OE Marathon Team Sets Records While Changing Lives

During the past 10 years, 2,000 runners have raised more than $1 million for individuals with disabilities through the Opportunity Enterprises Marathon Team.

And this year is proving to be the most successful ever for the annual fundraising initiative.

A record-breaking 475 runners are a part of the 2009 OE Marathon Team, which has raised $182,000 so far and is well on the way to accomplishing the $200,000 goal that was set before the running season began. The team will run in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Oct. 11.

“Our runners have done a phenomenal job this year,” OE Marathon Team Coordinator Christene Schneidt said. “Participating in this fundraiser requires a huge commitment and they have been up to the task. The money raised by the team will greatly benefit our clients at OE.”

As the OE Marathon Team continues to grow, so does its reach. This year, 31 states are represented, along with seven countries. Runners are in the last phase of their training regimen, which began in early June.

Members the OE Marathon Team train with the knowledge that they are running for an organization that strives to impact people’s lives on a daily basis – a goal that is shared by Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski.

“The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is an event that changes people and changes lives,” Pinkowski said. “One of the most vital ways we achieve that is by working with more than 100 charities to build teams of fundraising runners. As one of our longest-standing charity partners Opportunity Enterprises is a leader in fundraising through this event and we look forward to continuing this partnership and growing our field of charity runners through their involvement.”

About Opportunity Enterprises

Opportunity Enterprises (OE) is a non-profit organization with the mission to create sustainable life choices and opportunities for individuals with unique challenges and abilities. Since 1967, OE has provided services to challenged individuals of all ages, whether they have physical, emotional and/or developmental disabilities. The organization serves about 1,000 individuals throughout Northwest Indiana.