5K FUN RUN TO BENEFIT A LOCAL ARMY HERO

North Park University joins forces with Chicago Army ROTC to host the inaugural

Viking Run for Valor

CHICAGO (April 13, 2016)—The students of North Park University’s sports marketing class, in partnership with Chicago Army ROTC and the Chicago Park District, invite you to the inaugural Viking Run for Valor, which will raise money for a local Army hero and his family, on Sunday, April 24 at 7:30 am. This year the 5K fun run will benefit local Army hero Major James Pradke, whose horrific car accident changed his and the lives of his entire family.

Major Pradke served 15 years in the Army and completed four tours in Iraq. While home on leave last October, Major Pradke, his wife, and their two children, ages four and one, were in southern Illinois doing volunteer work. During their drive home, Pradke’s car was struck head on by a drunk driver going over 100 miles an hour. They all survived the accident, but the physical injuries to the entire family is vast and will require lifelong aftercare.

Major Pradke’s wife is still currently in a wheelchair, his four year old son lost his arm, and Major Pradke had to medically retire from the Army due to his extensive physical injuries. Since the accident, the family has been living at the Ronald McDonald Chicago House receiving much needed therapy. The emotional, physical, and financial impact of the accident have been overwhelming for the family.

The Viking Run for Valor was put together by 17 sports marketing students at North Park University with the mission of assisting veterans and their families who are in financial need. “With great respect and humility, we are honored to support military heroes for their service and sacrifice to our country,” said John Born, professor of sports marketing at North Park University. “Our classroom project is proving a platform for the students to give back and we hope this event will help raise much needed funds for Major Pradke and his family.”

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The 5K fun run will take place on the campus of North Park University, located at 3225 W. Foster Ave., and the nearby River Park, which is part of the Chicago Park District. Over 200 people are expected to participate in the 5K fun run with the goal of raising over $10,000. All of the funds raised will go directly to Major James Pradke and his family. More than 30 local organizations are sponsoring the inaugural event, with Swedish Covenant Hospital and the Galter Life Center as the title sponsors.

To register for the 5K fun run or to make a donation, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/viking-run-for-valor-registration-21567055644

About North Park
Located in Chicago, North Park University is a Christian comprehensive university that serves nearly 3,200 undergraduate and graduate students from around the country and the world. Within a diverse, close-knit, urban community, North Park offers a values-based education to students through more than 40 undergraduate majors and an adult degree-completion program, as well as graduate and continuing education in business, nonprofit management, nursing, education, music, and theology. By integrating faith with learning—as it has done since its founding in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church—North Park University continues to focus on the important task of preparing students for lives of significance and service. For more information, visit www.northpark.edu.