Gerry’s Cafe X Chicago Marathon
Run 26.2. Change Lives.
Gerry’s Café is proud to be an official charity partner for the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon! It’s one thing to run a marathon — it’s another to run a marathon and create meaningful jobs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Join Team Gerry’s and turn your miles into impact.
About Gerry’s Café
Gerry’s Café is a mission-driven coffee shop and catering program that employs and empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Based in Arlington Heights, Illinois, we provide paid training, real-world work experience, and community connection — proving that inclusive employment is good for people and good for business.
Your miles make a difference. Every dollar raised by Team Gerry’s supports our workforce mission — from barista training to food-service certifications to community outreach.
Impact Highlights
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30+ team members with IDD trained and employed
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$20,000 + 2025 team fundraising goal
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100% of proceeds support jobs, training, and inclusion
2026 Chicago Marathon Charity Runner Sign-Ups
Sign-ups for 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon charity runners open Monday, October 13th, 2025, the day after this year's marathon.
Each runner who joins our team will be required to raise a minimum of $2,200 in donations to support our mission.
Team Gerry’s Fundraising Levels
Basic Entry
Fundraising minimum: $2,200
At this level, runners receive:
• Guaranteed 2025 Chicago Marathon entry (runner pays the BOA entry fee)
• Team Gerry’s singlet and training shirt
• Fundraising toolkit and 1:1 support
• Personalized online fundraising page
• Team pasta dinner the day before the race
• Race-morning gear check and breakfast near the start
• Cheer squad along the course
Optional reduced minimum ($1,600) for returning runners or volunteers who apply by Nov. 15, 2024.
Intermediate
Add your pricing strategy. Be sure to include important details like value, length of service, and why it’s unique.
Advanced
Add your pricing strategy. Be sure to include important details like value, length of service, and why it’s unique.
Choose your plan
Make a Difference
Gerry's Café is changing lives by providing an extensive training experience that teaches transferable job and life skills. Though we employ more than 40 adults with disabilities, we’d like to do more. With your help, we can expand Gerry’s Café locations and open related ventures, creating more employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.
To donate by check, make payable to: Brewing Opportunities
Mail to:
1802 N. Arlington Heights Rd.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
