Community Corner
Jeanine Nicarico Remembered and Celebrated at 5K Run
10th Annual Run for Reading attracts runners and walkers of all ages.
Despite the cold, gray and rainy weather outside, the atmosphere at was warm, bright and cheerful as more then 800 participants gathered for the 10th Annual Run for Reading.
The race benefits the Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Literacy Fund, a foundation that honors the memory of Jeanine by giving grants to individual educators and schools, encouraging a deeper understanding of literacy, enriching instructional programs, and laying foundations that will develop life-long readers.
The race was expected to raise between $20,000 — $25,000.
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"Jeanine's love of reading really took off in 4th and 5th grade," said Tom Nicarico, Jeanine's father. "This is a happy, uplifting day to remember Jeanine, and it's great to see all these families involved."
The Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Literacy Fund was established in 1996 by the friends and family of the Nicarico family, faculty members at River Woods Elementary School and other staff members of . Since the spring of 1996, they have awarded more than 100 grants totaling more than $100,000 to private and public schools in Naperville School Districts 203 and .
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According to the Fund's website, "Through grants from the Fund, the light of improved literacy is brought into the lives of the many children she would have called 'friends.' Rather than dwelling on Jeanine's death, the Fund celebrates her life — it's a wonderful way to remember Jeanine and the gift she was to all who knew her."
Twin brothers Quinn and Ethan Farrell, 11, of Naperville, both participated in the race.
"I like to run and I've participated in kids' triathalons before," said Quinn. "I ran this race last year and wanted to do it again to show my support."
His brother Ethan added, "I like running in these events, it feels good not to sleep in and be active for the day."
Megan Barnhart, a teacher and a friend of the Nicarico family, braved the dreary weather ready to support the Fund.
"This is a great family cause," said Barnhart. "Jeanine was a huge reader. I teach English and I think it is wonderful that they donate books to schools."
