Annual SALUTE, INC. Memorial Day Weekend Run Returns to Arlington Heights on May 28

After a 2-year hiatus, an anchor in the Arlington Heights summer calendar will return this year as SALUTE, INC. will host their 19th annual Memorial Day weekend run and walk on May 28 to raise funds for military families. SALUTE provides everyday essentials to military families at the most critical time, offering assistance with housing costs, utility bills, car expenses and food.

A long-standing tradition within the community, the 2022 Salute to Service Run and Walk will add some great new features this year. Starting at Recreation Park, the run will follow a certified 5K course and a one-mile route has been added for walkers. It is with the walk option that a new surprise has been added.

"SALUTE is all about caring for military families - the servicemen or women, their spouses, and children," said Executive Director Mary Beth Beiersdorf. "We know that in many families, a pet dog is an integral member, especially for those dealing with trauma and recovery. So our one-mile walk this year will feature a Paws Division in which families can bring their four-legged friend along."

In the past year, SALUTE has helped more than 620 military families in need of financial assistance to get the physical and emotional care they need to recover from trauma or injury. Funding often helps pay for rent, car payments, food or other items on a short-term basis so that military personnel and veterans can focus on getting the care they need. Beiersdorf said that assistance can come in the form of boarding for pets in order to reduce barriers to receiving mental health treatment.

"When you are just getting by while transitioning to civilian life, any little expense can be enough to prevent someone from being able to take the time to get the treatment or care they need. We know that a dog can be a great companion to our veterans and if we can make sure that they are cared for, for a few weeks, that might make the difference in being able to enter a recovery program."

The race on the 28th will be sponsored by Guarantee Trust Life, Picket Fence Realty, Jackson National Life, K2 Systems, Pregis, Gluekert Funeral Home, Consumers Credit Union, State Farm Insurance Jennifer Burnidge Agency, Dogtopia/Arlington Heights, and Wyatt's Dog Company.

"GTL has been a longtime sponsor of SALUTE and Picket Fence has partnered with us since our first race," Beiersdorf said. "This year they are celebrating 25 years in business, and we remain grateful for their support."

SALUTE is especially excited about the new relationship with Wyatt's (www.wyattsdogcompany.com), which was founded by Wyatt Nelson, a spirited teenager with Down syndrome who loves dogs and cooking. When his high school job training program was halted due to COVID-19, Wyatt started his own business.

"Wyatt sells specially made dog bones and other treats and has shared some of his profits with SALUTE," Beiersdorf said. "We will be including some of Wyatt's Patriot Bones in the doggie goody bags."

Runners and walkers will get race shirts and a goody bag, and there will be doggy bags for all of the dogs, too. Unused T-shirts from previous SALUTE events are being made into bandannas for the dogs as well.

"We have missed this event for the last couple of years and we look forward to gathering again to honor the service and remember the sacrifice made by military veterans and their families. Especially in times like these, we are proud and privileged to have taken on the responsibility to serve and care for our military and their families," Beiersdorf said.

Registration is now open at www.saluteinc.org/events/salute-5k-1mi.

To learn more about SALUTE, INC., visit www.saluteinc.org.