Inspired by his parents’ active lifestyle, Rob White was always athletic. He played basketball at Portland Adventist Academy and at Walla Walla College. After college, he started doing duathlons and triathlons. White has now participated in 11 Ironman events, which consist of swimming 2.4 miles, then biking 112 miles, then running a full marathon of 26.2 miles. Preparing for an event like this means training up to 20 hours a week.
For this year’s triathlon, White decided to add a new component to his Ironman preparation: fundraising. He had been aware of Janus Charity Challenge, a group that facilitates fundraising for nonprofit organizations, but had never pursued the idea because he didn’t want to “make a big deal” about himself. However, as a board member and finance committee chairman at Hood River Junior Academy (HVJA) and after seeing “how they really need extra support to make ends meet with the rising costs and enrollment struggles," he felt that he couldn’t pass up the opportunity this time.
Janus suggested setting a “reachable” fundraising goal. Though Rob had hoped to reach at least $20,000, he decided to set a modest goal of $11,000 dedicated for HVJA's Media Center debt. Through Home and School efforts, enough money is usually raised to cover the interest payments during the year. White’s hope was that the amount he raised could help to pay down the principle balance. "I would have preferred to raise money for a new track or adjustable basketball hoops for the school, but I saw that the real weak link at HVJA was this Media Center debt."
HVJA's Media Center houses the new school library and computer lab along with a remodeled kitchen.
Rob White, a member of the Pleasant Valley Adventist Church, raised funds for Hood View Junior Academy during preparation for his 11th Ironman competition.
