Naperville Mayor George Pradel called it “the largest group I’ve ever seen assembled in Naperville for a charity event.”
Others said it was a good cause and a great opportunity to do something worthwhile with friends and co-workers.
On a sun-splashed Sunday morning, thousands of area residents came together in Naperville to participate in the 2000 Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes held along the 3.6-mile Riverwalk.
And despite the serious cause, it was a carnival-like atmosphere as cars clogged parking lots and side streets.
A rainbow of colored balloons formed an arch over the starting gate, and clowns made balloon animals for children.
“I’d say there are two to three times as many people here today as there were a year ago,” said Betsy Burton, a development assistant for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. “Last year, there were 3,000 people here, and we’re way over that.”
In addition to Naperville, the foundation held walks Sunday at two other sites, Lincoln Park in Chicago and Busse Woods, near Schaumburg. A total of nearly $700,000 was raised in Naperville last year, and about $1 million in donations are expected this time, thanks in part to increased corporate participation. The goal for all three sites was $3.3 million.
“I have four children and thankfully none of them has diabetes, but a lot of us want to be here for the kids that do,” said Susan Berry of Western Springs, an employee of Northern Trust.
Co-worker Nancy Olmstead brought her golden retriever, Benjamin, along for the walk.
“Ben raised $200 in pledges,” Olmstead said. “This is one of the few walks you can bring dogs along on.”
Site coordinator Meghan McKenna agreed that this year’s corporate sponsorships helped boost participation and revenues.
“Five years ago, we were barely able to raise $1 million doing this, and we’re hoping to blow that figure out of the water,” she said. “I think a lot of people are here because folks feel that with some of the new protocols they’re using, a cure may be near.”
Volunteer Nancy Lee of Villa Park said she has attended every Junior Diabetes Walk since the foundation was started 22 years ago by parents who wanted to help fund a cure.
“I have a daughter who is 30 years old now who was diagnosed with diabetes when she was 2,” Lee said.
One child with diabetes was supported by 150 participants wearing matching T-shirts.
“We’re here because a friend of ours has a little brother with diabetes, and we brought a whole group to support him,” said Kevin Veselik, 13. “There are about 40 people at Lincoln Park, and the rest are here.”
The subject of the support, Mark Miniat, 11, appeared to be thrilled with the events.
“I feel awesome about all that’s going on,” Mark said. “My advice to kids like me who have this disease is to be tough about it. Have fun with your life, and don’t let it put you down.”
