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TOTAL FUNDRAISED: $73,552

To my friends and colleagues:

As many of you know, every five years or so I punish my body to raise money for a worthy cause. In the past this has included climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and ascending to Mount Everest Base Camp.

This fall October 22, 2023, I will be participating in Ironman California and hope to raise $140,000 for Capitalize for Kids, an organization devoted to helping children in need of mental health support. As a founding Board member of Capitalize for Kids I have seen first-hand how this organization has quietly made a tremendously positive difference in the mental health of young adults for over a decade.

Although climbing mountains wasn’t easy, I expect this Ironman to be my toughest challenge yet. It starts with a 2.4-mile ocean swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride (I’ll try not to fall off!) and ends with a full marathon (26.2 miles). In total, I’ll be racing 140.6 miles (but who’s counting?) and I’ll need to complete the entire race in 17 hours or less.

Mental health is also a very personal cause for me. Despite a long and successful career in financial services, I have battled anxiety and depression since childhood, but like many who suffer from mental health issues, I have worked hard to keep it under wraps. With access to the appropriate resources, the support of some great friends and colleagues, and of course medical professionals, I have received the help I’ve needed over the years. In fact, this year at the suggestion of a good friend, I have been focusing on meditation, mindfulness, and gratitude, and I’m feeling better than ever.

I’m one of the lucky ones – not everyone has the access to the help and support they need. That’s why I’m asking to donate and help make those resources available to our young people who are facing enormous mental health challenges. If you wish to donate in the form of securities, please contact zoe@capitalizeforkids.com.

As a thank you for your generous donation, your name will be entered into a draw for a pair of Platinum tickets to see the Toronto Maple Leafs play the Edmonton Oilers on March 23, 2024, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. And if you’re generous enough to make a $5,000 donation, your name will also be entered into a draw for a 4-night stay for two at The Palms resort on Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos (dates will be subject to blackout periods and booking availability. Airfare not included). The draw will take place on Wednesday December 6^th, CIBC Miracle Day.

Thanks so much for cheering me on, and thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your generous support.

Best,

Art Mannarn

Ironman for Mental Health