St. Paddy's Day 5K highlights community, service

What began as a way to raise awareness of the Naperville Sunrise Rotary's commitment to put service over self while raising money to help others has grown into an annual tradition nearly 1,000 runners look forward to each year.

Set for Saturday, March 11, at 8 a.m., the 14th annual Sunrise Rotary St. Paddy's Day 5K will take place in downtown Naperville just before the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Sponsored by Gerald Subaru of Naperville, the event will raise money for a variety of important community initiatives, including Inside Out Club fee assistance and character-building programs; Little Friends Family Respite Program expansion and fee assistance for students attending Naperville YMCA Safe 'n Sound after school programming.

Dressing in green is encouraged, and awards will be given for various costume categories. Participants will also receive a collectible St. Paddy's Day 5K technical running shirt, with cash prizes awarded to the top overall male and female runners and commemorative prizes to the top three male and female runners per age division.

"This event kicks off the spring season," said Ryan Siebert, race chair and a member of Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise. "We also combine this run with the St. Paddy's Day Parade that also runs through downtown Naperville, making the entire downtown Naperville area very festive with The St. Paddy's Day holiday duo of the run followed by the Parade."

Generous sponsors such as Gerald Subaru make it possible to not only host the race, but also raise funds that can be given to organizations providing important services and resources to the community. Siebert said he is grateful for Gerald's continuous sponsorship and support.

"I'm not sure where this community would be without the support of Gerald," he said. "Seemingly at every nonprofit event throughout the town, you will see the Gerald logo flying high. Their support is certainly unprecedented throughout our Rotary events and throughout the entire community. We make it a point not to expect donation money from any one organization as we know economic factors can change on a dime. However, year in and year out Gerald is there for us."

Gerald Auto Group and Gerald Subaru of Naperville are proud to support the St. Paddy's 5K.

"This is such a fun tradition and an excellent cause that helps so many wonderful organizations," said Donna Lawler, Vice President of the Gerald Auto Group. "We love being part of something that brings joy to the participants and the community at large."

For more information, or to register for the event, visit saintpaddysday5k.com.

To learn more about Gerald Subaru of Naperville, visit www.geraldsubarunaperville.com.