7th Annual RACE AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE Opens for Early Registration

CHICAGO - Dec. 11, 2019 - PRLog -- 7th Annual RACE AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE Opens for Early Registration
Drawing Diverse Stakeholders and Partners from Across Chicagoland

CHICAGO, IL December 9, 2020 -- Early registration has opened for the 7th Annual Strides for Peace Race Against Gun Violence (RAGV), which is to take place on the evening of June 4, 2020 in Grant Park's Arvey Field. Against the backdrop of the gun violence that shakes our city daily, the Race Against Gun Violence celebrates hope: it is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for people and organizations in Chicagoland to come together to celebrate the life-changing work happening throughout Chicago every day and support the nonprofits working to end gun violence.

Strides for Peace invites nonprofit organizations, representing diverse communities and approaches to create safer Chicago, to use the race for fundraising, team-building, civic engagement and volunteer recruitment. Last year, more than 75 nonprofit and civic organizations, and residents from over 215 zip codes, ranging from the richest and poorest neighborhoods, joined RAGV, generating over $120,000 in individual donations.  All nonprofit partners receive 100% of donations from the RAGV. More nonprofit groups are expected to join RAGV in 2020.

Central to RAGV is the goal to build capacity and promote collaboration. "The Race Against Gun Violence is more than an athletic event – we're building a new platform to harness the good will of this city.  While we have seen meaningful reductions in overall gun violence, there is much more work to be done – not only in the communities who contend with the highest levels of gun violence, but for the city as a whole. The good news is that the race has shown that there's a real desire to make a difference – together." stated Mary Stonor Saunders, Executive Director.

To that end, RAGV convenes like-minded non-profit, academic, and civic organizations who are committed to fostering collaboration to end gun violence. This year's Civic Partners and Host Committee members include: Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce (Jack Lavin), Chicago Police Department, Cook County State Attorney's Office (Kim Foxx), Wu-Tang Foundation (Tareef Michael), Chicago CRED (Arne Duncan), the UChicago Crime Lab (Roseanna Ander) and Negaunee Music Institute of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Jonathan McCormick), with more expected to be announced soon.

The Race Against Gun Violence offers USTAF-certified 8k and 5k races along the lakefront, a 2-mile walk and a Tots for Peace Sprint. With opportunities for all ages and fitness levels to participate, the event creates a family-friendly opportunity to celebrate the life-changing work of participating nonprofits and provides a platform for people who care about reducing gun violence in Chicago.

Website: www.stridesforpeace.org