5K run honors South Elgin boy's memory
Cal's All-Star Angel Foundation just keeps hitting home runs.
About 500 people turned out Saturday in South Elgin to raise more than $17,000 as the foundation's inaugural 5K run went off without a hitch.
And, over the summer, the second annual golf outing at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles raised $85,000, which was $12,000 more than the first.
The foundation provides financial assistance to families whose children have cancer and also grants wishes for young patients.
It was formed by the parents of Cal Sutter, a 13-year-old from South Elgin and all-star baseball player who died in 2006 from leukemia.
Tom Sutter, Cal's dad, credited Taksina Davis for organizing the run. He said one reason the community has been so supportive of the foundation is because cancer can strike anyone.
"It's a reality," he said. "It's something that can happen to anyone with kids."
Nicole Bowser was the first to finish the run for the women's category; Dan Roder took the top spot for men.
Andrea Kolbus brought her twin 4-year-old sons, Matt and Josh, to the event. They ran in a children's sprint. She wants to walk the 5K course next year and hopes her husband, Jim, will run it.
"It really makes you realize what a great thing they're doing. Having them do this in Cal's name is a great thing," Kolbus said.
Sutter said next year's race will be held in October, but no date has been set yet. The next golf outing is planned for June 12.
For more information, visit www.calsangels.org.