When Reverend Eric Vaudt runs he feels closer to God. When I run, I feel very close to passing out. Therein lies the beauty of Vaudt’s fitness. If I choose to sponsor Reverend Vaudt, he will do the running for me, and send along what he has earned as a donation to Heart Havens. It’s good for the heart, no matter how you look at it.

St. Andrew’s Running Man began working out in the Navy, segued that energy into a half marathon 2 years ago and is toying with the idea to run in the 2007 Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach, VA. He finds that running gives him a release and time to think. During an April run he felt called by God to channel this beneficial hobby into a way to give back to others.

Having lived in Virginia for twenty years, he considers it home. It made sense to use his energetic altruism to raise funds for local brothers and sisters with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. He pitched his idea of running to raise money for Heart Havens to his district (Norfolk), and the members of his congregation began sponsoring his runs. His wife’s law firm also took up the cause, as have many individuals who pay in lump sums or in per-mile rates, all for a chance to give back to their community, to assist those special individuals in need of a champion... all without experiencing that woozy feeling.

-Kiki Nusbaumer

Update: Mission accomplished! See our August Calendar of Events page for information about the event celebrating Reverend Vaudt's 500 mile run. He and Berta Presby surpassed their goal of running 500 miles to benefit Heart Havens. We are extremely grateful!