Cantigny Park, part of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation in Wheaton, awarded a check for $16,000 to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans (MSHV) in Wheaton. The donation represents net proceeds from the 18th annual Cantigny 5K Run/Walk held November 5.
The check amount included cash donations from participating runners and walkers totaling $2,196., money contributed beyond their entry fees. MSHV board president, Scott Ziemba, accepted the donation during Cantigny’s Veterans Day commemoration. Matt LaFond, Cantigny Park executive director, presented the check.
Including this year’s donation, the Cantigny 5K has generated $156,000 for MSHV since 2008, the event’s first year of association with the shelter.
MSHV receives funds from Cantigny Post 556 of the American Legion, based at the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park. The legionnaires were host to a pancake breakfast at Cantigny during the 5K that collected $539. in direct donations to the shelter. MSHV is the primary community service activity of Post 556.
The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans opened in 2007. It provides veterans and their families with housing and supportive services that lead to self-sufficiency. MSHV’s operations include three facilities in downtown Wheaton. To learn more, visit the shelter online at helpaveteran.org.
This year’s 5K attracted 750 registered runners and walkers. The next Cantigny 5K is will be November 4, 2023.
Cantigny Park is open daily in November and December from 9 a.m. to sunset. More information is online at Cantigny.org, including a full calendar of seasonal events.
—Cantigny Park