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.