Walkers to hoof it to benefit kids cause

Tina Hutchinson knows why the annual Hoof it For Hephzibah has become such a popular event.

The race and fun run, which begins at 8 a.m. Monday at Newton Park, 701 Fairview Ave., Glen Ellyn, combines hard-core runners, families ambling along with kids in strollers, and people of all ages.

And it's to benefit the Hephzibah Children's Association, a century-old Oak Park-based organization serving the community's most vulnerable citizens -- children.

The organization provides short-term and long-term foster care, day care, adoption services and other important functions.

"We can make a difference for a child in need," said Hutchinson of Glen Ellyn, one of the race directors and president of the West Suburban auxiliary. "Because it's all about the children, it touches everybody's heart."

Hoof it For Hephzibah has become the West Suburban auxiliary's biggest fundraiser. This is Hutchinson's second year as race director.

"It's all on Glen Ellyn residential streets. It's not a hard course at all," she said. "You can take as long as you like. Upon return, there is music playing, fruit, water, bagels and activities for the kids, which include face-painting and kiddie races. It's adorable."

Parents can watch their kids race after they come back from the walk. For the youngest runners, there is a 50-meter dash, while older kids can participate in a mile dash. The races depend on the age of the children and take place in succession after the main race is done.

Even the children who live in the Hephzibah Home in Oak Park take part in the races. Everyone has a wonderful morning together, Hutchinson said.

That type of interaction is what makes Hephzibah so special for those who volunteer with the auxiliary. Volunteers will often go to the Hephzibah Home to bake cookies on a Sunday afternoon with the children, taking part in activities that are comforting, warm and familiar.

Time is spent with the children at the holidays, and the Glen Ellyn B.R. Ryall YMCA donates space for the children to play in the swimming pool and use the sports facilities.

The auxiliary also sponsors Holiday of Hope, a winter Glen Ellyn shopping event where various vendors sell their wares, with a percentage of proceeds benefiting Hephzibah.

The West Suburban Hephzibah auxiliary meets each month and works to raise funds. They begin planning for the race just after Christmas.

By having their families interact side by side with the wards of the Hephzibah Children's Association, it has taught them perspective.

"We are not all equally lucky," Hutchinson said. "Its taught me to teach my child to appreciate what we have and what we have been given."

Those who wish to sign up for the race should visit SignMeUp.com and follow the prompts for Hoof it for Hephzibah.

There also will be a sign-up table from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, the day before the event, at Health Track Sports and Wellness, 875 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn. Entry fee is $20 in advance, $25 the day of the event.

On race day, sign up is from 6:30 to 7 a.m., and the race begins at 8 a.m. in Newton Park. For details, visit www.hephzibahhome.org.