Students’ Wacky and Creative Fundraiser Helps Crisis Nursery

Like many high school students, Emerson Barnett and Samantha Fischer have extra time on their hands these days. Unlike many people, Emerson and Samantha decided to use their free time and a crazy idea to raise money for the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery; they organized “26.2 Miles in 26 Hours Marathon.” The marathon ‘marathon’ raised almost $10,000 for the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery!

Emerson and Samantha recruited friends from Ladue Horton Watkins High School, sports teams, and their neighborhoods to run 26.2 miles (the distance of a marathon) in 26 hours and get monetary pledges for the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery. In all, 20 high school girls and 15 parents and family members joined in. Every participant practiced social distancing as they ran on a treadmill or around their neighborhood.

The 26.2 Miles in 26 Hours Marathon began Friday, April 17, 2020, at 6:00 p.m., and the last mile was completed at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2020.

When asked about the incredible accomplishment, Emerson said, “Running was a blast, and collecting donations for the St. Louis Crisis Nursery made it meaningful! It was amazing to see how so many people embraced this crazy challenge, whether that meant running 26.2 Miles in 26 Hours, donating to the St. Louis Crisis Nursery, sending a supportive text message to a runner/walker, or calling a walker/runner to encourage them through their mile. By the end of the challenge, I hope everyone realized that nothing is impossible and that they are unbeatable!"

Samantha added, “This challenge tested my physical and mental strength, but I really enjoyed the experience. I am so thankful to have so many members of my community supporting me along the way! Additionally, knowing that all of the money we raised would go to the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery was very motivating because the challenge was bigger than just me.”

“Now more than ever, the support of our community is so important,” said DiAnne Mueller, Saint Louis Crisis Nursery CEO. “We were blown away by what Samantha and Emerson were able to do, especially in this time of staying home and away from people. It is only because our community continues to step up and support the Crisis Nursery that we can continue to prevent child abuse and neglect.”

About the Crisis Nursery: The Saint Louis Crisis is STILL OPEN and helping children and families in crisis! The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery provides a 24-hour, 365 days/year safe haven for children, birth through age 12, whose families are facing a crisis. Parents bring children to the Nursery free of charge, on a voluntary basis where they receive a medical exam, therapeutic activities, nutritious meals and take-home necessities. Parents receive crisis counseling, in-home visits, parent educational groups, and community outreach. In 34 years, we have served over 120,000 children. For more details on the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, please call 314-292-5770 or visit www.crisisnurserykids.org