WASHINGTON – The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation announced today that it set new records this year in terms of funding raised and participation of sponsors and runners in its 9th annual James W. Foley Freedom Run.
For the first time, the Foundation exceeded $150,000 in funds raised for the run/walk. It had 1,250 runners in Rochester, N.H., Washington, D.C., and worldwide, compared to 1,214 in 2022. There were 32 corporate, foundation, and business sponsors compared to 17 the previous year. Major sponsors included the law firm of Akin Gump, the Knight Foundation, and the Cervantes Group, an international technology consulting firm.
The annual James W. Foley Freedom Run/Walk commemorates all who have died to keep us free and honors freelance journalist James Foley, a New Hampshire native, who was murdered by ISIS in 2014 after being held hostage two years. The Foundation’s motto – “inspiring moral courage one person at a time” – is based on his life story.
The Foley Foundation was created shortly after James Foley’s death. The annual Foley Freedom Run provides essential funding for the Foundation’s advocacy to prioritize the return of all U.S. nationals held captive abroad and to promote journalist safety.
“Support for U.S. nationals targeted and held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad has never been more critical. My heartfelt gratitude goes to all who help the Foley Foundation strengthen our advocacy, research and Congressional support for fellow Americans held captive, for a comprehensive deterrence strategy and for safer international travel.”
— Diane Foley, mother of James and founder and president of the Foundation
A full listing of the Foundation’s legislative priorities can be found on its website, www.jamesfoleyfoundation.org.
It is still possible to donate to the 2023 run by going to www.foleyrun.org or by texting “foleyrun” to 50155.
