Naperville: Spring kicks off healthy fundraising events
By NICKI ANDERSON Sun Times Media
Adults race in the 360 Youth Services run in 2011. | Courtesy of 360 Youth Services
If you’ve been itching to take your exercise outside, your time has come. Whether you are a walker or runner, the following local events are a great way to get in the groove of your spring training while raising money for some great causes. So get on your training gear, hydrate, and get ready for a fit and fun spring!
Eikon 5K — April 28
The fifth annual Eikon 5K run will take place at Naperville North High School. The race will raise funds to support Eikon students in the Philippines. Eikon is a nine-month internship program for college-age students, equipping them to be effective leaders and change agents in their community. These students will participate in the training and encouragement of youth workers from all over Asia at a conference hosted in Bagio, Philippines. Your donation through participation will help make their program possible. To sign up, visit www.eikon5k.org.
March for Babies — April 29
Head down to The Naperville River Walk and join the oldest and one of the most popular walking events in the nation. Bring along family and friends while supporting research and programs to help babies in your community and across the nation get a healthy start. March of Dimes provides hope and health to 500,000 babies who are born too soon each year. This event helps to fund programs and research that enable moms to have healthy, full-term pregnancies. Visit www.marchforbabies.com to learn more.
ADOPT Walk — May 6
What a great opportunity to bond with your furry friends. Join ADOPT for their 19th annual Makin’ Strides for Strays walkathon May 6. All funds raised from this event will be used toward the veterinary care and special needs of the animals, as well as the overall operation and development of programs at the shelter. The Naperville pet shelter is a private, no-kill, nonprofit organization that provides temporary shelter and care to dogs and cats in search of a home. Visit www.adoptpetshelter.org to learn more and to sign up for the event.
Walk MS — May 6
Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. Today, there are new treatments and advances in research giving new hope to people affected by the disease. Your participation will provide resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. To learn more, visit www.msillinois.org.
5K Run for Reading — May 20
The 11th annual Run for Reading to support the Jeanine Nicarico Literacy Foundation will take place at River Woods Elementary School in Naperville. The run will raise money for the Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Fund for Literacy. This fund awards grants to individual educators, or entire schools, to promote a deeper understanding of literacy and provide enriched opportunities for learners within the Naperville community. To learn more or to register, visit www.nicaricoliteracyfund.org.