Running, walking toward goal of literacy

Even though Pat and Tom Nicarico's four grandchildren never got to meet their aunt Jeanine, they feel her spirit every May.

That's when the whole Nicarico family and hundreds of supporters join together for the annual Jeanine Nicarico 5K Run/Walk for Reading. This year's race took place Sunday morning at River Woods Elementary School in Naperville.

Although Jeanine was murdered in 1983 at age 10, her mother Pat says the run helps her grandchildren know their aunt.

"It's a great way for them to remember her in a positive way, rather than the bad stuff that happened to her," Nicarico said.

Naperville students who struggle with reading celebrate Jeanine, too, every time they have a breakthrough in class.

Sunday's 5K raised money for the Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Fund for Literacy, which has given nearly $100,000 in grants to public and private Naperville schools.

Pat and Tom Nicarico created the fund to honor their daughter, who struggled with literacy.

"Jeanine loved reading but she struggled quite a bit," Pat Nicarico said. "But a teacher was able to motivate her -- mostly with reading books about horses, which she also loved -- and she just blossomed."

The annual run is the biggest fundraiser for the grants and approximately 450 people raced to show their support.

Race organizer Mary Bazan said even though Naperville schools typically score high on standardized tests, the literacy grants fill a crucial need.

"I was able to call one of the teachers and tell her she got the grant, and she burst into tears," Bazan said.

In addition to the runners, more than 50 local businesses and dozens of volunteers donate their time, money, wares and services to the annual event, which usually raises about $20,000.

Both Nicarico and race organizer Mary Bazan said they were overwhelmed by the community's help.

"We couldn't keep the fund going without this race," Nicarico said. "It says a lot for Naperville."