Superhero Run/Walk raises $15,000 to help area homeless

The sky was clear. The rains were gone. And close to 300 runners and walkers showed up, most wearing their favorite superhero costumes for JOURNEYS | The Road Home's "Be a Superhero for the Homeless" third annual Superhero 5K run/walk and one-mile fun run/walk on Saturday, June 27, in downtown Palatine.

According to JOURNEYS' board of directors President Lisa Eckert nearly $15,000 was raised. All proceeds from the event will go to help the homeless children and families supported by JOURNEYS | The Road Home.

"Our Superheroes for the Homeless were absolutely awesome," said JOURNEYS' executive director Beth Nabors. "Everyone had a great time, most people were in superhero costumes, and together we raised nearly $15,000. Proceeds will go directly to JOURNEYS programs and services that help to move people out of homelessness and into stable housing, help people who are at risk of becoming homeless to stay in their homes, help people to find jobs, get insurance or unemployment benefits that they may qualify for or provide something as simple as a warm meal."

This year's event featured a superhero-themed bounce house for the kids, a superhero-themed photo booth with unlimited prints, and a Superhero Dash for kids 10 and younger, with all participants receiving medals.

The overall female 5K race winner was Molly Kiefer with a time of 20 minutes 58 seconds, while the overall male winner was Johnny Gerardi with a time of 18 minutes 48 seconds. Gerardi won last year's men's 5K race as well. First, second and third place medals were awarded for males and females in each age division. "Event sponsor Path of Life was on-site cooking up breakfast tacos made with their all-natural and organic quinoa blends," said Eckert. "Path of Life staff members were also handing out chocolate covered strawberries, another one of their products. Tap House Grill, located just steps from the finish line, hosted the post-race party. The bar/restaurant offered each participant two soft drinks or beers and a wrap sandwich. Many participants headed there when the race was done."

"A big thank you goes out to the village of Palatine, the Palatine Park District and the Palatine Police Department for being such great partners on this event," continued Eckert. "We could not have done it without them. We also want to thank our sponsors: Path of Life, the Daily Herald, The Sign Palace, Joe Caputo & Sons, McLin Tours and Travel, and Runners4Wellness for hosting our water station."

JOURNEYS | The Road Home provides shelter and social services to the homeless and at-risk in North and Northwest Cook County through our HOPE Center, PADS Program and PDI Transitional Housing Program. Visit www.journeystheroadhome.org or call (847) 963-9163.

• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.