The annual Holiday Hustle 5k Walk/Run recently held in Coal City was considered a success. Lori Bonarek from Lori Bonarek Realty in Coal City said a record amount of money was raised.

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“We originally started the five k to just give back to the community, so I recruited other business owners to help us out. And this year was the largest amount that we’ve ever given away, which was thirteen thousand eight hundred twenty two dollars and eighty eight cents. So the proceeds come from sponsorships, people buying raffle tickets, just donating, obviously, the participants. And I’m just in shock. Like, when I looked at the numbers, I actually couldn’t believe it. This was our seventh year. So how it works out is we pick a different charity every year. So the committee gives out, an application, and then they fill out the application. They can come in and present about their commit you know, themselves to the committee, and then the committee goes ahead and votes anonymous, you know, like, anonymous vote, for the charity that they choose.” 

WCSJ Photo

Angela Baumeister with Breaking Away shared her thoughts about the non-profit organization being the recipient of the money.

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“I just want to thank everybody, Lori, everybody at your office, all the sponsors, and just Carolyn. I mean, so much you guys put into this, so many behind the scene things that people don’t see. This is really amazing. it’s exciting because this money is going to go directly into a capital fundraising campaign that we have running because we are looking to do a brick and mortar, domestic violence building here in Grundy County. So I know it’s going to take a few years, but, this is a great start. So, we thank you so much for that. We thank you for the caring and the runners too that came out and did their time for that, and also Babes for hosting. Yes. Absolutely. We couldn’t do it without Babes and all the other local businesses that help us out either by volunteering or donating. I would just say that to watch next year for when the applications go out so that a charity can go ahead and apply.” 

Over 120 runners and walkers signed up for the event.