St. Jude Run Brings in $5 Million

Formerly a proprietor with Tessy Plastics, LLC in Lynchburg, Virginia, Ralph Beck now owns B-Boyz, LLC, a Forest, Virginia-based real estate development company. Outside of his professional life, Ralph Beck is actively involved in his community and supports several organizations, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

In early August, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital held its annual run from Memphis to Peoria in order to raise money for the facility’s ongoing research and treatment efforts. The 465-mile trek is broken up into different relay arms (3 miles and 6 miles, respectively) and is one of the major fundraisers for the hospital each year. Just this year alone, the run was able to bring in upwards of $5 million for St. Jude. 

As runners embarked on the difficult trek, they were shadowed by chefs who stopped along the way to cook for them, keeping them nourished on what can be a grueling run. The event took three days total to complete, and with this year’s efforts it has brought in more than $50 million for St. Jude over its 36-year lifespan.

The Difference between Sushi and Sashimi

Virginia-based business leader Ralph Beck divides his time between serving as an investor at JETR Holdings and as a proprietor at a real estate development and investment company. A self-proclaimed food connoisseur, Ralph Beck of Virginia goes out to eat at least three times a week and is fond of such foods as sushi.

Although some individuals use the terms “sushi” and “sashimi” interchangeably, the two dishes are actually very different. Sashimi consists entirely of raw slices of fish or seafood. Salmon and tuna are popular fish used in sashimi dishes, and thinly sliced scallops, sea urchin, or mackerel also make appearances. Since these dishes focus on the meat being used, they are typically unaccompanied by rice and other ingredients. At most, sashimi dishes may include wasabi, soy sauce, pickled ginger, or shredded daikon to enhance the flavor of the fish.

Meanwhile, sushi is made from a wide range of ingredients, including chicken, vegetables, and fish. What sets sushi apart from sashimi is the fact that it does not always include raw fish and that its constant ingredient is vinegared rice. Further, sushi can be wrapped in seaweed, or nori, and formed into a roll, which is one of the most common forms of sushi in the United States, or it can be formed as nigiri, which consists of fish and other ingredients pressed on top of rice. Nigiri typically does not include nori.

St. Jude Heroes to Benefit Children’s Cancer in Marine Corps Marathon

Ralph Beck serves as an investor for JETR Holdings in Forest, Virginia, where he locates promising investment opportunities and identifies areas of improvement within the business. Beyond his obligations to the company, Ralph Beck supports the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Supporters of the hospital residing within Virginia may assist in fundraising efforts by joining St. Jude Heroes for the 42nd Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) & 10K this October.

St. Jude Heroes will take to the track with the intention of helping St. Jude Children’s Hospital advocate for the fight against children’s cancer and other deadly diseases. Team members will commit to raising a specified amount based on their selected fundraising level, with proceeds going toward cancer treatment costs at St. Jude. Becoming a St. Jude Hero also entitles participants to training support, personal fundraising website, a St. Jude Heroes team racing top, and guaranteed race registration while spots remain.

One of the largest marathons in the country, the MCM has received worldwide recognition for its organization and scenic course. US Marines stationed in Washington, DC, and Virginia handle all responsibilities for its organization with a focus on promoting physical health, showcasing the skills of the US Marine Corps, and generating community goodwill. Its reputation as one of the best marathons for beginners earned it the nickname The People’s Marathon. Furthermore, the MCM exists as the largest marathon to refrain from offering prize money.

The 42nd Marine Corps Marathon & 10K will take place October 22, 2017, in Arlington, Virginia, and Washington DC.                            

Improve Your Soccer Performance by Focusing on First Touch

Based in Forest, Virginia, Ralph Beck is the proprietor of real estate development firm B-Boyz, LLC. Formerly, he owned Tessy Plastics, LLC, in Lynchburg, Virginia. When not working, Ralph Beck coaches a B-league soccer team that is beginning to show a lot of promise. One of the most important skills for high-level soccer remains a great first touch on the ball. Skillful first touch allows players to shield the ball, dribble aggressively, and play quickly.

Developing first touch is about gaining control over the ball. People who keep the ball too close to themselves will inevitably lose it, while players who keep the ball too far become vulnerable to the opposition’s moves. Good first touch means keeping the ball in front without having it under the feet.

An easy way to improve first touch is to focus on controlling the ball with each foot while kicking it against a wall. Spending 15 to 20 minutes a day doing this will result in serious, noticeable improvement as players develop first touch reflexes. This simple practice helps individuals get very comfortable with the ball, but players should challenge themselves. Kicking the ball against the wall harder means it comes back faster. If players can control hard deflections, they will have few, if any, issues with real passes.

A Few Excellent Hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia

The proprietor of B-Boyz, LLC, in Forest, Virginia, Ralph Beck invests in local real estate and develops land and homes. Recreationally, Ralph Beck enjoys keeping active, especially by hiking in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

One of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ great hikes, McAfee Knob is a celebrated part of the Appalachian Trail known for its beauty. Although a challenge, the trail is rewarding, particularly at sunset. For a longer trek, hikers can tack on the Dragon’s Tooth and Tinker Cliffs trails to McAfee Knob.

Another great option, the 8.3-mile Devil’s Marbleyard Trail requires more than five hours to complete, especially for those who want to play around on its giant boulders. Determined hikers can tack on another hour for an Appalachian Trail side trip that offers an incredible panorama of the mountains.

For something easier, individuals can check out the Otter Creek and Otter Lake Loop trails that start at the James River Visitor Center, where hikers can learn about the surrounding area. The former trail passes by several pools and an old railroad bed before linking up with the Otter Lake Loop Trail. The complete circuit, along which visitors may see beavers, amounts to just a few miles.

Local Virginia Whiskeys Available at Fifth and Federal

Financial professional Ralph Beck is a Virginia-based investor. Ralph Beck's holdings include interest in Fifth and Federal, a popular eatery known for its selection of spirits, including the following whiskeys made in Virginia: 

- Bowman Brothers Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey, from A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg. This small-batch, 90-proof bourbon whiskey is triple distilled to produce a refined flavor. The drink carries notes of oak and vanilla and features a pure amber color. 

- Virginia Highland Malt Whiskey, from the Virginia Distillery Company in Lovingston. This Scottish-style single malt is hand-distilled from pure malted barley and made in authentic handmade Scottish copper pot stills. The whiskey contains notes of cocoa and toffee and is aged in bourbon casks. 

- Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye, from Catoctin Creek Distilling Company in Purcellville. This 80-proof rye whiskey is made in-house using locally grown grain. The beverage is aged in white oak casts and carries both sweet and spicy flavors.

Habitat for Humanity Neighborhood Revitalization Efforts

Ralph Beck serves as an investor for JETR Holdings, where he identifies investment opportunities and manages the financial operations for the Virginia-based company. Outside of his professional work, Ralph Beck supports charitable organizations in Virginia such as Habitat for Humanity.

Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that works to provide safe and secure shelter for those in need around the world. The organization, which operates through community-based partnerships in 1,400 communities in America and almost 70 countries, has provided housing assistance to 6.8 million people since its inception. 

Habitat for Humanity also engages in neighborhood revitalization efforts through a holistic approach that is intended to change neighborhood dynamics for the better. The revitalization initiative involves transforming communities into safe and inviting places through repairs and other services. Its mission is to help improve the local quality of life of the neighborhoods while also increasing financial and volunteer support for the organization. For additional information about Habitat for Humanity's revitalization efforts, visit www.habitat.org.

Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance - Support for New Businesses

Virginia business owner Ralph Beck is active in real estate development and investment. As part of his commitment to the business community in Virginia, Ralph Beck is an active member of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. 

The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance is Lynchburg, Virginia's chamber of commerce and source for economic development. This alliance of local business owners works to make Lynchburg a city where commerce thrives and residents have ample opportunities. It offers support to startups, helps businesses expand, and contributes to a talented and robust workforce. 

If you are thinking about starting a business in the Greater Lynchburg area, the Regional Business Alliance can help. Prospective business owners can view detailed instructions by county online, or download the variety of applications and forms they will need to get started. The alliance also helps entrepreneurs make connections with experienced professionals and other resources through Greater Lynchburg SCORE and the Lynchburg Business Development Center.

To learn more or access a wealth of business resources, visit www.lynchburgregion.org.

Staying Safe While Mountain Biking

Virginia-based entrepreneur Ralph Beck oversees the development of land, homes, and apartments as the proprietor of B-Boyzllc. In his free time, Ralph Beck enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities in Virginia, including extreme mountain biking.

As with most sports, mountain biking can be dangerous when the proper precautions are ignored. Most riders already know that they should wear helmets, but staying safe while mountain biking also requires a basic understanding of the equipment. Make sure you research how different clothing and gear protect you and choose the right options for each ride.

You can also improve your safety by being aware of your own fitness. In certain scenarios, it is good to push your body. Doing so promotes muscle growth and increased stamina. 

However, if you are feeling weak or too tired, take a break to recuperate. Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks to keep up your energy during a ride. 

Stay aware of your surroundings and where you are going. Always tell someone your plans if you are mountain biking alone. Tell which trails you'll be taking and the time you expect to return.

St. Jude Doctor Shows Link between Radiation Therapy and Second Cancer

Long Beach College alumnus Ralph Beck is a businessman currently based in Virginia. He is the owner of B-Boyz Llc, a real estate company in Forest, Virginia, which has developed notable residential projects such as Serenity Creek Run and Water View Estates. Apart from his business, Ralph Beck is also an active supporter of charitable causes and has donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a not-for-profit medical institution focused on finding cures and advancing preventive measures for catastrophic pediatric diseases. With a strong emphasis on research, the hospital has consistently been in the vanguard of medical breakthroughs in pediatric medicine.

One of the most recent research studies to come out of the hospital's academic division is a childhood cancer survivor study spearheaded by Dr. Greg Armstrong, of the hospital's epidemiology and cancer control department. The study reveals a positive correlation between a reduction in radiation therapy for cancer and the decline of second cancers. The study validates the observed trend between the 1970s and the 1990s when a significant drop in the use of radiation therapy resulted in reduced chances of developing second malignancies.

The study involved over 26,000 five-year survivors who were treated in 27 medical institutions in the US and Canada. The research initiative received funding from the National Cancer Institute.