ATI run raises $52,000 for kids with physical challenges
The 2011 ATI Foundation 5K Run, Walk & Roll was a rousing success. Over 1,300 people enjoyed the festivities, held June 12 at the ATI Physical Therapy Clinic on Caton Farm Road in Joliet. The annual event raised more than $52,000 to help improve the lives of children with physical impairments.
Young beneficiary, 6-year-old Abby Grimm of Minooka held the American Flag as Chicago Blackhawks singer Jim Cornelison invigorated the crowd with a stirring rendition of The National Anthem, followed by a pep talk from race-starter Blackhawks legend Denis Savard. The crowd was so large that the runners who took off at the front of the pack had finished the race before the leisurely participants at the back had reached the half-mile marker.
Congratulations to all the runners, walkers and rollers. The top three males and females in the race were:
Male:
Aaron Stahl (Sandwich) 16:15.6
Gabe Siehr (Joliet) 16:28.7
Phil McNeal (Romeoville) 16:50.3
Female:
Maggie Kennedy (Plainfield) 19:49.8
Melody Johnson (Crest Hill) 20:14.5
Deanna Kollias (Chicago) 20:29.4
Following the race, local band Maggie Speaks and Revolution Dance Studio entertained the crowd, while the children enjoyed a bouncy house, face painter, games and more.
The major event sponsor was Harrah's Joliet. Community Partners include ATI Physical Therapy; Ernie Loberg Construction; Magnum Fitness Systems; Advanced Rehabilitation Systems; Corti, Alesky & Castaneda, P.C.; Jani-King; and Remline Promotions.
Food and raffle prizes were sponsored by: Chicago Cubs, Finnegan's Irish Pub, Grant Importing, Lifetherapy, The Department, Edible Arrangements, Gourmet 45, McDonalds & Vargas Management, Budget Golf, Darla Tomac, Cemenos, Fruitful Yield Health Foods, Road ID, Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes, and Salon West Hair Studio.
Founded in 2003 by ATI Physical Therapy, the ATI Foundation was created as a way for ATI to give back to the community. The ATI Foundation is committed to aiding individuals with physical impairments, primarily focusing on children in need of medical resources and funding to enhance and sustain a better quality of life.
For more information on the ATI Foundation, please visit the Foundation pages on the ATI Physical Therapy website, or contact Foundation Director Terry Williams at terry.williams@atipt.com or 303-507-5493.