Bradley Veerman Charity Fund to Host "In Memory of Our Fallen Heroes" 5K Run & Walk During Elwood Community DaysELWOOD, Illinois — The Bradley Veerman Charity Fund is proud to announce the annual In Memory of Our Fallen Heroes 5K Run & Walk, taking place on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Lloyd Erickson Park, 801 N. Chicago Street, Elwood, Illinois. The event begins with a special remembrance ceremony at 5:00 p.m., followed by the 5K Run & Walk at 6:00 p.m.This year's event holds special significance as the nation commemorates the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Participants will gather to remember the lives lost, honor the courage and sacrifice of first responders and public servants, and celebrate the enduring spirit of service that continues to unite communities across America.Hosted in conjunction with Elwood Community Days, the event benefits the Bradley Veerman Charity Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting first responders, advancing public safety initiatives, providing EMS education, and assisting charitable organizations that serve our communities.The charity was established in memory of Bradley Veerman, a dedicated firefighter, paramedic, police officer, Executive Director of the Laraway Emergency Telephone System Board (Will County 9-1-1), and public servant whose passion for helping others continues to inspire the organization's mission. Through fundraising efforts, the Bradley Veerman Charity Fund has provided educational scholarships, supported emergency responders, and partnered with organizations committed to improving public safety throughout the region."Our goal is to bring our community together to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while continuing Bradley's legacy of compassion, service, and commitment to helping others," said April Veerman, President of the Bradley Veerman Charity Fund. "Every participant, volunteer, sponsor, donor, and supporter helps us honor our fallen heroes while making a lasting difference in our communities."Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to register. Registration includes:

Official event T-shirt
Finisher medal
Admission wristband to Elwood Community Days
Beer ticket for participants 21 years of age or older
The opportunity to honor America's heroes while supporting a meaningful cause

Can't make the race? You can still be part of this meaningful event. Community members are encouraged to purchase an official In Memory of Our Fallen Heroes event T-shirt online. Shirts are available for family members, friends, supporters, and anyone who wants to proudly wear them throughout Elwood Community Days while honoring our Fallen Heroes. Every shirt purchased directly supports the mission of the Bradley Veerman Charity Fund by helping fund educational scholarships, first responder assistance, public safety initiatives, and other charitable programs that strengthen our communities.Community members who are unable to participate are also encouraged to support the event through sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, or donations. Local businesses, civic organizations, and community partners continue to play an essential role in making this event possible.Registration is now open.For race registration, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer information, donations, or to purchase an official event T-shirt, visit:Race Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Elwood/ElwoodCommunityDaysKOfficial Event T-Shirt Store: https://runsignup.com/Race/Store/IL/Elwood/ElwoodCommunityDaysKBradley Veerman Charity Fund: https://bradleyveermancharityfund.orgAbout the Bradley Veerman Charity FundThe Bradley Veerman Charity Fund is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established in memory of Bradley Veerman. Its mission is to honor his legacy by supporting first responders, providing educational scholarships, assisting nonprofit organizations dedicated to public safety, and strengthening communities through compassion, service, and charitable giving.Media ContactApril Veerman
President, Bradley Veerman Charity Fund
Phone: (815) 405-3607
Email: Bradleyveermancharity@outlook.com
Website: https://bradleyveermancharityfund.org

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Location: Busey Bank Field at Joliet Memorial Stadium, 3000 West Jefferson Street

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Parking: Entrance on Jefferson Street, some lots closed for safety

Rules: Alcohol and grilling prohibited; blankets welcome in stadium, but lawn chairs and coolers not allowed

Cost: Free

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