IFA was established in 2019 from a vision to promote Virtual Health and Wellness activities and provide accessible fundraising opportunities for schools and other community groups. Ed’s experience with live events was a natural fit to partner in this endeavor. Because of our combined experience and passion for giving back to the community, IFA has created opportunities for organizations to raise awareness and funds, removing common limitations normally associated with having to go to a physical location.. We also wanted to allow people to continue to feel that they were part of a community, even if they can’t be together, have goals, encourage each other and receive support virtually.
Mary first got involved in races as a way to stay engaged and motivated on her path to a healthier lifestyle. This provided Mary an opportunity to be outdoors at races or training as a great way to stay in shape and meet more people. In the last 15years, Mary has been involved as part of the race/timing teams and or part of the volunteer leadership in many races across the East Coast. In 2016 Mary started a foundation in honor of her parents through the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, the Jerome A. and Frances D. Yetsko Family Scholarship was created to benefit HS seniors who need financial assistance for secondary education. This catapulted more of her volunteer work at races as a way to fundraise for the foundation. As she began to travel excessively for work, her ability to attend events and stay consistent in working with a trainer was impacted. This set her on a course to research ways to overcome these obstacles, and the idea of IFA was born. This combined the ability to help other organizations fundraise, as well as, keep people motivated to keep moving and not have limitations with schedule or locations. This is something that can be done anywhere, any time!
Mary’s personal favorite saying is… I’m Freakin Awesome! ( repeat until you believe) plant the seed in your mind and it will become your truth…
Mary’s personal motivational quote/mantra is…Don’t change, Grow !
Ed has been an active runner since high school. He continued his love for running into college and ran track and Cross Country at Villanova University. His commitment to running drove him to compete in countless endurance events including 10 marathons. Ed is the owner of NOVA Timing Systems which he founded in 2009. NOVA has timed or been part of the timing team for over 1000 races across the eastern seaboard, most notably: Boston Marathon, Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run, Across the Bay 10k, Delaware Marathon, Rehoboth Marathon, Brooklyn Marathon just to name a few. Ed has a deep commitment to community which is reflected in his reasonable pricing to local races in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. To-date, Ed has 10 years of race management experience and is a well-known player in the racing community. Ed’s experiences participating in several endurance races over the years fueled his decision to use the best timing equipment available for NOVA Timing. This ensured accurate, timely results which helped lead to the ultimate overall participant experience. He brings that same drive to the virtual race community to ensure the best possible experience in all facets of each event.
Ed’s running mantra is…”It’s always too early to quit”
Ed’s personal motivational quote/mantra is…”Today decide that the rest of your life will be the best of your life”
Ed’s best race experience was “finishing my first marathon in Philadelphia. I accomplished my goal to complete a marathon before I was 30 and do it under 4 hours….even though my training didn’t go as planned. I proved my mind was the most powerful muscle in my body that day.
Ed loves races because of being surrounded by people chasing goals and dreams that lead to a stronger self.
Justin has been entrepreneurial since he was 10, living in Singapore. There he started his first business importing candy from the USA to sell to his classmates during recess. He has gone on to found several other small business ventures over the years, all with a common element of charitable giving. Justin’s’ professional experience is centered in IT applications, and project management. Justin loves all things tech, and enjoys playing video games and boating. Justin completed his first 5K in 2018 as part of a corporate run in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Justin’s favorite motivational quote is ““You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go.” – Dr. Seuss
At IFA we are always looking to expand our offerings and build great partnerships. Give us a shout using the form on the contact page, or reach out to any of us directly. We are all based in the USA, but we all work from home, because just like our events and races, we believe virtually anything is possible
