CHICAGO – USA - LASALLIAN VOLUNTEERS RUN THE 30th ANNUAL CHICAGO MARATHON: The 30th annual Chicago Marathon, a 26.2 mile race in the heart of Chicago, Illinois took place Sunday, October 7th, and hosted over 36,000 runners from all over the U.S. and 120 countries, according to LaSalle Bank N.A., the race’s Corporate sponsor.

The Chicago Marathon was also host to over 80 Lasallian Volunteers from coast to coast, past and present, family and friends, with 18 of them running this race of endurance to raise money (through donations) for their program. Lasallian Volunteers, a program of De La Salle Christian Brothers, annually provides 40 to 50 recent college graduates to Lasallian Missions across the country. LVs empower the poor through personalized service primarily through education.

Despite record heat and humid weather, all 18 volunteers braved the race and elements with friends and fellow volunteers cheering them on at different checkpoints throughout the course, including De La Salle Institute, the aid station at the 23rd mile. Here De La Salle student volunteers alongside Lasallian Volunteers provided water, refreshments, and encouragement to all athletes competing in the marathon.

Especially significant the night before the event, LV runners together dedicated their effort to Bro. John Johnston, former Superior General and visionary friend of the LV Program who was in critical condition. They added his name on their shirts and sent him photos which he appreciated, just a few days before his death.

After months of training and soliciting of donations, Lasallian Volunteers successfully completed the Marathon and raised over $26,200, meeting their goal, $1,000 for every mile of the race to insure future volunteers for the children and families they serve. The program’s fundraising success was thanks in large part to LV Marathon Sponsors (Lewis University and the Christian Brothers at Lewis University, Christian Brothers of the Long Island-New England District), LV Marathon Partners (Christian Brothers University and the Lambert Hall Community, Dr. Anne Kolar, Lasallian Community at Bedford Park, Christian Brothers of the Baltimore District), and the donations of countless friends, family, colleagues, and staff.   
^{(Alisa Macksey, Director Lasallian Volunteers)}

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