Thousands of runners who took part in last month’s inaugural Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon generated thousands of dollars for local charities as well.
Race organizers were to present a $10,000 check today to Developmental Services Center, the designated charity for the race, and $2,000 to other groups that helped with traffic control for the event. Mark Knutson, owner of CasMar Events and executive director of the Illinois Marathon, said the money came mostly from race entry fees. More than 9,000 runners and walkers participated in the April 11 event, which included a marathon, half-marathon, 5K and Kids’ Run. Knutson said the DSC donation is twice his initial estimate. “I was hoping it would be at least $5,000,” Knutson said Monday. Dale Morrissey, president and chief executive officer at DSC, said the donation will help offset ongoing state budget cuts. The agency lost $96,000 in this year’s budget, and the cuts could go much deeper next year because of the state’s budget crisis, he said. “This $10,000 is very, very exciting,” he said. “It was a wonderful community event. The fact that they decided to help support DSC and people with disabilities is just a wonderful thing, particularly in these very difficult times.”
DSC, 1304 W. Bradley Ave,. C, provides services for people with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, mental retardation or other disabilities in Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Piatt counties. Its mission is to help them live, work, learn and participate in their communities.