Monday, August 28, 2017

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.

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

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.

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

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.