The actress and model will be donating all the proceeds to Filipino children who are victims of abuse and exploitation.
Anne Curtis raised over P2 million after successfully finishing the 42.2 kilometer 2023 Tokyo Marathon on March 3.
The famous actress and host of It’s Showtime is an ambassadress for UNICEF (United International Children’s Emergency Fund), and has raised more than 1 million pesos for her campaign drive Takbo Para sa Bata, which aims to provide protection and support to Filipino children who’ve experienced abuse. She then promised to raise double the amount after reaching the 1 million milestone.
READ ALSO: Fire And Ice: A Birthday Ball Beyond Pomp And Pageantry
“Closing my funding page at 1,089,264.67! Way above our goal & as promised, I will be matching that amount. So with our collective effort, we have raised 2,178,529.34,” wrote Curtis in a March 5 Instagram post commemorating the marathon in Tokyo.
In the same post, she added: “Being a mother, now as well, I couldn’t help but get emotional when I crossed that finish line. It just hit a little differently this time around. Running with a purpose bigger than just receiving a medal kept me fueled.”
The 38-year-old has finished other marathons in the past, namely the 2016 one in New York and the 2018 one in London—her most recent accomplishment in Japan being her third participation in the six-city World Marathon Majors.
Every Peso Counts
In her March 5 post, Curtis wrote: “Every single kilometer was worth it, knowing I was running to help Filipino children heal and recover through the funds WE (yes, this includes every single one of you that donated) raised together.”
“We can ALL be heroes, even if it’s just for one day,” she shared in a separate post on March 18. “I would like to THANK each & every hero who donated. Whether it was 1 peso or 50,000 pesos, it was of great value. No donation was small, because behind each donation was a big heart that wanted to help Filipino children who are victims of abuse get the help they need to heal and recover.”
Love and Support
Curtis also expressed gratitude to those who supported her throughout the endeavor. This included her coach, Gabb Rosario (who spent 8 weeks preparing her for the marathon) and the UNICEF Philippines team.
Photo via Instagram @annecurtissmith
The actress gave thanks to her husband and young daughter, Erwan Heussaff and Dahlia Amélie, for all the love they gave her in the days leading up to the big event. “Your hugs and kisses last night before sleeping were everything to me and helped start this whole day full of love. Another marathon done and dedicated to the Filipino Youth,” she wrote in her touching post.
Banner Photo via Instagram @annecurtissmith.