Arlington Heights mayor reissues challenge to raise funds for vets
Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes and a local business have issued a special challenge to raise funds for a veterans organization this Memorial Day weekend.
Hayes for the second year plans to donate $5 for every person who beats his time in the 5K portion of the annual 5K/10K Memorial Weekend race organized by Salute Inc., the Palatine-based nonprofit that provides temporary financial assistance to injured military service members, veterans and their families.
Picket Fence Realty owners Sue and Paul Duchek have again joined the mayor's challenge, committing to match his donation up to $500, while encouraging other local business owners to do the same.
Hayes and more than two dozen businesses helped raise $4,000 of the $26,000 Salute collected last year during Memorial Day weekend.
"I love the good work Salute does and it's important to remember the reason we run - to help servicemen and women who are facing challenges getting back on their feet," said Hayes, a U.S. Army veteran and avid runner.
Salute held its first run in Arlington Heights in 2003. This year's race is scheduled to kick off at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 25, at Recreation Park. Online registration is open now through May 22 at saluteinc.org.
The event is one part of a busy Memorial Day weekend in Arlington Heights, with the village's centennial parade at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 27, followed by an 11 a.m. ceremony at Memorial Park.