Sunset Miles That Matters

Sunset Cross Country, located in Portland, raises money for Shriners every year by having athletes, alums, friends and community members run or walk on the Sunset track at all times in a 24 hour period. The 24 hour period started at 9am on Friday, August 19 and ended at 9am Saturday, August 20.

We talked with Assistant Coach Ellie Rozendaal about Miles That Matters.

Why is it called Miles That Matter?

It is our team fundraiser, but our main goal is to raise far more money for Shriners Hospital for Children than we raise for our team.

How long is the event?

Twenty-four hours, from 9am Friday to 9am on Saturday. We have three teams and every team should someone on the track moving for that full 24 hours. From the 10pm to 5am period is the heroism of the parents and neighbors and actually alumni fill in during those hours.

How do students raise money for Shriners?

Showing up and being in community is intended to be the inspiration to have the courage to reach out to the community to collect donations to Shriners. The athletes ask the community: Are you willing to donate? Are you willing to run or walk? The evening is my favorite time because a lot more families come out in multiple generations and walk the track.

What does Shriners provide to the community?

They provide really technically advanced hospital necessary care for children who could not otherwise afford it. We have had athletes who have received Shriners care in their childhood. It reminds us how lucky we are that we have bodies that run. Because we are so lucky, we should not take it for granted.

How can one donate to this great cause?

The great news with our school district has a credit card system that actually takes no fees so 100% of the donation will go to the cause.

If you are interested in donating to a good cause, please click HERE