I’m Embrace The First Step CEO, Michael Roderick.

My years of experience in the world of business and financial planning have allowed me to see the generosity of individuals, corporations and organizations. Additionally, my athleticism and adventurous spirit have presented me with many opportunities to meet very inspiring individuals seeking an opportunity to become involved in events and challenges that combine their love of the outdoors, physical activity and travel, with their altruistic spirit.These experiences and ideas inspired me to “Take the First Step” by creating www.EmbraceTheFirstStep.org. Our mission is simple: “To identify and organize athletic events for the benefit of deserving charities while motivating individuals to get involved and create new fundraising opportunities by helping then not only TAKE the first step…but embrace it!”

Michael has years of experience in the world of business and financial planning. A very passionate leader who believes in giving back. His strong values and beliefs led to the Founding of Embrace the First Step. The mission is to give help, support, and hope to those who need it most. Creating new fundraising opportunities (planning, organizing, and hosting special events). Through his efforts and support of his team Embrace the First Step has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars throughout the years.

 

Embracing The First Step

We have partnered with charities with the goal of raising funds to support their cause. Our vision is to create events and challenges in which individuals can participate, while raising funds and awareness for a variety of causes. Donations are received either directly through our site, or by purchasing T-shirts. Each event or challenge will have a fundraising goal.  

As donations are received, our “goal tracker” at the top of our site will show you, our charities, and our participants how much money has been raised for each event in real time. All donations will be distributed in equal shares to our partner charities affiliated with the respective event.

Originally, I feared that this concept would never come to fruition, because I did not know how to “Take the First Step”…I decided to embrace the challenge and I have persevered: www.EmbraceTheFirstStep.org is now a reality! I hope that I can now offer my own experience and guidance to other individuals that have a great cause or charitable organization, but are uncertain about how to raise funds to achieve their goals.

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Rewarding. Accomplishment. Gratitude.

Three simple words that define the mindset of a person who contributes to improve the lives of those who are less fortunate.

Rewarding. Accomplishment. Gratitude.

Three simple words that define the mindset of a person who contributes to improve the lives of those who are less fortunate.

In my time as Founder of Embrace the First Step, I have experienced such emotions often.

These are simple traits that we all should exemplify on a daily basis.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to all of those individuals who have supported me with the mission of ETFS: To identify and organize athletic events for the benefit of deserving charities, while motivating individuals to get involved and create new fundraising opportunities by helping them not only TAKE the first step…but embrace it!

It is through the production of myriad events, including treks to the apex of Mt. Rainier, that ETFS has enabled many charities achieve their mission goals.

In 2020 and beyond, I have decided to focus the majority of my efforts to the cause of my long-time friend Rob Fletcher.

Currently, ETFS maintains a focused effort on assisting the Reagan Delaney Tokes Memorial Foundation with a two-day event billed as Rally for Reagan.

Along with the help of my board of directors and a wonderful planning committee, ETFS hosted the inaugural Rally for Reagan in 2019.

The rally consists of a large dinner gala followed up the very next day with a self-defense symposium primarily geared toward women of all ages.

The Reagan Delaney Tokes Memorial Foundation – like so many others – was born out of a horrific tragedy. Because of how hard it hit home with me, and in getting to know the family well these subsequent years, ETFS’s mission going forward will be the creation of events and awareness to provide self-defense training for individuals to learn basic knowledge of how to protect themselves.

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    Embrace The First Step

    1074 Bayboro Drive
    New Albany, Ohio 43054

    © 2024 Embrace The First Step

    Embrace The First Step is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.