Lee Pesky Learning Center Named an Official Charity Partner of the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon

Lee Pesky Learning Center (LPLC) announces an important leadership transition. Executive Director Maureen O’Toole will be stepping away from her position to attend to family health matters. The entire LPLC community expresses deep gratitude for Maureen’s leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to advancing our mission of helping students, families, and educators overcome learning challenges and reach their full potential.

During her tenure, Maureen guided the Center through a period of growth and adaptation while strengthening relationships with community partners, expanding access to services, and championing programs that ensure all learners have the tools and support they need to succeed. Her empathy, professionalism, and focus on mission-driven impact have left an enduring mark on the organization and those it serves.

Stepping into the role of Executive Director is Dr. Lindy Crawford, who previously led Lee Pesky Learning Center and now returns with optimism and a renewed vision for impact. Dr. Crawford brings deep institutional knowledge, decades of educational leadership experience, and an unwavering commitment to the Center’s mission. Her familiarity with LPLC’s team, community, and the broader educational landscape in Idaho ensures continuity, stability, and momentum during this transition.

“Lee Pesky Learning Center’s professional expertise is second to none and it is my great honor to once again serve alongside an incredibly accomplished and deeply empathetic team,” said Dr. Crawford. “For close to 30 years, LPLC has led educational innovation using an evidence-based approach to teaching and learning. I am excited to play a small part in our continued evolution.”

Board Chair Jim Foudy added, “We are profoundly grateful to Maureen for her care, leadership, and commitment to every learner we serve. We’re equally confident in welcoming Lindy back to guide LPLC into its next chapter. Her deep knowledge of LPLC and her passion for education will be a great asset to the organization during this transition period.”

For nearly three decades, Lee Pesky Learning Center has helped thousands of students, families, and educators overcome obstacles to learning through direct academic and clinical services, professional training, and community partnerships. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to ensure every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

Lee Pesky Learning Center (LPLC) has been named an Official Charity Partner for the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, which takes place Sunday, November 3 and is one of 60 races produced annually by the nonprofit New York Road Runners (NYRR). LPLC will be among the record 598 charity partners providing runners the opportunity to add meaning to their miles.

The NYRR Official Charity Partner Program offers an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to raise funds to support their missions and services. Participating charities can offer guaranteed entry to runners who fundraise on their behalf.

More than 50,000 runners are expected at this year’s TCS New York City Marathon, which has become known as the best day in sports in New York, attracting runners and spectators of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities from around the world.

This spring, LPLC will recruit 10 athletes to run in the marathon garnering support and awareness for children overcoming obstacles to learning. Last year, LPLC’s team consisted of 12 runners who raised over $40,000 and covered 314 miles on ‘race day’ on behalf of Lee Pesky Learning Center.

LPLC’s partnership with the TCS NYC Marathon began in 2012 and LPLC’s Running for Learning Teams include former notable runners such as Mayor Lauren McLean and New York City-based actor, model, and LPLC alumnus, Nathan Katsuki. Katsuki, a member of the 2021 LPLC marathon team, was featured on News12 Brooklyn at the time.

According to LPLC’s Executive Director, Dr. Lindy Crawford, “Running a marathon is much like our work with individual learners – both involve setting a long-term goal, putting in a lot of hard work, learning new and necessary skills, and mustering the fortitude to navigate unexpected challenges along the way. Both are a labor of love.”

“New York Road Runners is proud to support Lee Pesky Learning Center’s Running for Learning team and the incredible impact they make in Idaho (and beyond) as they raise important funds to benefit individuals facing obstacles to learning,” said Christine Burke, NYRR’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Runner Products. “The TCS New York City Marathon is the best day in sports in New York and will provide runners a major platform to spotlight this cause that means so much to them.”

Last year, the TCS New York City Marathon Official Charity Partner Program raised a record $61.3 million for charity by way of 14,000 runners. Since its inception in 2006, the TCS New York City Marathon Official Charity Partner Program has raised more than $520 million for over 1,000 worthy non-profit organizations across the globe. Prior to the start of the official program, the New York City Marathon had served as an outlet for individual philanthropic runners since the 1980s.

Pictured: Member’s of LPLC’s 2022 Running for Learning Marathon Team.

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