Gerry’s Café 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 13, 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.
Big Impact Entry
Fundraising minimum: $2,700
Includes all Base Entry perks, plus your choice of one:
Paid marathon training package (CARA); or
One night in a Gerry’s-paid hotel room near the start
Also includes a second Team Gerry’s training shirt
Champion Entry
Fundraising minimum: $3,300
Includes all Base Entry perks, plus your choice of two:
CARA training package (includes race-day perks)
One night in a hotel near the start
A second hotel night near the start
Also includes an extra training shirt and a Team Gerry’s hat
How Joining Team Gerry’s Works
Process:
Apply – Review the levels above and submit your application.
Reserve – Once accepted, you’ll receive a Team Contract to e-sign. When complete, your entry is guaranteed and your fundraising minimum confirmed.
Fundraise – We’ll help you set up your personal fundraising page with resources and guidance.
Run & Celebrate – Enjoy marathon weekend perks and celebrate your impact at Gerry’s Café!
Fundraising Milestones:
March 1, 2025 – $250 raised minimum
May 1, 2025 – $750 raised (withdrawal deadline)
July 1, 2025 – $1,300 raised
October 1, 2025 – Full fundraising minimum completed
If your total isn’t met by these dates, Gerry’s may charge your credit card on file to reach the target.
Team Gerry’s Weekend Perks
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Day-Before Cafe Social
Carb up with teammates and supporters
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Race-Morning Home Base
Gear check and light breakfast near the start
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On-Course Cheer Squad
We’ll be there to cheer you on every mile of the way
Apply or Donate
Ready to run for inclusion?
Apply to Team Gerry’s.
Prefer to cheer from the sidelines?
Donate to a runner or the team.
Questions? Email info@gerryscafe.org or call (847) 749-2559
Team Liaison: Warren@GerrysCafe.org
Partner with Us
Local businesses and corporate teams can sponsor Team Gerry’s through logo placement, social shout-outs, and volunteer opportunities.
