Welcome to Michael Puente's Fundraising Page!

My Story and why I am running in the memory of my brother Jesse

This is the 3rd time I running in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the second time I'm running with team Special Olympic Chicago/Special Children's Charities. 

Last year, I ran in honor of my older brother, Jesse, who was special needs and used to participate in Special Olympics in Northwest Indiana. 

On Feb. 2, 2024, Jesse died unexpectedly right on his 60th birthday. His passing really knocked me and I had no desire to run again. But I feel he would want me to and that's I decided to run again in his memory, and again with team Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children's Charities which is working to create a more inclusive Chicago... one mile at a time!

Team Special Olympics Chicago is a group of runners dedicated to supporting thousands of Chicagoans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and I am proud to be a member of this team.  

I hope that you consider supporting my efforts, and am so grateful for your devoted support to our life-changing mission.

If you wish to make a donation via check, please send to the address below and they will credit the donation to my fundraising page. Please make sure to include my name (or the person you would like to support) in the memo section.

Please make all checks payable to Special Children's Charities.

Mail to: 
Special Children's Charities 
2 E. 8th St., Suite 2M
Chicago, IL 60605

Again, thank you for supporting the thousands of participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Chicago!

$1,168.75

achieved

$1,750.00

goal

of your goal reached

My Supporters

  • Roy Dominguez Run, Mike, Run!!!! I am happy to contribute to your fundraising efforts and that speaks volumes of your compassionate heart. We are all proud of you Mike and I'm sure your beloved Jesse is cheering for you from above. Peace 6 hours ago $210.00
  • Kasia Firlej We are proud of you honor your brother Jesse A day ago $52.50
  • MAP Productions, Inc. We believe in you! -- Staff at MAP Productions, Inc. 5 days ago $26.25
  • Trans Audio Mobile Music by Mike Bonaventura Way to go, Mike! You got this! Go Sox! Go Mike! -- Mike Bonaventura 5 days ago
  • Pepe's of South Broadway (Merrillville) You got this Mike! -- Adam Espinoza, Owner 5 days ago $105.00
  • Roy Dominguez Run, Mike, Run!!!! I am happy to contribute to your fundraising efforts and that speaks volumes of your compassionate heart. We are all proud of you Mike and I'm sure your beloved Jesse is cheering for you from above. Peace 6 hours ago $210.00
  • Pepe's of South Broadway (Merrillville) You got this Mike! -- Adam Espinoza, Owner 5 days ago $105.00
  • Nutrihub Nutrition You got this Mike! 4 weeks ago $105.00
  • Kasia Firlej We are proud of you honor your brother Jesse A day ago $52.50
  • Theresa Gutierrez 1 week ago $50.00