Twitty only participated in the Bonfield Express once, but he recognized “how big it is for the community,” he said. “From a Rotary perspective, we want to expand upon what the Bonfield has created.”
the name of the event, the only difference runners and walkers should expect is, once again, a new color of race shirt, he added.
Renner has had a front row set for the race for years. He lives near the intersection of Maple Ave. and Brookbank Rd. on the 5K’s route. Both his family and his wife’s come in town for Thanksgiving and have a combined total of roughly 20 runners participate in the race each year. Feeling “personally disappointed” that the Bonfield Express would no longer take place, Renner thought, “Why can’t Roadrunners get involved? We have resources and manpower…”
While the Grove Express is the new race in town, the Bonfield Express Foundation remains. They have given out $966,500 to date, including 319 WILL KUPISCH AND LANE BLONDELL (RACE scholarships, annual DIRECTOR AND ASSISTANT) AT THE 2018 BONFIELD donations to each District EXPRESS PACKET PICKUP. PHOTO BY DIANNE HILINSKY 58 and 68 school, and his son Jim and a friend to many. After funding for District 99’s multi-needs he passed away in 2003 of complications program. Last year the Foundation also from Hodgkin’s disease, leukemia, and provided monetary support to various rheumatoid arthritis, his family, friends, local nonprofit organizations struggling and neighbors came together to create due to the pandemic. the Bonfield Express 5K and
For Alikpala, the motivation to reach out about continuing the race was also personal. “I’ve “We knew people liked having a known the Bonfields… and Thanksgiving Day race but maybe I felt personally connected to carrying on Jim Bonfield’s didn’t understand how much they legacy,” she said.
enjoyed doing this race. The members of
corresponding nonprofit organization. Annette Bonfield said it “made something that was negative into a positive” and explained that the specifics of the race stemmed from the fact that Jim Bonfield’s favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, and “although it wasn’t his main sport, he loved running.”
Annette Bonfield had hoped to see the Thanksgiving the community loved this race as much 5K tradition continue and as we loved putting it on.” happily passed the baton to — DEBBIE HARE Marketing and Communications Director, the Grove Express organizers. Bonfield Express Foundation The Bonfield Express In fact, Annette Bonfield grew from approximately 400 and others from the Bonfield participants to 6,200 participants. Alikpala Express Foundation – including Race Annette Bonfield expects to surpass the said the Grove Express hopes to see this Director Will Kupisch and Marketing and Foundation’s lifetime goal of giving away steady growth continue. “If the Bonfield Communications Director Debbie Hare at least $1 million when they issue their could do it for [17 years] from the ground – have met multiple times with Alikpala, annual scholarships this spring. She said, up, I think we can try to do so for the Renner, and Twitty’s team to ensure a “We wouldn’t dissolve the Foundation foreseeable future,” she said. smooth transition. until we’re out of money.” Hare was touched by the outpouring of community response the Bonfield Express Foundation received. “We knew people liked having a Thanksgiving Day race but maybe didn’t understand how much they enjoyed doing this race. The members of the community loved this race as much as we loved putting it on,” Hare said. Describing her work with the Bonfield Express Foundation as a true pleasure, Hare said, “The best way to put it: there is a new group of people who now get to experience that joy. A very good group of people.” The Grove Express organizers aim to bring the community a familiar experience. “If you’ve got a good thing, there is no reason to recreate it,” Renner said. Besides
While the Bonfield Express Foundation continues to disperse existing and any newly contributed funds, the proceeds from the first- ever Grove Express 5K will be split evenly across the three nonprofit organizations behind it and used to support youth and education in much the same way the Bonfield Express Foundation has: keeping the “three Cs” that were so important to Jim Bonfield – “character and commitment to community” – at the core. Both Jim and Annette Bonfield were longtime educators within the community. Jim not only served as a teacher during his 32-year career at Downers Grove South High School but was also a dean and athletic coach. He was a loving father to DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE
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As for the Bonfield family, they wish the Grove Express the utmost success but plan to sit out this year’s race. “It’s weird,” Annette Bonfield said. “My son and I both agreed about ending the race, but now he asked what we are going to do that day.” Her answer: “Same as everyone else. Not get up at 4 a.m.” Grove Express registration is open through race day. To register, visit groveexpress.com. Not in town for Thanksgiving? Consider making a direct donation instead. Contact info@ groveexpress.com for more information. To learn more about the Bonfield Express Foundation or to make a donation, visit bonfieldexpress.com. ■
