For most marathoners, the road to the starting line begins with months of training, discipline, and determination. For Christopher Cappello, the journey also runs much deeper. It’s a reflection of his family’s generations-long commitment to faith, philanthropy, and compassion in action.
At 30 years old, Christopher is a graduate student pursuing his Ph.D. in English Literature at Stanford University. He lives a life filled with books, writing, and academic research, but his heart remains anchored in the spirit of service. This year, he’s channeling that spirit through a different kind of endurance test: the TCS New York City Marathon, where he’ll run in support of Catholic Charities of New York. As part of the team, runners not only train for the race, they also fundraise to support the organization’s lifesaving work across New York.
“I come from a family background steeped in Catholic philanthropy for generations,” Christopher shares. “As a fifth-generation trustee of the Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities , I’ve been fortunate to see firsthand the impact Catholic Charities has made, not just in New York, but across the country. When I had the opportunity to run and raise money for their mission, it was an immediate yes.”
A Legacy of Faith and Giving
The Raskob Foundation, founded in 1945, has been a cornerstone of Catholic charitable work for decades. Through that legacy, Christopher grew up surrounded by stories of generosity, compassion, and steadfast belief in service to others. He describes his upbringing as “a kind of quiet education in empathy,” one that naturally led him to find his own ways of giving back.
“I’ve seen how Catholic Charities meets people where they are, whether they’re struggling with homelessness, seeking refuge from crisis, or simply trying to rebuild their lives,” he said. “In a city like New York, those challenges are visible every day. The work Catholic Charities does is both immediate and deeply human, they’re not just helping people survive, they’re helping them reclaim their dignity.”
It’s that very sense of dignity and hope that motivates Christopher as he trains for the marathon. “Running, like service, is an act of perseverance,” he reflects. “You start unsure of how far you’ll go, but as you keep moving, you find your rhythm. It’s the same with giving, once you take that first step, it becomes part of who you are.”
Faith in Motion
Christopher’s connection to Catholic Charities isn’t just historical, it’s personal. His mother, Kerry Robinson, serves as the President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), leading one of the largest and most respected faith-based social service networks in the country.
“My mother is my greatest inspiration,” Christopher said with unmistakable pride. “She’s the moral and spiritual anchor of my life. Seeing her lead CCUSA with such compassion, energy, and vision has given me a new appreciation for what it means to live out your faith in real, tangible ways.”
From a young age, Christopher witnessed his mother’s commitment to justice, kindness, and tireless advocacy for others. “She’s been involved in Catholic philanthropy since she was born,” he said. “But what’s remarkable is how she’s made it her vocation, transforming what began as a family calling into a full career of leadership and impact.”
Now, watching her lead CCUSA during a time of national and global challenge, Christopher feels even more compelled to honor that mission in his own way.
“She’s taken on an enormous role, guiding an organization that serves millions across the country, each with different needs and communities, yet united by a common purpose. The consistency of that mission, to love, to serve, to accompany, is extraordinary,” he said. “And it’s motivating. It’s one of the reasons I’m running.”
It was Kerry, in fact, who encouraged her son to connect with Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, Executive Director, Emeritus at Catholic Charities of New York. That introduction sealed his decision to join the marathon team. “Getting to speak with Monsignor Sullivan and hearing firsthand about the work happening in New York made everything click,” Christopher recalls. “It reminded me that the spirit of Catholic Charities isn’t just institutional, it’s deeply personal. It’s about people helping people.”
Running for Something Greater
As the race approaches, Christopher views the marathon not only as a physical challenge but as a reflection of the broader human journey of faith and service.
“When you look at something like charity work from the outside, it can feel daunting,” he explains. “You think about your busy schedule, your commitments, and wonder how to fit it all in. But once you take that first step, once you volunteer, donate, or get involved, it becomes something sustaining. It actually feels good. It’s energizing.”
That feeling mirrors the rhythm of running. “Every mile tests you, but it also rewards you. You find strength you didn’t know you had. You connect with others who are striving for the same goal. And ultimately, you finish feeling more alive, more connected, and more grateful than when you started,” he said.
For Christopher, this marathon represents both a personal milestone and a testament to the enduring power of Catholic service. “Catholic Charities stands at the intersection of faith and action,” he said. “They meet some of the toughest crises of our time, homelessness, poverty, migration, with compassion and consistency. Supporting them is about believing in that mission and helping it carry forward.”
Faith, Family, and Finish Lines
In the months leading up to race day, Christopher has been training diligently, balancing his academic pursuits with early morning runs and weekend long-distance sessions. But amid the miles and the planning, what keeps him going is the vision of what his run represents.
“I think about the people Catholic Charities help every day,” he said. “Families who need food, individuals seeking shelter, refugees trying to start over. Each mile I run is for them. It’s for my mom, for her example. And it’s for the generations before us who believed that faith without service isn’t complete.”
As he prepares to take his place among thousands of runners, Christopher feels a profound sense of gratitude.
“I’m proud to be part of something bigger than myself,” he said. “This marathon is about endurance, yes, but it’s also about compassion, about putting one foot in front of the other for someone else. And I can’t think of a better reflection of what Catholic Charities stands for than that.”
When he crosses the finish line, Christopher Capello won’t just be completing for miles, he’ll be carrying forward a legacy of love, leadership, and faith that stretches back generations and continues to inspire all who believe in the power of service.
Learn more about the 2025 TCS NYC Marathon here: https://catholiccharitiesny.org/tcs-nyc-marathon-team/
