Last year, he nearly doubled his goal of $12,000. This year, he plans to hit $46,000.
SJC Long Island student Ronan O’Brien continues his mission of raising money for Hope House Ministries to help those struggling with addiction through his participation in the David Goggins 4x4x48 Running Challenge.
During the challenge, people run four miles every four hours for 48 hours while raising funds for an organization that’s meaningful to them. This year’s event will take place March 4–6.
Click here to support O’Brien’s mission.
“I have come to be part of the greater Hope House family and can attest to the transformative work that occurs on a daily basis — ongoing for just over 40 years,” said O’Brien, who found help with the organization himself after struggling with alcoholism. “Hope House was built on and continues to operate solely on the loving, giving spirit of community members, and benefactors both large and small.”
O’Brien, 34, will be joined in the challenge by fellow Hope House clients, alumni, and local community volunteers Ronaldo V., Pete O., Ed F., Connie Havens, Jeremy Pecorella, Matt Inductivo ’20, Dave Giaccone and Lenny Vecchio.
Giving Back to Hope House
A nonprofit organization located in Port Jefferson, New York, Hope House Ministries provides compassionate, comprehensive and competent care for the poor, the marginal and the wounded. It was founded in 1980 by St. Joseph’s very own Father Francis “Frank” Pizzarelli, S.M.M., DCSW, a sociology lecturer at SJC Long Island.
“Father Frank created a special place in Hope House Ministries, along with the hundreds of hands and hearts that contribute to the mission,” said O’Brien, who graduated in 2021 with a B.S. in Accounting and who is now pursuing an MBA in Accounting at the College. “We simply want to add to that legacy in whatever way we can.”
During last year’s event, O’Brien completed the challenge, raising more than $23,000 for Hope House Ministries.
“Through grace and community efforts locally from Hope House and St. Joe’s supporters — and internationally through the inspiring followers of David Goggins — hundreds of runners completed the 48 miles, and over $3 million was raised in two days for various charities representing over 90 countries,” O’Brien said.
“It shows that although challenging times may be confusing, all of that confusion goes away when you have goals, when you allow yourself to focus on the right things — the things that bring you value, and the things that bring others value,” O’Brien added.
Fundraising for a Cause
As part of this year’s challenge, participating Hope House residents are hosting a benefit concert featuring Irish music legends Derek Warfield & the Young Wolfe Tones on Tuesday, March 1, at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.
The benefit concert will also feature a 50/50 raffle and a giveaway for a brand new car. Tickets for the fundraiser are $20 and can be purchased here. All proceeds will go to Hope House Ministries.
“We have a generous benefactor that has issued a further challenge; they have vowed to match every dollar raised from the concert and run pledges,” O’Brien shared. “So, people have a chance to double their impact for a great cause!”
One of the things that continues to motivate O’Brien as he prepares to run 48 miles in 48 hours is the creator of the running challenge himself, David Goggins.
Goggins, a retired Navy SEAL, is an ultramarathon runner, a public speaker and an author. He created the challenge to inspire people and encourage others to raise funds for charities that are meaningful to them.
“Knowing that I am a part of something greater than myself is something special, and it makes the physical act of running almost a technicality,” O’Brien said. “David Goggins’ message and power of example allows any individual to push through their perceived limits in order to discover what we are truly capable of! I have learned that this concept applies to running, yes, but more importantly, it is true of most things in life.”
People can follow O’Brien’s Instagram page dedicated to the run, @HHM4x4x48, to keep up with announcements.
