I'm running the 2025 Bank of America Chicago to support Mission of Our Lady of the Angels! Chicago will be my 11th marathon, but I have never run one for charity.  I never wanted to pester people for money before a race.  But the reality of living in TX is settling in, and I don't know how many more full marathons I want to train for in the heat.  And I would like to use at least one race to serve others and fundraise!

This Mission is run by nuns who take a vow of poverty.  Every penny will be applied to the cause!  The nuns support themselves through other means.

Their food pantry serves a very challenged neighborhood in Chicago (~4000 people a month!) regardless of race or creed, and does so with LOVE.  Mother Teresa used to say that although there is much material and physical suffering in the world, the greatest suffering is feeling unloved.  And the sisters give both material goods and love through Christmas gift and food donations, Mother's Day Luncheons, and so much more.

I will dedicate a mile of the race to each of my donors and pray for you during that mile.  Please let me know what mile you want, if you have a preference!  

Note to coworkers:  You can match any donation via our Matching Gifts program since it goes to the food pantry and not any religious services.  Please designate it is for "Johanna Mullen Team OLA/Food Pantry" and send me an email.  I will then follow up with Sister Stephanie to ensure she acknowledges the donation to the corporate team.  (Or donate directly through the Matching Gifts portal, which means Sister Stephanie does not have to confirm the donation, and then let me know so she can "count" the funds for me!)  Any funds from the matching gifts portal should also be designated for "Johanna Mullen Team OLA/Food Pantry" to ensure the funds go to a non-religious purposes, in accord with our company guidelines.

Here is more info on the Mission:

Mission of Our Lady of the Angels exists to provide material and spiritual support to W. Humboldt Park, Chicago - one of the most challenged neighborhoods in the US. The Mission feeds about 4400 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. More info about the Mission at www.missionola.com.

Funds raised from Team OLA 2024 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 4400 families a month- and growing!

-Help the Mission continue to expand and improve this outreach. 

(2) Help the Mission renovate an additional convent for more sisters! (for those not donating through work)

-We need a separate convent for our young sisters in formation

-This renovation project is essential to the future expansion of our material and spiritual outreach. Additional details about the project will be released once they are available!

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.

If you read this far, Seamus asks you to donate, too.  He was an abused dog and then became a homeless stray.  Now he lives a very spoiled life and never wants for food or toys or silly pet clothes.  He asks you to help the humans to not suffer hunger or cold or pain like he did.