Back on My Feet Chicago, the fifth chapter of the nonprofit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of homeless populations by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem, launched this morning.
“We couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome from our volunteer runners, business partners and many supporters – all who have anxiously anticipated our launch,” said Sandi Maro, vice president of Growth and Expansion for Back on My Feet. “Thousands of individuals in Chicago are experiencing homelessness, so we are excited to officially kick-off our efforts to fight homelessness in the Windy City.”
After getting fitted Tuesday for sneakers and gear at Universal Sole, our 30 newest members from three teams and more than one hundred supporters and friends, ran their first mile as part of the Back on My Feet program at 5:45 a.m.
“It’s good for my health, it’s good for my soul, it’s good for my body,” YMCA Lawson House team member Toni Martin told WBEZ-AM. “It’s just a good thing to do.”
The early-morning run – the first of many, as BOMF Chicago will run each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:45 a.m. – was followed by The Inaugural Accenture Back on My Feet Breakfast in Your Sneakers Presented by Marriott. More than 500 attendees learned more about BOMF’s history and mission through remarks from Anne Mahlum, president and founder, and her father, Mark Mahlum, who helped inspire Anne to establish the organization. Those in attendance also had the opportunitiy to hear from Kenny Herder, a Philadelphia chapter alumnus, who spoke to the positive difference BOMF has made in his life.
In addition to the $95,000 in sponsorships for the breakfast to support the Chicago chapter, Eddie Adair, general manager of Marriott Chicago Midway and a BOMF advisory board member, presented Back on My Feet with a $100,000 check from White Lodging’s Sneaker Day campaign. This is the largest single donation BOMF has ever received, surpassing the last mark by $25,000.
BOMF Chicago is off to a great start and poised to make an immediate impact on the Windy City. Additional information about involvement opportunities with BOMF Chicago is available online.
See a Chicago launch newsletter here.
[...] Kenny Herder, an alumnus of the Philadelphia chapter who is living sober, working part-time and transitioning back toward being fully self-sufficient and integrated into society, addressed more than 500 people at Wednesday’s Inaugural Accenture Back on My Feet Breakfast in Your Sneakers Presented by Marriott, which kicked off the Chicago chapter. [...]
[...] highlights one of its many generous sponsors and funders. This is the first for Chicago, which launched on Sept. 22. Find other corporate partners [...]
[...] highlights one of its many generous sponsors and funders. This is the first for Chicago, which launched on Sept. 22. Find other corporate partners [...]