Churchill Glow Run Fundraiser Nets $23,000

HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR, IL — The Homewood PTA partnered with a company called Booster for a second time, hosting a successful Glow Run fundraiser at Churchill Elementary School on April 17. The event raised more than $23,000.

Booster transformed Churchill's gym into a glow in the dark track, they brought a DJ and emcee, and students ran for 35-minute sessions. In the two weeks leading up to it, students' families and friends pledged them per minute for the run, similar to a walk-a-thon.

The PTA set a $20,000 fundraising goal, and they had netted $23,000 with five days remaining in the pledge period, according to a release. The group was also competing in a 50-state challenge, attempting to get pledges from 29 states.

Parents were also invited to cheer their students on and walk/run the final lap with their children.

Local businesses (Gabe's Place, The Lauren Roman Group, Homewood Oral Surgery, Mr. Harold Johnson, Eyes on Sterling, Dozeli Pizzeria, Asian Harbor, Yesterday's Gentlemen Barbershoppe, A Piece of the Pie, Homewood Dental Studio, and Aurelio's Pizza) sponsored the event, enabling the PTA to provide a t-shirt for all 680 students and staff for the day of the run. Walt's donated bags for the PTA to distribute prizes in.

"It was a true community event," the PTA said in a release. "We are proud to say that the Glow Runs at Willow and Churchill combined have netted the Homewood PTA about $54,000 total, but the best part has been seeing the engagement and excitement from students, families, and the support from the community."