10/15/2008

Contact: Kimberly Tomkiewicz (219) 464-9621 ext. 299

OE Chicago Marathon Team Raise $145,000 for Opportunity Enterprises

For the tenth year, Opportunity Enterprises is pleased to announce that its 2008 Chicago Marathon Team raised nearly $145,000 for OE. The 302 member team trained with OE this summer to run and raise money to help support the organization’s programs and services. WWe have really enjoyed working with all of our runners - local, national and international," said Christine Schneidt, OE Marathon Team Coordinator. "It was wonderful to watch our runners reach their goals and achieve success by completing the Chicago Marathon." Training began back in April for the Marathon Team, with training held in Porter and Lake Counties. In exchange for committing to raise money for OE, team members will received several benefits, including a team shirt, team training programs for runners of every fitness level, complimentary race entry and transportation to and from the marathon. "The staff and runners have a wonderful time on race day itself," says OE Events Manager Allison Thomas. "The staff at OE is really looking forward to our call out in February of 2009." Also realizing success this year was the Popcorn Panic Team, the members of which raised over $8,000 and the OE Walking Buddies. OE clients, staff and community volunteers trained throughout the summer to walk the 5K Popcorn Panic. Opportunity Enterprises Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote self-sufficiency and life choices for individuals with disabilities. OE serves over 1,000 individuals in Porter County and throughout Northwest Indiana. For more information about OE, call 219-464-9621, or visit online at www.oppent.org.