Community honors Jeanine with annual literacy run
She had those big, saucer-shaped brown eyes and that unforgettable twin dimpled smile.
The bubbly fifth-grader loved animals, especially her dog, Ruffles, a constant companion who rarely left her side. She had an adventurous spirit, contagious giggle and trusting heart, and showered affection on those she loved.
Jeanine Nicarico died tragically 27 years ago, but the 10-year-old Naperville girl's legacy flourishes still through a memorial fund her family created to ensure some good comes from an unimaginable loss.
To date, the Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Fund for Literacy has awarded about $125,000 in grants to public and private schools in Naperville Unit District 203 and Indian Prairie Unit District 204 to help students such as Jeanine, who before her death overcame a difficulty learning how to read.
To support the fund, the ninth annual 5K run/walk returns Sunday in Naperville. Last year's event attracted a record of more than 525 participants ages 4 to 77 and, if the 2010 advance registration is any indication, the event continues to grow.
"This is not a little run anymore," said Chris Roy, one of Jeanine's two older sisters, both of whom organize the event. "I think my parents are going to be very touched by all the community support. It's overwhelming."
Of the fund, Roy added: "It allows a little of Jeanine to spread throughout our future generations to continue to live on."
Tom and Pat Nicarico established the literacy fund 14 years ago in honor of their youngest child, Jeanine, who was abducted from their home and murdered Feb. 25, 1983. A DuPage County jury sentenced the killer to the death penalty late last year after a protracted legal saga.
"This is a great opportunity for people to see the entire Nicarico family making something positive out of such a tragic situation," said Mary Bazan, race director. "You have to admire this family for creating something like this in Jeanine's memory that helps others. I feel honored to be a part of it."
Participants step off at 7:30 a.m. Sunday at River Woods Elementary School, 2607 River Woods Drive, Naperville. The 3.1-mile course is USA Track and Field-certified and winds through the River Woods, Farmington and Walnut Ridge neighborhoods.
Nearly 50 local businesses and dozens of volunteers donate their time, money, wares and services to make the event a continued success, raising about $20,000 annually. Lynmar Lending Group, which Bazan co-owns, is a main sponsor. Others include dentist Paul V. Caputo, the Rotary Club of Naperville-Downtown, and Naperville City Councilman Robert W. Fieseler's law firm of McAndrews, Held and Malloy.
Anderson's Bookshop is having a book fair at the race and donating 20 percent of its proceeds to the literacy fund. Also, Anderson's will again sponsor an author visit to the school with the most participants.
Participants may sign up one hour before the Sunday event, or visit nicaricoliteracyfund.org. The cost is $25.
"Tom and I will be there to greet the runners," Pat Nicarico said.
<p class="News">If you go</p>
<p class="News"><b>What:</b> Run for Reading 5K</p>
<p class="News"><b>Why:</b> Proceeds benefit the Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Fund for Literacy, which supports reading programs in Naperville schools</p>
<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7:30 a.m. Sunday, May 16</p>
<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> River Woods Elementary School, 2607 River Woods Drive, Naperville</p>
<p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> $25</p>
<p class="News">Info: <a href="http://nicaricoliteracyfund.org" target="new">nicaricoliteracyfund.org</a></p>