Great Western Freedom 4
Making strides toward ending homelessness By ALLISON HORNE
The Fourth of July is all about celebrating America’s independence with fireworks, family, food and a good time. You can kick off the action a little early July 4 at the Great Western Freedom 4, a four-mile race (or two-mile walk) through the scenic LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles. “It’s a wonderful way to start the holiday,” says Darlene Riebe, fundraising coordinator for Lazarus House in St. Charles. “You’re getting your exercise, you’re outside with a lot of people and doing something for somebody else.” The Great Western Freedom 4 originally began 12 years ago as a fundraiser for the Greater St. Charles Education, but the Lazarus House took it over around 10 years ago. The Lazarus House, which was founded over 20 years ago, is committed to helping the homeless and others in need in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and western rural Kane County. They offer an emergency shelter, a center for transitional living and other outreach programs to help prevent homelessness. Photos provided
“At the Great Western Freedom 4 we raise money for the Lazarus House, but a lot of it is also about awareness,” Riebe says. “We’re out in the general public, and it’s an affordable event.” The event kicks off at 8 a.m. on the Fourth of July at the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve with a competitive four-mile race, a scenic two-mile walk and a kids’ dash. The four-mile race is USATF-certified, and
prizes will be given out based on age groups. The first 400 participants are guaranteed T-shirts and goody bags, while the first 150 will get an upgraded performance shirt. The two-mile walk is pet-friendly and families are permitted to bring strollers. If running or walking isn’t in the cards, Riebe says many people simply choose to come out and cheer on the runners while enjoying the scenery. There also is an ice cream stand, athletic shop and more. Day-of registration is $35 for the race, $25 for the walk and $5 per child. Additional pledges are encouraged, but not required to participate. “All the money we raise goes towards our operating funds and day-to-day operations,” Riebe says. “It costs $63 a day for one person to live at the Lazarus House, and we normally average 45 to 55 residents.” The Lazarus House also hosts a gala, an open house and a garage sale throughout the year to help raise funding for its programs. Riebe is hoping for a large turnout. In the past, the event has averaged around 300 runners and 80 walkers. It’s only the third annual kid’s dash, but, previously, there have been around 30 participants. “I think people not only enjoy running at Leroy Oaks, but they also want to be a part of a local community, and help the homeless people, and give their neighbors a helping hand,” Riebe says. “And it’s a lot of fun.” OUT & ABOUT JULY 2018
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