This weekend marked our third Father's Day without Dad. My brother and I honored him by hitting the trail in a 10-mile muddy trail slog through Marsh Creek in PA.

We met up with our friend Pete Mielnik (a father of three), who’s training for The Copper Kings—a 100-mile ultra in Butte, Montana later this month. Pete’s invited me to crew and pace him for 29 of those miles, estimated from 4 PM Friday the 27^th until 2 AM Saturday the 28th. 29’s a lot. But not 100. Go Pete! I will see you next in Butte where you are going to kill it.

The race isn’t just a race. Pete is raising $100,000 to support Nepalese children aging out of orphanages (those without fathers)—helping them make one of life’s hardest transitions into adulthood. It’s a goal that stretches far beyond the trail. One that demands creativity, courage, and community. That’s Pete. Big goals with real impact.

Support his cause here.

Pete’s been a quiet mentor to me over the years. His example reminds me how movement—whether a muddy 10-mile run through Marsh Creek or a 100-mile stretch through the Montana mountains—connects us to something deeper.

This week also holds a tradition closer to home: the Media 5 Miler. The Media 5 Mile Race, held annually in June in Media, PA, is much more than a fitness event—it’s a community-driven fundraiser. Organized by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the race supports local charitable organizations through its proceeds. It is an event we sponsor through Members’ Wealth and one we’ve run as a firm since before our firm began. Before then, my dad, my wife, my daughter, my friends, and others have all run it from time to time. This year, I’ll toe the line with my brother, my partner and best friend, Tim Macarak, his daughter, and some other friends and colleagues. The race falls nearly every Father’s Day weekend (this year the weekend after)—and every year, it means a little bit more.

In a week filled with physical movement, emotional reflection, and global instability (as tensions escalate between Iran and Israel), I’m reminded again: the world is complex, uncertain, and ever evolving. But showing up—with your running shoes, your heart, or your checkbook—still matters. We sponsor the Media 5 Miler and we are sponsoring Pete to help the fatherless children of the orphanage. We cannot help everyone but we can certainly lead by example, remember those before us and help those we can.

Big events. Small rituals. They all count.

Happy Father’s Day to those remembering, celebrating, and especially to those who never had the privilege of knowing theirs.

See you on the trail.

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About the Author

Dane Czaplicki, CFA®

Dane Czaplicki is CEO of Members’ Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm that offers a comprehensive approach to serving individuals, families, business owners, and institutions. The firm’s goal is to preserve and grow its clients’ wealth to endure over time, while thoughtfully evolving its strategy to suit an ever-changing world. With over 20 years of wealth management experience, Dane and the Members' Wealth team thrive on bringing clarity and confidence to clients' unique situations. He believes everyone needs sound financial advice from someone whose interests are aligned with theirs, and is determined to put service before all else.

Dane received his MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University. Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, hiking and camping, reading, running, and playing with his dog. To learn more about Dane, connect with him on LinkedIn.

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