The Turkeys are Coming -- The Turkeys are Coming

On November 22nd the streets of Naperville will be filled with runners from around the country to participate in this exciting annual event. For the 21st consecutive year this Naperville family tradition will attract over 7,800 runners to start the Thanksgiving holiday. The race will start at Naperville Central High School at 8:00 a. m. The course can be described as flat and scenic and times are fast for those that take running seriously. Runners/walkers with special needs are also welcome. Running strollers can be used to accommodate infants and toddlers with an adult runner, making it fun for the whole family. The catered breakfast after the run, long sleeve tech-shirts for all registrants and knowledge that each person's participation is helping someone in need make this a worthwhile event.

Proceeds from this event, the Club's annual summer raffle and candy day raised over $250,000 to support the Lions programs. There are no overhead costs, as all Club members and other individuals donate their time. In the 1920's Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become the "Knights of the Blind". The Lions took up this challenge. Today the main programs of the Naperville Lions are to support blind, low vision and hearing-impaired individuals.

During the last fiscal year, the Naperville Lions, through its Foundation supported over 350 children and adults who needed eye examinations, eye glasses and had hearing issues. These individuals could not afford this type of service. The cost of these services was approximately $115,000. Part of the funds raised are used to support the Lion's testing site at the Anne Reid Early Childhood Center in Naperville to provide on-site preschool eye examinations for children entering kindergarten.

In addition, the Lions supported initiatives in research related to inherited retinal disease by providing a grant of $5,000 to the Foundation for the Blind and education of children in braille and non visual skill instruction by providing a grant of $10,000 to the National Federation of the Blind-Illinois. Lion President, Jim Woodring stated the Naperville Lions are extremely honored to be able to provide these types of service to our community and support of low vision and blindness in the world.

On line registration only will be accepted at www.napervilleturkeytrot.com. The race is limited to the first 7,800 registrants. The race has sold out in past years, so early registration is recommended. Registration fee for adults is $40, children ages 10-14, $30 and children ages 9 and under, $25. Packet pick up will be on November 17th thru November 21st at the Running Company Store, 36 West Jefferson Street in downtown Naperville during normal business hours and at Naperville Central High School on race day starting at 7:00 a.m. until the start of the race.

The Naperville Noon Lions Club is a member club of Lions Clubs International (LCI). LCI is the world's largest service organization, with over 1.4 million members and over 44,000 member clubs worldwide. The Naperville Noon Lions Club consists of enthusiastic men and women who provide many volunteer hours each year to support the Lions mission locally. For more information about the Naperville Noon Lions Club call 630-364-3922 or e-mail us at info@napervillenoonlions.org.