February 14, 2007

DECOR DIRECT ANNOUNCES GRUENSTEIN’S COMPLETION OF 13.1 MILE EVENT IN CHILLY WEATHER

SUMMARY:
Decor Direct, Sarasota's Young Business of the Year 2002, has announced that Celeste Gruenstein has crossed the finish line of the “Gasparilla Distance Classic” in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
    
Sarasota, Florida - Decor Direct, an importer of handcrafted furniture and accessories headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, is please d to announce Team Manager Celeste Gruenstein has completed a half marathon of 13.1 miles on behalf of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Celeste trained for the Gasparilla Distance Classic ½ Marathon by the Suncoast Chapter of  Team In Training® ( TNT ), the world's largest endurance training program. The program provides training to run or walk a full or half marathon, participate in a triathlon or century (100 mile) bike ride. Participants raise fun d s for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma research an d patient services.  

The race started at 6:30am in complete darkness with the mercury hovering near 40 degrees and a light drizzle glazing the streets.  Having trained in much warmer temperatures, the entire Suncoast team was concerned about the effects of such chilling temperatures on their racing. 

Celeste commented , “Once the sun came up an d we were at a good cadence, the temperature wasn’t such a big effect.  It was a thrilling run, through the winding streets of downtown Tampa.  Knowing we were running for the courageous people with Leukemia made me excited and energized .” 

With a cross over the finish line of her first competitive running event with a time of 2 hours and 31 minutes, Celeste overcame the chill of the starting line and still feels the thrill of the competition and the pride of racing for such an important cause.   

"I felt like my sister, Diane, was with me in spirit the whole 13.1 miles.  Although she lost her battle with leukemia in 1993, I don’t think I’ve felt such a connection to her as I did during the race.  She was a caring, giving person with a wide circle of influence.  It is so wonderful to be able to give something back in her memory." 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world 's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education, and patient services. The Society's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

In addition to being a winner of the 2002 Young Business of the Year Award by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Decor Direct has also received other accolades, including the “Best of Show” award from the local American Society of Interior Designers.

For more information about Decor Direct, please call Celeste Gruenstein at (941) 365-5757 or go to http://www.decordirect.net.