Progress. It is made by putting one foot in front of the other. For Del Ray Zimmerman, the quest for progress means putting 26 miles worth of his feet to the pavement. Inspired by the quest for equality, Zimmerman has taken on the task of raising $2,500 for the Courage Campaign by running his first marathon in Los Angeles on March 17.

Courage Campaign is an online organizing network that empowers more than 750,000 grass roots and net roots activists to push for progressive change and full equality across the country. As a leading multi-issue advocacy organization, Courage Campaign's work is supported by thousands of small donations from our diverse community.

Zimmerman came out 21-years-ago. At that time he said it was hard to think he would ever see equality for the GLBT community in his lifetime. But as the wheels of progress started to turn, a desire to do more set in him.

He stepped up to the challenge and has now been board chair for the past two years at Out Central, Nashville’s GLBT Cultural Center. He knows the challenges of raising funds to support the community. It was his participation in helping the local community that fueled his desire to expand his philanthropic boarders as well as push his own personal physical limits.

Zimmerman had to start somewhere in preparation for his upcoming marathon. Before beginning his training, he had run a maximum of seven miles.

As of today’s training schedule, he has crossed the 18-mile marker. With less than two months to go, he continues to make great strides in the quest to meet his goal of running 26 miles. He is also gaining ground on his financial commitment to the Courage Campaign.

To make a financial contribution to the Courage Campaign and help Del Ray meet his goal, visit www.crowdrise.com/teamcourage/fundraiser/delrayzimmerman. For more information on the Courage Campaign go to www.couragecampaign.org.