by Jennifer Brown Arends – International Vice President and Team ADPi Captain

In normal times, Team Alpha Delta Pi would be lacing up our running shoes and heading out to run the Chicago Marathon on behalf of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) this weekend. Instead, with this year’s event cancelled, our team members have either deferred their registration to 2021 or are mapping out routes at home to do the race virtually.

Meanwhile, our beloved RMHC is experiencing a large financial hit with the cancellation of the Chicago Marathon. Team Alpha Delta Pi runners and many others fundraise for RMHC as part of the marathon experience. Of RMHC’s initial $1.6 million fundraising goal, only about $350,000 has been raised. You can only imagine the impact that lack of funds is causing.

Unfortunately, children do not stop getting sick and families do not stop needing RMHC’s services even during a pandemic. RMHC needs us now more than ever. We can still help! Please consider making a monetary donation to Team ADPi/RMHC at http://support.rmhc.org/site/TR/TeamRMHC-ChicagoMarathon/TeamRMHC?team_id=3236&pg=team&fr_id=1450. 

In addition to (or instead of) monetary donations, there are many ways we can still assist the needs of RMHC families. Check your local RMHC website to see what their specific needs may be.

Now let’s start preparing for Team ADPI/RMHC 2021!

Whether you’re a runner looking for that next race or aren’t yet but have always wanted to run a marathon, join our 2021 team! ADPi members, friends, and family are welcome! Registration will be open before January 2021. Keep an eye out on the Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae Facebook page and other social media channels for announcements. If you have any questions about the team, please feel free to reach out to me via email at jenniferarends26@gmail.com.