Glen Ellyn man organizes concert for Mercy Home
Pete Miscinski can look at a map of the Chicago Marathon course and tell you exactly where he will find the motivation to carry him through to the finish line.
Like clockwork, the inspiration will turn up during mile No. 16 when he runs past children from Mercy Home for Boys and Girls along Jackson Boulevard.
Seeing their young faces encouraging runners outside the Mercy Home campus will give the Glen Ellyn man the inspiration he needs to conquer the final 10 miles. It has for the last four years.
Miscinski has run the marathon to raise funds for Mercy Home, a lifeline for kids and teens who have survived abuse, neglect and other trauma.
"In many instances, these kids are coming from some very bad situations that a lot of us don't ever have to experience or have trouble understanding," Miscinski said.
He will run his fifth marathon as a member of the Mercy Home Heroes team this October. He's one of the top fundraisers - contributing about $4,000 each year.
As an outgrowth of that support, Miscinski also is organizing a new benefit concert for Mercy Home Saturday night. Miscinski's Glen Ellyn parish, St. Petronille, will host the intimate show by singer-songwriter Michael McDermott and his wife, Heather Horton.
"I call them just good citizens of the planet," Miscinski said. "They're active, aware, involved with good things and willing to help out, and I think some of that comes through in their music."
Miscinski is donating event proceeds to Mercy Home and hoping to raise awareness in the suburbs of the group's "lifesaving" work.
"It's a great way to expose more people to Mercy Home," Miscinski said.
Mercy Home's full-time residences provide not only a safe place to live for about 135 children and teens, it also gives kids resources and opportunities - education, job experience, career guidance - to "overcome their past and build brighter futures," spokesman Mark Schmeltzer said.
Mercy Home also reaches hundreds of other children and family members through mentorships, referrals and an aftercare program that allows anyone who's ever lived in the residences to reconnect with the organization's services.
"Our doors are always open to our former residents," Schmeltzer said.
Current residents will cheer on nearly 230 Chicago Marathon runners on the Mercy Home team. The goal is not only to raise funds for the 130-year-old organization but to inspire runners to become long-term advocates.
Miscinski is the "perfect example" of that, Schmeltzer said.
Miscinski hopes to draw a crowd of several hundred to the concert. He will be among the loyal fans of McDermott's "personal" songwriting.
"It's a nice night out in the suburbs with good music for a great cause," he said. "It's a combination of all those things I've been fortunate to be involved with and help bring together for this night."
If you go
What: Michael McDermott and Heather Horton in concert fundraiser for Mercy Home for Boys & Girls
When: Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12
Where: St. Petronille Church Parish Life Center, 420 Glenwood Ave., Glen Ellyn
Tickets: $25
Details: Cash bar and silent auction featuring donations by artist Terri Murphy and friends
Info: RSVP by calling or texting Pete Miscinski at (773) 259-6520. Donations also can be made online to Miscinski's marathon page for Mercy Homes at http://mrcy.hm/2sepw7S.