Register now for Arlington Heights Rotary Santa Run

The holidays are just around the corner, the time when all of us become more joyful, caring, and charitable.

What better way to kick-start the holiday season than to join the Rotary Club of Arlington Heights in #makingadifference. Register at www.rotarysantarun.org to participate in the 2017 Rotary Santa Run at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2.

Over the years, the run has become a mainstay in the community, and a fun way to help raise money for multiple local charities and international organizations. It's also been successful, having raised more than $250,000 for local charitable groups.

This year's Rotary Santa Run is celebrating "10 Years and Running!" Kicking off in 2008, the race has grown to include thousands of runners, walkers and reindeer alike.

"When we first brought the idea of a Santa Run to our Rotary Club membership in 2008, the response was less than overwhelming," says Bill Kmiecik, the first Rotary Santa Run chairman.

"Comments included, 'You want to spend how much money to buy Santa Claus suits?' 'What makes you think anyone will want to do this?' Now we are approaching our 10th Santa Run and it has been a great run … And over the years the proceeds have allowed us to increase our philanthropic activities, both locally and internationally."

Indeed, assistance provided through Rotary Santa Run proceeds reaches far and wide, but runners may not have been aware of the groups they supported with their participation.

"This year, we are sharing with the runners how the funds are spent through signs along the race route," says Jim Bertucci, 2016 club president. "We're hoping in this way, they get a better sense of how their involvement helps people in the area and around the world."

Along with Rotary International, these groups directly benefited from the 2016 Rotary Santa Run:

• Arlington Heights Senior Center, in support of its Buddy Bench.

• Journeys The Road Home for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

• Northwest Community Hospital Foundation for a Sensory Room.

• OMNI Youth Services to establish the Human Performance Project Program at Hersey High School and Thomas Middle School.

Other groups that have benefitted from prior race proceeds include Wheeling Township Food Pantry; Village of Arlington Heights Thanksgiving Meals; Boy Scouts; Salute, Inc.; Northwest CASA; NSSEO Timber Ridge; Geneva Foundation/Presbyterian Homes; Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers; Rolling Meadows High School; District 214 Education Foundation; Lutheran Home Auxiliary; Connect to Community; Shelter, Inc.; Arlingtones; Lutheran Home; Metropolis; Special Leisure Services Foundation; Live4Lali; Arlington Heights Historical Society; Clearbrook and more.

The 5K Run/Walk is open to all ages and abilities. Registrants receive a five-piece Santa suit to wear; personalization of your Santa look is highly encouraged. For those ages 10 and younger, the four-block Reindeer Run kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Children get a pair of antlers to wear and are never out of their parents' sight.

Families, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to run or walk as a group and then spend the day in downtown Arlington Heights afterward.

For information or to register, visit www.rotarysantarun.org.

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