Tim Burke Goes the Distance for SouthSide Early Childhood Center

What Inspires You?

146 Miles in Death Valley + St. Louis’ Oldest Child Care Facility = 1 Inspired Idiot

SouthSide Early Childhood Center Board Member Completes Death Valley run to Raise Funds for New School

St. Louis resident, Tim Burke completed a 146 mile ultramarathon in Death Valley in early July, from the lowest point in the United States (Badwater) to the highest point in the lower 48 (Mt. Whitney) to raise money to fund a new school for SouthSide Early Childhood Center.  

To date, Burke has raised $43,000 and an incredible amount of awarenss for SouthSide (formerly South Side Day Nursery). The new school will only be the third building occupied by the agency in its 126 year history.

Burke hired a training team at his own expense so that all dollars raised are going directly to help the kids at Southside.

The idea for the marathon came to Burke while running. “I was thinking a lot about the barriers the kids at SouthSide have to overcome. Really tough ones, like poverty and parents who are struggling just to make it each day,” Burke commented. “I realized how lucky I had been to have the childhood I did. I wanted in some small way to represent the idea of overcoming barriers – mine and theirs.” Burke continued, "Not to say that mine on the run were in any way as difficult. The barriers I faced were only for a very short time. The things the kids and their families struggle with take much longer to overcome and require a great deal more perseverance. At SouthSide, they have the support they need to keep going. I have gotten feedback from all over the world about my efforts, and this is the beginning of our efforts to build a new school for SouthSide."  

To learn more about the training and the run, you can read Burke's blog, http://1inspiredidiot.com. It chronicles his training, the agency's impact, and his personal revelations during his ultramarathon. Those interested in his journey can also follow Burke on Twitter: https://twitter.com/1inspiredidiot.

About SouthSide Early Childhood Center

SouthSide’s mission is to nurture, educate and inspire children and families with limited resources, fostering healthy development and a strong foundation for success. Our vision is that children love to learn, live purposeful lives, and contribute positively to their communities.

SouthSide continues the vision of its founders. Thousands of children have passed through its doors since its founding in 1886. Children are lovingly cared for, educated, and launched toward success.

Currently, the agency serves 97 children and their families each year and will have room to grow to 140 in the new school. SouthSide provides exceptional child care and early education, family and parenting support services, and early intervention for children with disabilities and mental health challenges. SouthSide transforms the future for children of poverty by building a foundation for academic and life success. 

South Side Early Childhood Center, formerly SouthSide Day Nursery, is a United Way agency and can be found at: 2930 Iowa Ave., St. Louis, 63118. The school can be reached at: 314/865-0322 or at:

http://www.southside-ecc.org/ 

https://twitter.com/southsideecc

http://www.facebook.com/pages/SouthSide-Early-Childhood-Center/299843926722795

About Tim Burke

St. Louisan Tim Burke describes himself as a father, a husband, and an average runner.  He is the Secretary of the Board of Directors of SouthSide Early Childhood Center.  Tim holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree in finance from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Tim works at Edward Jones, where he is a principal in the Insurance Marketing division.