Jim passed the microphone to Fr. Scott Donahue, who shared the different ways Mercy Home provides care for nearly a thousand youth and families each year. He also expressed his gratitude to the Heroes for their support and commitment to the kids of Mercy Home.

“I want you to hear this from the bottom of my heart, how grateful I am that you believe in our young people,” Fr. Scott said. “You really are running to save the lives of children.”

Heroes then had a chance to hear firsthand how their support changes lives when Nadine, a resident of Mercy Home, took to the podium and shared her own personal story. She talked about how Mercy Home helped her achieve her dream of going to college and provided a positive living environment that has helped her thrive.

Heroes then had a chance to hear firsthand how their support changes lives when Nadine, a resident of Mercy Home, took to the podium and shared her own personal story. She talked about how Mercy Home helped her achieve her dream of going to college and provided a positive living environment that has helped her thrive.

“I am now living in a community that cares, supports, and motivates one another, and will be there for me for the rest of my life,” Nadine said.

“Mercy Home is made possible by Heroes such as each and every one of you – and I can say that each and every one of you are certainly my Hero.”

Chicago Marathon executive race director Carey Pinkowski was also on hand for the dinner and shared some fascinating information. Last year, there 12,500 first time marathoners who participated in the race; 11,000 charity runners; 10,000 runners from outside the U.S; more than 12,000 volunteers, and between all the media involved there were 1.7 million spectators.