On Your Mark, Get Set, FUNDRAISE! 

Irais Villa has always wanted to run the Chicago Marathon since she was little. She decided that since she turned 26 in May and the marathon is 26.2 miles this was the year to do it. Often times runners will choose a charity to raise money for while they train for the marathon. Friends and families can sponsor them and businesses can make matching donations as well. We are so incredibly grateful that Iris chose GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago as her charity. GiGi’s Playhouse is not currently an official Bank of America Charity of Choice, but Irais didn’t let that stand in the way of raising money for a place near and dear to her heart.

A Little Info on Irais

Irais started volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse in Chicago a little over a year ago. On her fundraising page she says, “Their vision (“To see a world where individuals with Down Syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools and communities”) was so captivating that I immediately decided to start volunteering!”  A student named Michelle captured her heart each time they met for their math tutoring session. She was a math tutor for two seasons back in 2017 and we know that when her schedule frees up she will be back in our learning labs!

Irais and Michelle during their math tutoring session

Setting Goals and Smashing Them

Through hard work and lots of training, Irais completed the Chicago Marathon in 5 hours, 36 minutes, and 40 seconds. Not everyone can run, jog, or even walk 26.2 miles in one day. Irais, you are an inspiration to us for completing that difficult task! We are also blown away that you were able to raise [over] twenty-six hundred dollars! You’re right, 26 was a good number for you; thank you again for choosing GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago. Please come visit us any time!