GLENSIDE, Pa. (March 6, 2006) – She may not be a “runner,” but Mary K. O’Brien is in a race, literally and figuratively.

Glenside resident and mother of two, Mary O’Brien is running the national MORE Magazine marathon for Women Over 40 in New York City on Sunday, March 26. It is her first marathon, and she may not win the race, but she’s not in it for the glory. She is in it for Philly—to help the city’s youth live up to their potential. In this marathon, every mile she runs represents that much more money raised to benefit the city of brotherly love. And if you ask Mary, what this city needs is more brotherly love. She just happens to be the president and CEO of an organization geared to doing just that.

While Mary may not be a runner, she is engaged in a race to save our city’s youth. What she is is a visionary, having started “A Better Philadelphia, Inc.” (ABP) in 2005. ABP is an organization dedicated to ending youth violence through social change.

According to Mary, “ABP is dedicated to creating a ‘new normal’ of safety, health and hope in the region. I believe that we can reach this goal when communities work together to get off the wrong track and onto the right one. This change is not going to happen overnight. It’s going to take patience, perseverance, and time. A true marathon effort.”

Mary’s goal is to raise $50,000 for ABP. “That level of support means that we will bring programs to our community leaders, schools, members of the law enforcement, and more. We will be that much closer to ending youth violence and sending our children to enjoy safe and healthy schools and neighborhoods where they can play without fear and achieve outstanding academic performances. This is a dream I share with many people of Philadelphia, and our plans with ABP are already making strides in changing how we deal with at-risk youth and fix problems in society that contribute to a culture of violence and abuse,” says Mary.

Those interested in supporting Mary O’Brien in her efforts may send a check payable to A Better Philadelphia to: A Better Philadelphia, Inc., P.O. Box 767, Glenside, PA 19038.

Contributions are tax-deductible. For contributions of $25 or more, your name will appear on Mary’s race shirt, so that supporters are with her every step of the way.