December 1st will be a big day for Drake Hulin and for Home Furniture. The Distribution Center Receiving Manager will be running in the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis. It’s a huge undertaking, but Drake has found ample support among his Home Furniture family.
“The marathon actually falls at a busy time of year for us,” explains Drake. “But when I told them what I wanted to do, they told me not to worry about it. They want me to run, and every manager has been very supportive.”
St. Jude is a cause close to many hearts in the Home Furniture family. In the past two years the company has donated nearly $40,000 to the cause. Home Furniture has participated in “Give Thanks, Give Hope” campaign for St. Jude since 2017, so it seemed only natural to support one of their own while he worked to meet his marathon goal.
“I’ve had so many fellow employees come talk to me about it. It’s so awesome to have their support,” says Drake. “They want to know how my training is coming along; it’s been great.”
Drake has been running for the past 3 years, mostly 5Ks, 10Ks, and a half-marathon, but the St. Jude Marathon will be his first full marathon. He’s been training every day before and after work. Working in a warehouse in the Louisiana heat hasn’t kept him from his goal. Drake thinks the marathon will be a challenge, but one he’s been looking forward to for a long time.
“The marathon route actually goes in front of the St. Jude Hospital,” explains Drake. “They actually let the kids that are able to go outside come and cheer you on. I’m looking forward to that for sure.”
His wife and two children will also be present to cheer him on. He says his family is thrilled he’s decided to take up this challenge for such a special cause. The St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend is the single largest one-day fundraising event for St. Jude. The fundraising efforts of runners like Drake will help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
“I don’t have a direct personal connection to St. Jude, but it’s just such a fantastic cause. This seemed like the perfect place to compete in a marathon.”
Drake will have the full support of his family at home, his family at work, and the community of St. Jude when he starts the marathon on the December 1st. There is no doubt they will all be cheering when he crosses the finish line.
