[Bridgeview, IL] Northwestern College’s 2nd annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 29 not only brought out adults and children, but this year brought out a number of 4-legged fur babies who joined in on the fun. That is because this year’s 5K – PAWS for a Cause – benefited helpless animals in need, with all proceeds benefiting PAWS Chicago. Several runners brought their pets to run or walk alongside them as they helped to raise funds for less fortunate animals in need of assistance.
In the early hours of that Saturday morning, Northwestern College students, alumni, staff and their families joined with residents of the Bridgeview/Burbank/Bedford Park communities to lend their support for PAWS Chicago, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Moods were elevated and spirits were high as runners and walkers took to the streets, raising thousands of dollars for the cause. This was Northwestern College’s 2nd annual 5K and included nearly 75 participants and countless volunteers that ensured it ran smoothly.
Before the runners and walkers took their mark, Lizmar Nieves energized the crowd when she sang the National Anthem, an amazing rendition that was followed with a tremendous round of applause.
The PAWS for a Cause 5K kicked off at 9:00 a.m. in Northwestern College’s parking lot in Bridgeview. It followed a route that meandered through the streets of Bridgeview and Burbank, ending just outside the College’s front doors.
The results of the race were as follows: Female Category – 1st Place, Nicole Majka; 2nd Place, Marie Martin; and 3rd Place, Perla Castillo. Male Category – 1st Place, Marco Rojas; 2nd Place, Michael Sroka; and 3rd Place, Angel Rojas. Child Category – 1st Place, Mathew Vargas; 2nd Place, Miguel Guerrero; and 3rd Place, Miguel Garcia.
Northwestern College extended its extreme thanks to the Event Sponsors that helped make the PAWS for a Cause 5K a resounding success. Sponsors included: Coopers Hawk; Durbins; McGraw Hill; The Chicago Fire (soccer team); Blooming Lotus; UPS; Flying High Sports & Rec Center; Cyanna Education Services, LLC; TextAim; Edwards Strategies; Haunted Trails; Diana’s Bananas; Erin Rope; Prim Rose; CFS Vending; Maple & Jams; Sno Daze Tropical Sno; St Albert the Great School; Magoos Bar; and MKD Electric.
Northwestern College also thanked the enormous number of volunteers that stepped forward to assist in one way or another with PAWS for a Cause, especially students, staff, and members of the community. A special group that assisted with the 5K were the law enforcement officials and first responders that were present and available throughout the entire course, ensuring that everyone present remained safe. The College extended its heartfelt thanks to all of them, including the departments of Burbank, Bedford Park and Bridgeview.
Finally, the College extended its thanks to the members of the 5K Committee who assisted with all of the planning and implementation phases of the event. Those members included Maysoon Nasir-Vargas, Kelly Shaver, Marta Rybak, David Pena, Kyle Ellis, Javier Burciaga, Amy Buoscio, Tina Marfoe, Dimitrios Kriaras, Charles Wolfe, Ryan Lewis, Carolyn Gresham, Omar Bernal, and Gail and Lauren Schumacher.
PAWS Chicago’s mission is to end the overpopulation of homeless animals; to transform animal welfare by setting higher standards in the way animals are treated, and developing a sustainable, solutions-based model; and finally, to build No Kill communities – starting with a No Kill Chicago – that respect and value the life of every cat and dog.
Northwestern College students and staff are already discussing plans for the 2019 5K Race/Walk, which is expected to take place sometime next September. For more information on PAWS Chicago, please see pawschicago.org.
About Northwestern College:
Northwestern College (NC) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 S. LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604, (312) 263-0456, www.hlcommission.org. The college offers focused career-oriented associate degree and certificate programs with flexible schedules and a supportive faculty. Day, evening, weekend, online classes and online programs are available. More information can be found at www.NC.edu or by calling toll-free (888) 205-2283.
Media Contact: Laura Pollastrini, lmpollastrini@nc.edu