Jeanine G.L.O.W. Run a huge success

Our family and the run committee were again overwhelmed by the support the community gave to the Jeanine Nicarico G.L.O.W. 5K Run (Give Literacy Opportunity to Win) on June 4.

This event is the sole fundraiser for the Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Literacy Fund. Since its beginning in 1996 the fund has awarded close to $400,000 to the public and private schools in the Naperville community. It was our honor to award eight grants to Naperville School Districts 203 and 204, and to the DuPage Childrens Advocacy Center.

We thank the 2,000 runners (the maximum we could allow) for their enthusiasm. Also, to Emcee Ray Kinney, and to Briana Reilly for singing the National Anthem. It was a fun evening for all ages with prizes for the best "glow" costumes and music by Tres Moustache.

A sincere thanks to run organizers Tracey Nelson, Christine Roy and Kathy Brown, who with the many volunteers, so cheerfully and willingly donated their time and effort to make this a huge success; the City of Naperville, the Naperville Police Department, the numerous sponsors, donors, the 5th Avenue Station management, residents and businesses for their support. Also, we thank the residents along the race route for their enthusiasm in cheering the runners as they passed by.

A special heartfelt thanks to Mayor Emeritus Pradel for once again being an integral part of this event. His spirit gave a special spark to the racers. He not only holds a special place in our hearts, but in the the hearts of all who were there.

We are deeply touched by the outpouring of support and dedication from this community and we thank all for keeping Jeanine's memory alive in this positive and caring way.

We look forward to next year's 5K G.L.O.W. Run.

Pat and Tom Nicarico

formerly of Naperville