Cantigny 5K to benefit Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans

Ever since it opened in 2007, the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton has helped 34 veterans land on their feet.

And since 2008, Cantigny Park and Gardens has helped the shelter in its mission with an annual 5K that gives its net proceeds to the shelter.

The event has benefited various veterans causes over its eight-year run, but since 2008 it has donated exclusively to the shelter.

“We liked the idea of supporting them, and they are in our backyard,” said Jeff Reiter, Cantigny’s communications manager. “There are a lot of veterans who are homeless, and they really do a good job.”

The 5K Run/Walk starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at the park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Some proceeds from an American Legion Post 556 pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday also will go to the shelter.

Shelter Director Bob “Doc” Adams said the relationship with Cantigny is crucial to the shelter’s mission. He said Cantigny and the First Division Museum donate about $20,000 per year to the shelter. Last year, the 5K yielded a donation of $7,300.

“It’s a tremendous support for us,” he said.

When the race first started, the net proceeds were divvied up among different area charities that served veterans, Reiter said. However, in 2008, that changed.

“We felt we could make more of an impact if we gave the money to one place,” he said.

One day at a time