As I run my fingers ragged over the keyboard of my computer writing my dissertation, I am also using my legs to run the 2023 Bank of America Chicago in support of the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels!
Some of you may recall that I ran the Chicago Marathon two years ago to support this wonderful organization, which works to provide material and spiritual support to W. Humboldt Park, Chicago- one of the most challenged neighborhoods in the US. The Mission feeds about 3000 families a month, provides additional material and pastoral support to families, youth, and senior citizens, and, most importantly, brings the love of Christ to a neighborhood desperately in need of hope. Find out more about the Mission at www.missionola.com.
My experience at the Mission two years ago was extra-ordinary; the sisters were incredibly welcoming as they chose to live in an environment which many would not choose to call "home." The sisters' passion for serving and loving their neighbors, many of whom came to the doors of the Mission to ask for help in the 72 hours I stayed with them two falls ago, inspired me to want to run for them again this year (even with two sections of Introduction to Theology to teach this fall, and a very long dissertation to finish. They're REALLY inspiring, y'all). I am excited and honored to be able to support their incredible work in this relatively-small way (ask me how small it feels after my 20 mile long run this week...), and invite you all to help me support them through my fundraising efforts! If you have specific prayer requests for me to pray for and offer up the efforts of my marathon training for, please let me know; if you have questions, I will also happily answer them!
So, what will your money do? Funds raised from the Team OLA 2023's efforts will be used to:
(1) Help the Mission expand its food pantry + other material distributions
-Mission of Our Lady of the Angels currently serves about 3000 families a month- and growing!
-Help the Mission continue to expand and improve this outreach.
(2) Help the Mission successfully start using its new outreach center!
-2023 will be the first full year of use of our new outreach center
-We will be hosting large retreats for service groups and parishes for the first time as well as expanding out social services to our neighbors out of the new building.
-Help us to make this expansion possible with your donations!
Donate today to be part of the miracle that is TEAM OLA!
The Mission is a 501(c)(3) and relies entirely on the donations of private donors.
