My name is Mary Connolly and I am the Manager of our Mercy Home Heroes program.

We are so excited to have you join our Heroes team, which brings hope and healing to the boys and girls of Mercy Home. Since 1887, Mercy Home for Boys & Girls has provided children and families with healing and tools to build brighter futures. It gives children who’ve experienced abuse, neglect, or violence a safe home, educational support, and career guidance.

While I am new to Mercy Home, I am not new to running or fundraising. I have been a runner and professional fundraiser for 25 years. I have run 11 Marathons – including Chicago twice – and 50 Half Marathons. During that time, I have been a serial charity runner having raised over $100,000 for a variety of causes. I’ve learned a lot through trial and error on how to do this successfully. I am also a Road Runners Club of America certified coach, so whether you have questions about the training plan or want to maximize your fundraising, I’m here to help.

I will be out there training with you all summer, cheering for you on Marathon Day along our Mercy Mile, then on November 6, I will be raising money as a Mercy Home Hero myself running my third New York City Marathon. I am looking forward to meeting you, running with you, and helping you be a successful marathoner and fundraiser.


Thanks for being a Hero to our kids

Photo Credit by Mike Calabro