Dear Friends and Supporters,

As I wrapped up my first year as Council Director of Girls on the Run Upstate SC this spring, I found myself reflecting deeply on all we've accomplished—and all we still need to do.

This year has brought lessons, inspiration, and countless moments of awe thanks to our fearless girls, dedicated coaches and volunteers, engaged community, and the incredible staff and board who bring our mission to life every day. It's truly a privilege to lead an organization so fiercely committed to empowering girls to know their worth, embrace their individuality, and boldly chase their dreams.

After more than 16 years of nonprofit leadership, I have come to realize something else: love and compassion alone do not fund the life-changing experiences girls deserve.

Our world is shifting. Funding priorities are changing, and like many nonprofits, we are feeling the strain. Programs that serve women and girls receive less than 2% of total philanthropic support (2024 Women & Girls Index – Women’s Philanthropy Institute). That number is staggering—and unacceptable.

That's why your support is more critical now than ever.

Why Girls Need GOTR:

• The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that teen girls spend between 7 and 9 hours per day on screens, including social media, gaming, and streaming. Excessive screen time is linked to sleep disturbances, anxiety, and decreased physical activity.
• By age 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys—losing a powerful source of confidence and connection.
• Rates of sadness and depression in 5th-grade girls have tripled since 2017.
• Confidence in girls from 5th to 12th grade is at an all-time low.
• Girls are more prone to physical inactivity and negative emotional outcomes than their male peers.

Sources: 2023 Girls’ Index Full Report | aap.org

At Girls on the Run Upstate SC, we don’t just run—we ignite transformation.

Through our proven, research-based curriculum, we address these issues head-on by teaching girls how to build healthy habits, navigate friendships, solve problems, and develop lasting confidence in a safe and joyful space. We are so much more than just running, but watching them cross that finish line at our Celebratory 5K, beaming with pride and accomplishment, is priceless!

We are actively cultivating the next generation of women leaders. And we need your help to keep us going.

Here’s How You Can Help Today:

💝 DONATE – Every dollar brings a girl closer to discovering her inner strength.

🏃‍♀️ VOLUNTEER – Join us in a role that fits your gifts: coaching, events, Sparkle Squad, and more. Be the mentor you needed when you were younger.

📣 ADVOCATE – Use your voice and platform to uplift organizations like Girls on the Run. Together, we can rewrite the story for girls everywhere.

To all of you who have already shared your time, talent, or treasure, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your belief in our mission fuels us every day.

Together, we can continue to build a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

💫 Super Star Energy Award to YOU! 💫

With love and joy,

Marie McDonald

Council Director

Girls on the Run Upstate SC