Hi Friends, Family, and Colleagues –

As some of you already know, I am training to run the Chicago Marathon on October 8^th.  This will be my 3^rd marathon, and I am excited to say I will be running in support of a great cause: Our Lady of the Angels Mission (OLA).

For those of you who are unfamiliar with OLA, it was started 12 years ago by Father Bob Lombardo (a Notre Dame Alum) at the request of Cardinal George of the Chicago Catholic Archdiocese.  OLA serves Chicago’ West Humboldt Park neighborhood – where over 50% of the population is under the poverty line.  Only 6 miles southwest of my apartment in Lakeview (23% of a marathon), OLA regularly serves over 700 families & 900+ children – providing food, afterschool programming, emergency assistance, and a safe place for families and children to play.

I first volunteered with OLA this past spring, and I was blown away at the passion and humility with which Fr. Bob and the Sisters at OLA serve the West Garfield Park community.  They truly are angels, and are making a tangible difference in the community.

I would love to have your support in this endeavor. Any kind of support you can provide to this great cause would be very much appreciated – here are a few ways to start:

1.      Making a financial donation to this great cause

§  I am committing to match 10% of every donation

2.      Spreading awareness about the mission and getting involved

§  Mission Website

§  Recent article about the mission

3.      Saying a prayer for me on race day – I will need it to get to the finish line in one piece J

Thanks again for all your love and support!

Grace