Update, Sept. 19, 2020 / It’s all clear for the 7th Annual Judd-a-thon, Sun., Sept. 20. That said, expect hazy sunshine in the forecast and be sure to wear a fall jacket. Folks typically arrive at least 30 minutes in advance of the 10:01AM start. Remember local safety protocols apply, even for the short distance.
Original Post, Sept. 2, 2020 / “One, two, three, ONE! One, two, three, TWO! One, two, three, THREE!” writes Mike Barbour for the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873.
“That’s right, there are only about three weeks left until the 7th annual Judd-A-Thon, the third weekend in September,” Barbour adds.
The short event will go a long way to help veteran and military families when it starts promptly at 10:01AM on Sun., Sept. 20. That means participants still have more than enough time to implement a rigorous training program to prepare for the grueling 0.1 km endurance race that has become a hallmark of the fitness community in Naperville.
Every dollar raised will be donated to serve the VFW National Home for Children’s mission to provide children and families of active-duty military, war veterans, and descendants of the VFW and its Auxiliary, opportunities for growth and development in a nurturing community.
Founded in 1925, National Home is a place where the families left behind by war – mothers and children, brothers and sisters – remain together, keeping the family circle intact.
Today’s families face different challenges – reintegration, post-traumatic stress, high unemployment and rehabilitation from battlefield injuries, among others. The National Home has evolved to meet those changing needs.
Since its founding, the VFW National Home for Children has grown from an old frame farmhouse to a 600-acre campus with playgrounds, park areas, and multiple buildings, including single-family homes, a community center and gymnasium, child care facility, guest lodge, chapel and administrative offices.
To reach this year’s goal, sponsors are welcome and needed.
Organizers set a pretty ambitious target this year to benefit the organization that helps veterans and veteran families, mindful that the National Home for Children has been unable to conduct many of its own fundraising events.
“As elsewhere, Eaton Rapids schools struggle because of the virus,” noted Mike McGrath, who serves the National Home Board of Trustees, representing District 8 (IL, IN). “Due to these concerns, the schools are switching to remote learning and are set to open on August 31. It’s certainly a challenging situation for the kids and their families, but we’re sure everyone will do well in this new environment. Finally, thank you for your ongoing support of the National Home. We are grateful for your assistance and we hope to see you all at the Judd-A-Thon.”
For details and registration forms, visit www.napervfw3873.org or pick one up in the Canteen at 908 W. Jackson Ave.
Now, get back to training. One, two, three, FOUR! One, two…
