Nearly 600 runners raised over $25,000 for the Les Turner ALS Foundation during the 23rd Annual Lew Blond Memorial Run/Walk on May 18 at Maple School in Northbrook.
According to a news release, funds were raised through race proceeds, as well as a silent auction of items donated by local businesses and residents. The day also featured a one-mile run/walk and the Little Lew 50-yard dash for ages 0-6.
Dozens of volunteers, sponsors, and spectators also cheered the runners during a morning that included a performance by the Maple Jazz Band, a live DJ, photo opportunities, a vendor fair, and appearances by the mascots from Maple, Willowbrook, and Wescott schools in Northbrook/Glenview School District 30, the release said.
.“It is incredible to see so many community members supporting this important cause and keeping Lew Blond’s legacy alive as we fight ALS,” Sam Kurtz, Maple Principal and Lew Blond Run Executive Director said in the release.
The race honors former Maple School applied technology teacher Lew Blond. Blond died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive disease of the nervous system also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in February 2000
Over the years, the majority of the event’s proceeds have been donated to the Les Turner ALS Foundation to help support research efforts, and to the Stuart Rosen Transportation Fund, according to the release.
“The Lew Blond Foundation is committed to working throughout the year to raise awareness about this horrible disease, and I am inspired by the hundreds of participants, volunteers, spectators, and sponsors who supported this event,” Kurtz said.
The release said the proceeds are also used to help support scholarships for District 30 alumni at Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South high schools pursuing the applied sciences, as well as for special projects at Northbrook/Glenview School District 30.
Race medal winners
5K, Male Division:
Luke Carlson of Arlington Heights, 17:55
Mark Netzly of Elmhurst, 19:05
Jared Meyerson of Deerfield, 19:23
5K, Female Division:
Kate Ander of Des Plaines, 19:53
Veronica Eichmiller of Northbrook, 22:39
Lisa Malkov of Northbrook, 22:55
1 Mile, Male Division:
Mikey Armbruster of Northbrook, 6:25
Tovi Tan of Glenview, 6:28
Thomas Skala of Glenview, 6:52
1 Mile, Female Division:
Veronica Eichmiller of Northbrook, 6:53
Layla Davis of Glenview, 7:06
Dalia Myszak of Glenview, 7:09
