It’s been nearly a year since East Cobb resident James Whitcomb learned about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a non-profit set up after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks to provide seriously injured first responders and military veterans with mortgage-free homes and other housing assistance.
“I thought, ‘What a great foundation? What can I do to help to in my own little way?’ ” Whitcomb said.
To mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Tunnel to Towers has organized a “Swim2Help” campaign to encourage donations.
Whitcomb, who splashed in the many lakes of his native Minnesota as a young boy and has lived in East Cobb for 20 years, admits that “I’m not really a swimmer.”
But for several months now, he’s been building up his endurance with weekday swims at the Mountain View Aquatic Center.
On Saturday, he logged seven miles, his longest swim yet, in about four hours, to get ready for the climax to his “Swim to Help” effort that’s been underway in other respects.
Next Friday, Sept. 10, he’s undertaking a 10-mile swim at the Mountain View pool, with some rest and hydration breaks, to get over a substantial fundraising goal he set for himself
Whitcomb has raised nearly $15,000 of a targeted $25,000, mostly through word-of-mouth efforts.
“I’m not a social media guy,” he said, adding that a flyer he posted on Facebook didn’t generate much of a response.
He has created his own website to explain what he’s doing, and why, with some video footage here, here and here.
He’s broken down what he calls his “mega” swim like this: 52,800 feet, or 17,600 yards, or 352 laps in a 25-yard pool.
Whitcomb is inviting the public to come cheer him on, and “make sure I’m still afloat.”
The swim begins at 6 a.m. sharp, and he estimated it will take 6-7 hours with those breaks.
Donations can be made at this link anytime, and many of the donations range between $25-$100.
Whitcomb, a finance executive with J.P. Morgan Chase, said donors can offer any amount they wish.
Wrote one donor: “I work hard to swim ONE mile at Mt. View Aquatic center. You’re awesome. We support T2T also. Good luck.”
Related stories:
- Atlanta Country Club fundraiser nets $118K for Habitat home
- Golden K Kiwanis Club serves July 4 BBQ to first responders
- KIDS CARE, Cobb Police team up for school supply drive
- Delta Credit Union announces philanthropic fund program call
- Firefighter recognized by Rotary Club of East Cobb
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