Downers Grove Choral Society in Human Race to support its musical mission

Since its founding in 1959, the Downers Grove Choral Society has earned a reputation for excellence and developed a loyal following in the community as well as in the Western suburbs.

A volunteer nonprofit organization, the society is dedicated to the performance of great choral music. Originally named the Downers Grove Oratorio Society, the group was formed by Thelma Roe Milnes and Donald Drew.

The Oratorio Society continued traditional performances of Handel's "Messiah" in the churches of Downers Grove. The Downers Grove Choral Society enhances this tradition by performing a variety of major choral works and providing opportunities for singers in the community to participate in programs of excellent choral music.

Now celebrating its 60th season as an auditioned choral ensemble, the Downers Grove Choral Society holds rehearsals Monday evenings in the Milnes Room at Indian Boundary YMCA in Downers Grove. The group not only presents three concerts each season, but also outreach concerts and participates in the annual Downers Grove tree lighting.

The society has participated in the Human Race since its inception and this will be our eighth race. We choose to participate in this 5K Run/Fitness Walk and fundraising event because we want to be part of Giving DuPage's great effort to celebrate, support and raise awareness for nonprofit organizations serving DuPage County.

The Downers Grove Choral Society is extremely honored to again perform the national anthem at the beginning of the Giving DuPage Human Race.