The Oak Park Runners Club (OPRC) has announced that $25,000 of proceeds raised from the Good Life Race will be given to support both the Collaboration for Early Childhood and the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry. For 35 consecutive years, the Oak Park Runners Club has hosted the Good Life Race, a 5K family-friendly event that draws runners and walkers of all ages from the Oak Park/River Forest area and beyond.
“We had a record turnout for the 2016 Good Life Race and we are delighted to support the works of both of these community race partners,” said OPRC Race Director, Keith Strom. “We are tremendously grateful to all our sponsors, volunteers, and participants who ensure the success of the Good Life Race and make this type of community engagement possible.”
According to OPRC, $17,500 of the gift will go to the Collaboration for Early Childhood and $7,500 will go to the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry.
Since 2012, the OPRC and the Collaboration for Early Childhood have worked together to improve the Junior Dash for the “five and under” crowd as a part of a family event aimed to emphasize the joy in running.
“The Collaboration for Early Childhood is honored by and deeply grateful to the Runners Club for its support; we enjoy our partnership,” said Executive Director of Collaboration for Early Childhood, Carolyn Newberry Schwartz. “The Junior Dash is a terrific way to showcase the fun and communal aspects of running for our youngest children.”
The OPRC is apportioning a part of the race proceeds to Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, as well, in support of their mission to work together as a community to reduce hunger. The Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry provides hunger relief, benefits counseling, and nutritional counseling to eligible families living in 12 zip codes in Cook County.
“We are thrilled that the Oak Park Runners Club is supporting their neighbors in need with such a wonderful gift,” said Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry Executive Director, Michele Zurakowski. “A huge thank you to all the runners and walkers whose generosity will allow us to provide a week’s worth of groceries to 472 families!”
 has announced that $25,000 of proceeds raised from the Good Life Race will be given to support two local charities.){kind=link}