Meeting BoMF (Back on My Feet) Founder, Anne Mahlum

Marriott is a pretty big company, so sometimes celebrities and other community figures stop by headquarters, deliver a speech, and/or shake hands for a little bit.

Yesterday, our visitor was NFL football player Brian Orakpo.

The Washington Redskins' linebacker came in for a kick-off event for a partnership between the NFL and Marriott's Courtyard brand. He was well-spoken when answering questions, and I can confirm that he is just as large of a man in person as he looks on TV.

These pictures don't do the man justice. He's very, very big.

However, today we had another guest that I was probably more impressed to meet.

Back on My Feet (BoMF) Founder and CEO, Anne Mahlum.

Anne leading some BoMF participants

If you've never heard of BoMF, you should check out their website and learn more. In short, Anne's nonprofit organization "promotes the self-sufficiency of those experiencing homelessness by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength, and self-esteem." How cool is that?!?

I first learned of Anne and her organization in Runner's World magazine in January 2009 [you can read the article here]. Her initiative, determination, and unique approach to helping the homeless struck me.

Anyway, Anne was here today, and it was awesome meeting her. She and her associate (the CFO, I believe) were friendly and we all chatted about racing and marathons and fund-raising for a few minutes. I came away even more impressed with her and the BoMF program, and wanting to help.

So I signed up to give a donation, and they were very grateful even though I'm sure they regularly receive much larger donations. If you'd like to contribute to BoMF, you can do so at this web page.

Can't wait to see who the next awesome person to come to headquarters will be!