Charity Donates $13K to Downers Grove Grade Schools

Thanks to one charity, 13 schools have received $1,000 each to help students who share a love a learning, show extra effort in their education and who demonstrate good citizenship.

The Bonfield Express Foundation granted the money to each school to honor the late Jim Bonfield.

The money is given to local students who demonstrate Bonfield’s character traits of personal perseverance, strong moral character, joy of learning and commitment to community, according to a District 58 press release.

“For the second consecutive year, District 58 and our students have benefitted from the kindness and generosity of the Bonfield Express Foundation, a wonderful Downers Grove charity,” Superintendent Kari Cremascoli said in the release. “Thanks to their donation, our schools have purchased additional books and resources to enhance instruction, as well as educational prizes to recognize students who display extra effort and citizenship.”

The major fundraising for the donations comes from an annual race. The race, known as the Bonfield Express 5K, will take place this year on Thanksgiving morning in downtown Downers Grove.

“Our annual Bonfield Express 5K is a fun Downers Grove Thanksgiving tradition enjoyed by many families,” Annette Bonfield, president of the Bonfield Express Foundation, said in the release. “I encourage the entire community to participate this year.”

This year will be the race's 13th year and the 5K will start at 8:30 a.m. Early registration is open until Friday, Nov. 18. The early bird rate is $30 per person or $100 for a family of four.

Registration is also open on Nov. 19 and Nov. 20 for a discounted rate of $35 per person or $115 for a family of four from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Good Samaritan Wellness Center.

Registration the day of the race is only open from 7 -8 a.m. and is only open at individual rates of $40. These tickets can be bought at the Tivoli Theatre.

More information about the race can be found here.

“On a personal note, my family and I enjoy participating in the Bonfield Express race each year,” Cremascoli said. “It has become one of our favorite Thanksgiving traditions, as I know it is for so many members of our community. It is a great event and we are very proud to support the Bonfield Express Foundation each year!”

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Image courtesy of Downers Grove Grade School District 58.