The Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place on October 8, 2023, and we have some brave team members lacing up for 26.2 miles around the Emerald City. As most marathon runners train, they also choose an organization to raise money for concurrently. Our team decided to fundraise for an organization called Oasis for Orphans, a group committed to aiding children in Kenya stuck in a generational cycle of poverty. When you run on Team Oasis, those funds go towards access to quality education, alleviating food insecurity, and providing equitable resources for these children to succeed.
You can read about some of our runner’s motivations below and support them in several ways:
- Click on each runner’s name, find their LinkedIn post about fundraising, and donate if you’re able!
- Follow and support these folks on race day: if you’re local and able to attend, find the Cheer Zones. Otherwise, you can follow along on the race day broadcasts.
- Send encouraging messages to our runners, 26.2 miles is no easy jog!
Liaison Runners
Ashley Crocker | AVP, Enrollment Management Solutions
I’ll be walking the Chicago Marathon this year! I completed it in 2021 and wanted to try again – and couldn’t pass up the chance to do it for a good cause alongside colleagues and friends. I chose to run for Oasis for Orphans because it’s an organization I’ve been affiliated with for years. I trust them and the work they are doing in Kenya to make education more accessible. I want to support the good work they are doing!
Simone Heer | Manager, Digital Marketing
Surprisingly, I’ve always wanted to run a marathon! I can’t say I’ll be running the entire 26.2, but the finish line is calling my name! Supporting Oasis for Orphans is a cause no one can say no to. Knowing that we are bettering the lives of young children, who, without this, would likely never be able to receive basic education and a chance at a successful future — that’s some feel-good work.
Josh Monica | AVP, Enrollment Management Solutions
I’m running the Chicago marathon for this incredible charity because it’s more than just a personal goal for me. It’s a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of orphaned children in Africa by providing them with food security and access to education. This journey has not been easy, especially after my past running injuries, but knowing that every step I take brings us closer to helping those kids keeps me motivated. Running this marathon means the world to me, as it’s an opportunity to turn a lifelong dream into a reality while making a positive difference in the world.
Suzanne Sharp | Executive Director, Enrollment Strategy
First of all…. I will be walking, not running! LOL. I kind of got roped into this by Ashley, who did it two years ago and spoke highly of it. She got some others on board, and I thought it would be a fun cause to support with colleagues and get a good walk in. I love the energy we are bringing as a Liaison team, and it has been nice to bond with colleagues as we all prepare for this adventure.