Over 150 participants and dozens of sponsors joined efforts to help raise funds for the Aurora Public Library District Foundation’s (APLDF) Lace Up for Literacy Virtual 5K run that took place October 9 through 17th.

The Foundation works to innovate literacy solutions for vulnerable children and families within the library district.  Foundation president, Christina Campos, said that this was the first virtual event they had attempted since the pandemic put a hold on their regularly scheduled in-person events.

Proceeds from the event will provide more literacy packets to help Aurora’s children and their families. “We set an initial goal of raising $5,000 and were thrilled to have more

than doubled that amount, due to the generosity of our sponsors, donors and participants. I could not be more grateful with the support we received from our community,” Campos shared.

The Vulnerable Children’s Fund was established in response to Covid-19. Supporters of the Vulnerable Children’s Fund are people and business partners who help bring books

and literacy materials to underserved children and families in Aurora. These supporters are Literacy Heroes!

This effort began in April with a partnership between the Foundation and the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry and the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry.  These Hunger Heroes joined forces with the Foundation and so far, more than 8,000 books and literacy packets have been distributed to families who receive food from the pantries. Proceeds from Lace Up for Literacy will make it possible to distribute more packets!

Lace Up for Literacy Sponsors:

Clear Perspective Advisors

John and Jean Savage

Alderman Patty Smith

Stumm Insurance, LLC

Waubonsee Community College

Delia Nila Basile

Scott and Kelly McCleary

Alderman William Donnell

Alderman Mike Saville

Artlip and Sons, Inc.

Aurora Downtown

Jeffry and Patricia Butler

Cruz Investments & Wealth Management

Alderman Carl Franco

Alderman Juany Garza

GreenBridge Financial Solutions

Hallett Movers

Illinois Tejano Organization

Alderman Sherman Jenkins

Alderman Emmanuel Llamas

Old Second National Bank

R.C. Wegman Construction Company

State Farm

We are grateful to our sponsors and all donors!  For a complete list of all donors visit our website at www.APLFoundationIL.org.