Tiger Trot to raise money for Make-A-Wish Foundation

It's been more than three years since an illness took the life of 7-year-old Caroline Enright.

And the Wiesbrook Elementary School community hasn't forgotten the active and vibrant second-grader.

On Saturday morning, students, parents and teachers will come together at the Wheaton school to honor Caroline's memory by participating in a 5K race and 1-mile fun run that will raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois.

About 440 people, including more than 100 Wiesbrook students, have registered for the Wiesbrook PTA's inaugural Tiger Trot.

"It means a lot to the students," said Jill Sammons, a Wiesbrook parent and co-chair of the committee that organized the race. "We all live in Wheaton. We all share so many of the same common values and go to the same soccer games. But doing something like this brings you together at a different level."

Originally planned to promote overall fitness among students and to give back to the community, the Tiger Trot gave Caroline's classmates the chance to dedicate the event to her.

Caroline, who would have graduated from Wiesbrook this year, died in October 2005 from a blood infection, her mother said.

"We're thrilled any time anyone remembers Caroline," said Stephanie Enright, Caroline's mom. "But to have it done on such a grand scale and to have such a great outcome ... makes us feel fantastic."

The Enright family selected the Make-A-Wish Foundation as the recipient of the Tiger Trot's proceeds.

"We think it's a great organization," Stephanie Enright said. "Caroline had such a giving spirit. She was always helping somebody else. So we thought this was perfect. It's giving all of her friends an opportunity to help another kid, which is something she was all about."

Tiger Trot organizers needed to raise $5,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant a special wish for another child. Sammons said that goal already has been reached from the $12-per-person entry fees.

"If all goes well, we can grant a wish for two children," said Sammons, adding that walk-up registration starts at 6:45 a.m. on race day.

The Tiger Trot starts and finishes at Wiesbrook Elementary School, which is at 2160 Durfee Road. The 5K race begins at 7:30 a.m. and the 1-mile fun run starts at 8 a.m.

Wheaton resident Jerry Hayes, who recently won $100,000 on NBC's "The Biggest Loser," will be on hand as race marshal for the 5K, which will weave through the Arrowhead and Legends subdivisions.

To prepare for the race, more than 100 Wiesbrook students participated in a weekly "Fit Club." As part of the optional before-school program, parent volunteers took the students through 40 minutes of exercises to help improve their cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and strength.

Even the long list of event sponsors has Stephanie Enright impressed.

"When Caroline passed away, I think it touched this community at a really deep level," she said. "It's just been wonderful the way the entire community has come together to remember her and make this a really successful event."

If you go

What: Wiesbrook PTA Tiger Trot

Why: To support the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois

When: Check-in at 6:45 a.m. Saturday; 5K race starts at 7:30 a.m.; 1-mile fun run/walk at 8 a.m.

Where: Wiesbrook Elementary School, 2160 Durfee Road, Wheaton

Details: Race route weaves throughout the Arrowhead and Legends subdivisions

Cost: $12 per person with a $40 family cap

Info: (630) 212-9554 or wiesbrook.cusd200.org