Superhero 5K Run/Walk benefits Make-A-Wish Illinois
Now in its eighth year, the Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival will host its second Annual Superhero 5K Run/Walk Saturday, Oct. 7, to raise money for Make-A-Wish Illinois.
On Dec. 13, 2013, Highwood's hometown hero Samuel Asher Sommer, known to so many as "Superman Sam," died of acute myeloid leukemia at the age of 8. To honor Superman Sam, a Make-A-Wish recipient, event organizers are encouraging all participants to come dressed in their favorite super hero costume in solidarity with the goal of surpassing last year's $60,000 donation to Make-A-Wish Illinois and raising enough funds to grant 100 wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions in Illinois.
"In the months after Sam died, I looked back at our Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World often," Sam's mother Phyllis Sommer said. "Those memories are a gift that will continue to shine as a bright spot in the sadness. To spend time together in a sweet and happy place was so much more of a blessing than we'd ever thought possible, and for that we are so very grateful."
In addition to Sam, the race is also honoring the more than 715 Wish children from communities all across the state this year.
This annual race will bring participants together in an effort to raise awareness and support for Make-A-Wish Illinois.
Kicking off at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, participants will run and walk from Waukegan and Walker avenues, in front of The Bent Fork Bakery, through downtown Highwood and historic Fort Sheridan while passing the thousands of carved Jack-o'-lanterns that will be lit later that evening.
Participants are encouraged to register online for the race. Registration is $35 for the run/walk. All participants ages 21 and older will receive a free Bloody Mary or beer at the end of the race.
Packet pick up will be at the Celebrate Highwood booth on Pumpkin Fest grounds at the corner of Waukegan and Walker avenues during Community Appreciation Night from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5. Online registration closes at 7 a.m. Oct. 7.
In addition to these fundraising efforts, there will be a $3 per day admission, or $5 weekend pass, to The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival, with all proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Illinois.
"As a grass-roots organization, community members and fundraising efforts are key in making sure that we can reach every eligible child with a wish," said Ashley White, Gift Officer with Make-A-Wish Illinois.
"The generous people who are participating in The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest and race on behalf of Make-A-Wish can feel really good about bringing hope, strength and joy to seriously ill Illinois children."
For more information on the Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest, visit www.highwoodpumpkinfest.com or call (847) 432-6000.
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