Saving GPRC

It has been a crazy week. I am going to write about something other than my running today, because it has been such a big part of my week here.
Great Plains Running Company is our local running specialty store. The last couple months have been tough on the the store and they were looking to close their doors. Instead of just giving up and leaving people standing around wondering what happened, Willie and Karen (owners) sent a letter out to their customers sharing with everyone their circumstances. Through a series of events, they ended up having a 24 hour treadmill-athon (just made that word up). Willie, his friends, employees and even customers signed up to run steady for 24 straight hours, and ask the community of Topeka to help out financially. Offering to recognize and/or advertise the persons and businesses that would step up and help out financially to reach a goal of $35,000. THEY DID IT!!!
I am personally amazed at the guts it took Willie to be that "exposed" to the public. What a display of humility and obedience to God. I know most business men would go down with pride in hand before letting others know they are in trouble. That said, my hat goes off to Willie Lambert. He is a friend, and truly a man of God. May God Bless GPRC in 2010 and beyond.