The 9th annual Judd-A-Thon will take place the third weekend in September.
The short event will go a long way to help veteran and military families when it starts promptly at 10:01AM on Sun., Sept. 18. 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, notes organizer Pablo Araya with the promise of a Lima Lima flyover, race bibs, t-shirts and goodie bags.
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, Araya explained.
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.
Sponsors are welcome and needed, Araya said.
Organizers set a pretty ambitious target every year to benefit the organization that helps veterans and veteran families.
Costumed runners and walkers are encouraged to add local color to the Judd-A-Thon. In fact, folks can count on Mike McGrath, who serves the National Home Board of Trustees, representing District 8 (IL, IN), to put on a little green to help raise green, in the spirit of St. Patrick.
After the so-called “endurance race,” participants are invited to the awards ceremony, lunch, music and camaraderie outside on the patio behind the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873.
McGrath also extends gratitude to all participants for their ongoing support of the National Home.
For details and registration ($20 in advance/$25 day of race), visit www.napervfw3873.org or pick one up in the Canteen at the VFW Post, 908 W. Jackson Ave.
