Benet’s 5K helps families in need through Christmas Drive

Benet Academy’s second annual 5K for the Drive steps off Sunday, Dec. 15, to help raise money to provide toys and food for families in need as part of the school’s annual Christmas Drive.

The Christmas Drive is a Benet tradition that dates back more than 25 years. It began as a canned food drive that aided local families and food pantries.

Since then, the drive has evolved into a two-week fundraising event in which students and teachers collaborate to raise money to buy both toys and food for area families in need, and also to contribute to various charities and service organizations.

Last year, in an effort to add a new event to these two weeks, the Benet Academy Student Government hosted its first 5K. In its inaugural year, more than 450 Benet students, parents and alumni, along with residents from the surrounding suburbs, came out to run and walk as a way to give back to their community.

Together, the participants raised more than $10,000 and helped contribute to Benet’s most successful Christmas Drive ever; the total funds raised last year surpassed $70,000.

This year Benet, in conjunction with Benedictine University, is hosting the event again with the goal of building on last year’s success.

The 5K steps off at 11 a.m. from the Benet campus, 2200 Maple Ave., Lisle. Benet Academy President Abbot Hugh Anderson will celebrate a Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Benet’s St. Ronald Gymnasium, and a post-race party follows the 5K in the school’s cafeteria.

Advance online registration is closed, but race day registration begins at 9 a.m. Registration is open to both members of the Benet community and those of the Western suburbs.

For a $30 entry fee, participants can run or walk on the campuses of Benet Academy and Benedictine University. The fee includes a T-shirt, timing chip, post-race party and the opportunity to help local families and charities during the holiday season.

For details about the 5K or to donate to the Christmas Drive, visit www.benet.org.