I’m running from New York to Los Angeles, clear across the great U. S. of A., to raise $100,000,000 for homeless youth. And oh yeah, I’m doing it barefoot.
Sounds crazy, right? I get that a lot. But I live by a guiding principle: If you don’t set yourself extremely ambitious goals, nothing great will ever be accomplished.
I left from the southern tip of Manhattan on 9/9/09 at 9 a.m. I originally had a lofty goal of reaching the Santa Monica Pier in 99 days, but unfriendly road surfaces and a heel injury threw a monkey wrench into the plans. At this point, all I can say is I’ll get there when I get there. But have no doubt, I will get there.
As I’m moving across the country, I have two jobs. First, I’m raising money for homeless youth shelters and programs across America. When I visited The Hub in Pittsburgh, I learned that they did not receive their federal grant this year, forcing it to scale back operations and lay off staff. It’s places like The Hub that I’m trying to help with fund raising (when donating, please bear in mind that 100% of all funds go directly to Tellman.org and helping homeless youth). Better facilities mean a better life for kids trying to get ahead in life.
Second, my crew and I are working hard to raise awareness about this serious problem. Many of us assume that homeless teens are on the street on their own volition, or because of some bad decision making. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Every shelter I’ve visited, every kid I’ve spoken with, they all have one thing in common: it’s not their fault. They simply don’t have a support structure at home and have no other choice. They don’t choose to be homeless. I consider it my mission to educate the public on the truths behind youth homelessness.
Have a look around the website. Leave a comment on the blog, maybe share a story. Contact me if you’ve got something to say, and check back often. Please donate what you can – even 5 bucks will help me reach my goal.
Thanks for your support. And remember, think big.
-Tellman
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Jan. 19, 2010 ESTime 9:34PM
Tellman, You gave me a WEBSITE to earn MONEY for me and the
Homeless Youth. I wrote at least three notes asking your STaff for
the CODE to get it up and RUNNING. I never got the code, so no
money for them or me.
I gave the suggestion, about raising money from the Super Bowl.
Send some people to Miami, Florida at least two days before the
game.Let them travel thru the bars, hotels,and the streets, attend the
TAILGATE PARTIES, they will give donations.
Thank God, you are now home. You look tired, and hungry.
Please get some needed REST, raise that FOOT up and take care of it. Ask Jodi, to get afew MILK SHAKES into you, put some weight on.
You are a GENTLEMAN, and a SCHOLAR. I am praying for you at Mass often. When you tell people that you are now home…
remember you have missed your JODI, your little SON, and third your
cat…say it in this order only. Okay my dear FRIEND.
FONDLY, CONNIE
Dear Tellman, 1/12/2010
I prayed all day yesterday for last night’s SUCCESS. I spoke to
Josh, at the beginning of the call. Please let me know how everything
went, and were you satisfied.
Why don’t you make a whole bottom foot out of pad you have
up on top of front part of under your FOOT. Put your foot down on
floor, and get them to trace the whole foot. The rest of foot is BARE.
How much longer before you get into CALIFORNIA? Okay
Tellman, I think of you often. FONDLY, Sr. Connie
Ok that are a great job to do, why bare foot. I am homeless to with a 5 year old and it is hard getting people to let us in but thank God that I have noother choose to get me and my daugther a place to stay. I do what I have to do to get it done Keep up the good work.
hey buddy we were driving by in williamstown WV, and saw this hairy guy with a awesome beard running barefoot surrounded by snow. We thought who the heck is that and what is he doing?! then we saw the van and decided to look on your website. We totally think this is an awesome idea and support ya all the way, GOD bless and stay warm throughout this winter, we will be checking up on you! Best Wishes and Merry Christmas!
Tellman-
It was great meeting you today. Very inspiring to see the videos on the site here. Be looking in The Athens Messenger tomorrow to see your story… and your feet! Good luck with your journey!
Me and my dog Jack saw you today! You were heading south on Route 9 and getting ready to turn left to Route 5. SAINT CLAIRSVILLE to Glencoe OHIO ! I slowed down and gave you a THUMBS UP ! !
You have really made many oeople aware of the plight of the homeless
young – and remember this is happening also in South Africa – and it
would be wonderful if there were more such projects!
I salute you.
Wow. My respect for you just grew by a 1000% easilly. One of my favorite books growing up was called A Walk Across America. It was about a guy who just wanted to get out and discover all that this great country of ours is about. To meet the people, see the small towns that dot the landscape from coast to coast.
But doing this barefoot, running AND raising insane ammounts of money is just about the coolest thing I have ever seen.
I am making a donation now
RUN TELLMAN!!!! RUN!!!!
Hi, Tellman;
I have been following you! Are you enjoying the the trees dressed in their colorful leaves?
Yesterday, my husband and I went upstate New York, to see the changing of the leaves-How beautiful was the scenery.! I thought of yourself then . God bless you, you are courageous.
Teresa
Wow! Ok, now I’m embarrassed and perhaps even a little ashamed. I had my nose out of joint because I kept getting emails from you after I had opted out.
I thought “Who is this nut job and why does he keep spamming me? I’m gonna click on this email and opt-out once and for all.” The I watched your friend Ben shave off his beard. Lame. I thought “Big deal. I shave my whole head every morning.”
But then I wondered what all the fuss was about and I watched your video.
Brother…..I’m not worthy. Your mission is sincerely awe inspiring. I believe that truly great results will come from your work (work??).
Ben….great call on the beard. Tellman is fortunate to have a friend like you.
I, too, make my income online. I’ve only been at it full time about 9 months, but I’m paying my bills. I was also inspired by the story of your humble beginnings online and what you are achieving. I helps a lot to know that others have successfully trodden this road less travelled.
I’ll be praying for you, your family, your safety and your success.
May the Lord Richly bless you.
Ralphie
You can do it! Hang tough Tellman. Prayin’ for ‘ya.
Tellman, you Rock! Seeing someone who can do\not do\buy\ and essentially do whatever they want to doing something to make a positive difference IS my ambitious goal. I am striving to take the money thing out of the equation of life to see what I can do and or help do to make a positive difference. Run Tellman Run. thoughts and prayers are with you from here also.
Sincerely,
Russ
What you are doing is truly incredible. It’s inspiring from a charitable perspective and also from a barefooting perspective. I saw a video of yours a few months ago after I first shed my shoes and have followed you since. May good fortune shine on you for the next few thousand miles. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Out of all these internet guru’s, you seem like one of the very few with a true interest in charity. Bravo!!! RTR! http://www.charity4humanity.org http://www.kool-lectibles.com http://www.bottomlineauctioneers.com
Hey Tellman, I just started running again after a million years. Barefoot is doable with my back troubles!!! I’m psyched! My legs ache and I don’t care.
TWC
PS: How come your ’sign up’ site won’t accept my e-mail address? I can’t sign up and learn stuff about barefooting…what’s up with that?
Tellman,
The night before the start of your journey (Sept. 8th) I was researching barefoot running (as I had just done my first barefoot run in grass) – I stumbled across a video of you and your first run in the vibram five fingers. I went out the next day and bought a pair of the Classics. Having a few runs in them, my form is dramatically improving and though I do have some minor muscle fatigue, I feel great – this whole transition feels like being on the verge of something huge! Anyway, I see you’re coming through Allentown. I’d love to join you for a 10k or so in my Vibrams (not sure I’ll be quite ready to go completely barefoot just yet – but who knows).
-Dan
this is awesome! my hats off to you and i’ll definitely keep you in my thoughts and prays.
Hi Tellman,
I’m a runner myself and that’s why I say hats off to you!! not only you’re covering a great distance, you’ll also doing it barefoot!! it takes a lot of guts and determination. Good luck Tellman.
On a side note, I couldn’t agree with you more: Ambitious goals are the cornerstone of great accomplishments.
Hi Tellman,
Told you earlier I was coming over here. I expected to be here much earliier, but things happen. Are you on schedule with your running plans so far? Have you had many people from different places run with you for a while? Just remember YOU WILL MAKE YOUR GOAL. Think of all those teens you will be helping. I’m sure if any of them have seen you or know you are running to help them, in their heads they are thinking RUN TELLMAN RUN. Keep your mind on the goal. As you would say Shabambo!!!
God bless your endeavor. I will keep you in my prayers.
Hi Tell –
Just to let you know…
Flat Stanley was shipped by FedEx today. He should get to you no later than Tuesday. It would be great if you could get a picture with him when you are starting out. The kids are VERY excited and are brainstorming ways to raise money at a fourth grade level. Good luck!