was aware when all had completed the journey. Bill says she smiled and said “good job” when it was done.
A selfless person with a radiant smile, Jill exuded a love that drew people to her. She felt most comfortable out of the spotlight, but she was a powerful force behind Relay Iowa. Her legacy includes two amazing daughters and a legion of family and friends who loved her to the core and miss her terribly. She also leaves behind this remarkable event. Well done, Jill. We will do our best to fill your impossible-to-fill shoes.
The following excerpt from her obituary has become our mantra. It captures the essence of Jill and the essence of the run.
“Relay Iowa has become a metaphor for a life well lived. It is not a race to the finish, but an extended relay of individuals journeying closely together, sustaining each other as they stretch the limits of their physical endurance, test their mental toughness and draw upon their emotional well in a place beyond their comfort zones, for the sole purpose of improving the life of another human being.”
We run to remember Jill.
For Local Charities
The Relay Iowa community has been knocking it out of the park, allowing us to share support with many organizations in Iowa and across the world. We enjoy giving out the checks, but our runners and supporters deserve the credit for the most successful relays!
Just look at this list of groups that benefit from the generosity and spirit of adventure of our Relay Iowa participants. Who knew their blisters and sweat could spread so much love? Each of these groups are near and dear to Relay Iowa because they help during the relay, participate in the event or support women, children and families. To know them is to love them!
Camp Hertko Hollow-Boone, Iowa | Single Parent Provision | Anthon Park Project | Ida Grove Kiwanis | Lake City Area Swim Team | Dayton Area Historical Society | Greenbelt Home Care | Happy Tales Ranch & Rescue-Colfax, Iowa | Independence High School Boys Soccer | Manchester Girl's Wrestling | Boy Scouts of America | The Lantern Center
We run to help them make a difference.