ONE registered local charity stands to receive thousands of dollars in donations thanks to a new initiative by the Bermuda Marathon Derby Committee.The Committee this week invited all registered charities to submit proposals and vie for the title of "2007 Derby Charity".

Committee president Dr. Gina Tucker explained that every runner who registers for the May 24 race will pay an additional $10 that will go towards the financial contribution.

She added that each runner would also have an opportunity to collect additional funds through pledge sheets, while the general public would also have an opportunity to pledge via text messaging through the marathon's "communications sponsor", CellularOne.

"We are thrilled and excited about the initiatives for this year's event. Our new strap line, 'Giving you a reason to run', encompasses our goals for 2007 — to give something back to the community, while also increasing enthusiasm for the race from a runner and a spectator perspective," she said.

She believed the charitable element would also attract a greater number of runners and spectators to the event.

The committee is asking all interested registered charities to submit a proposal stating why they should be selected as the "2007 Derby Charity" on or before next Thursday, March 22.

Proposals should be no longer than five pages and can be emailed to Dr. Tucker at gtucker@moed.bm or hand delivered to Dr. Tucker at Victor Scott School.