Accessibility Reigns at Rise to Shine

Omar G. had not run a 5K in at least a decade, but as soon as he heard about the 3rd annual Rise to Shine Run & Walk via a YouTube video promoting the event, he knew he had to participate.

“I work in providing accessibility services in Mexico and was going to be in Chicago at that same time, so it felt like it was meant to be,” Omar says. “We are all working toward the same goal, and we should be working together. It’s a great opportunity to get to know each other and show each other support.”

As much as anything, the Rise to Shine Run & Walk is a celebration of community. Nearly 500 Champions of Accessibility came out for the 3rd annual event, raising more than $117,000 for The Lighthouse’s programs that help people with disabilities build confidence and independence.

At the event, clients and staff from The Chicago Lighthouse’s vast array of programs had an opportunity to get to know each other, as well as representatives and clients from other disability organizations and resource providers. After the race, participants and teams demonstrated their enthusiastic support for access and inclusion for all at a Zippy photo booth and participated in family activities like face painting, accessible sports challenges and a kids’ race full of accessibility superheroes.

Want to re-live the excitement of the Rise to Shine Run & Walk? Click here to check out our photo gallery from the day.