Fairway Employee's Epic Seven Marathons to Raise $100K for Charity
In a remarkable display of endurance and philanthropy, William Murphy, a Branch Manager at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, undertook an extraordinary challenge that saw him run seven marathons in just seven days, spanning seven continents. This incredible feat, accomplished to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, not only demonstrated his personal commitment but also highlighted the spirit of unity within the Fairway family.
The journey began in Antarctica, where Murphy braved subzero temperatures before heading to the sun-kissed shores of South Africa, then crossing over to Australia. His marathon journey continued through the diverse landscapes of Turkey, both its European and Asian sides, before making his way to Colombia and ultimately concluding in Miami, Florida. Each of these marathons tested Murphy’s physical endurance against varied and extreme weather conditions, from the frigid gales of the Antarctic to the sweltering heat of Miami.
The motivation behind Murphy's incredible challenge was more than physical achievement; it was rooted deeply in a cause close to his heart. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses. As Murphy ran, the story of his mission resonated throughout the Fairway community, with colleagues and friends mobilizing to support his goal of raising $50,000. Remarkably, contributions surged as his journey gained traction on social media, ultimately culminating in over $100,000 raised for the foundation.
Experiencing the success of his fundraising initiative provided Murphy with an emotional boost as he faced the final stretch of his last marathon. "During the last marathon in Miami, I was really struggling, but around mile 5, I got word that we had just surpassed $100,000 in donations, doubling our goal," reflected Murphy. The news invigorated him, allowing him to push through the physical challenges and cross the finish line with a sense of accomplishment far beyond just completing the race.
His extraordinary efforts did not go unnoticed; quickly after Murphy shared his story on a company call, Fairway's CEO Steve Jacobson announced that the company would financially support any branch organizing events to promote Murphy's fundraising efforts. Furthermore, Fairway pledged to donate an additional $5,000 to Make-A-Wish for each qualifying event organized. Within just a few days, 53 branches had stepped up, reflecting an incredible alignment of community spirit and corporate responsibility.
Murphy’s dedication and the overwhelming support he received affirm the culture of giving that Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation champions. As he stated, "This is the most amazing company culture, and I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of it." His journey has inspired not only his colleagues but also many in the community, showcasing the profound impact of collective effort toward a worthy cause.
Moreover, the experience revitalized Murphy's passion for his work in the mortgage industry, stating, "With the mortgage downturn over the last two years, I was really questioning my career path. I just felt like I wasn't making the kind of difference I wanted to. But this experience has completely reinvigorated my outlook."
It is evident that through this challenge, the Fairway community rallied not only to support a colleague but also to contribute meaningfully to a cause that brings hope and joy to brave children facing unimaginable battles. William Murphy continues to be a shining example of how determination and a giving spirit can rally an entire organization toward achieving transformative impacts in people’s lives.
For anyone inspired to contribute and support the Make-A-Wish foundation, Murphy has shared a donation link: https://tinyurl.com/RunningforWishes.