Families helping families. That’s what’s driving the 5K/1-Mile Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, Sept. 14. Proceeds benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society and outreach ministry at three Arlington Heights churches, Our Lady of the Wayside, St. James and St. Edna’s — whose combined congregations number nearly 9,000 families.
Last year’s winners, Derek Casciano and Josephine Petrelis with Fr. Arthur Marat, pastor
In hosting the family event, the tri-parish effort aims to raise awareness — and needed funds — for people who are struggling to make ends meet right in the surrounding community.
“These ministries offer transportation, food and housing security as well as referral services to those needing to bridge tough times,” says Race Director John Supplitt.
The race starts and finishes in the parking lot at Our Lady of the Wayside, located at 434 W. Park St. in Arlington Heights. A kids’ dash takes place at 7:45 a.m. before the race/walk starts at 8 a.m. While it is not a timed event, prizes will be awarded for the top male and female to finish — as well as biggest family to participate. Register for individuals and families can be found online.
The kid’s dash is free to all and prizes will be given to each child who participates. The fun run/walk is $25 and T-shirts are available to the first 120 registered.
Supplitt adds that the race not only raises funds to provide emergency assistance in the event of displacement, illness, unemployment or other emergencies; it also heightens awareness of these local human concern ministries.
Kids cross the finish line.
At St. James, its St. Vincent de Paul Society has helped hundreds of families in the area since 2006. Its volunteers work behind the scenes answering hotline calls daily, offering emergency resources for short-term financial and material help for parishioners and others living within the parish boundaries.
“Knowing how we bring Jesus into their lives, giving them hope as we pray with them and help them financially as best as we can with rent, food, utilities, medicines and support them with the donations from our parishioners and elsewhere, is gratifying,” says Bonita Minaglia, president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. James.
The award for the largest family to compete went to the Mongovens of Arlington Heights.
Meanwhile further north, at St. Edna’s, the parish runs its own food pantry, which feeds 150 people a month, volunteers say. The need is so great, they add, that the parish expanded the size of the food pantry in 2021, to nearly three times its size.
At Our Lady of the Wayside, St. Vincent de Paul members pick up messages left on voicemail and reach out to the client to determine the need. Requests vary, from one call a week to five or more, but the St. Vincent de Paul Society is a bridge to take people to the next step. Assistance can range from short term financial assistance, but often includes referrals to Catholic Charities, local township services and other resources.
Hosting the 5K/1-Mile Fun Run/Walk again at Our Lady of the Wayside helps its St. Vincent de Paul volunteers and parish families to share its resources with those in need, while living out their mission of prayer, service and celebration.
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