Making the Benefits of Running Accessible Throughout Chicagoland
$5,650.00 raised
$5,000.00 goal
A MESSAGE FROM Making the Benefits of Running Accessible Throughout Chicagoland
This year, I am once again raising money for CARA and our 'Go Run program. 2024 brings many meaningful moments in my running journey. I am running the LA Marathon with my brother and nephew, as they are taking on the challenge of the marathon for the first time. 

Our running together is especially meaningful. My dad passed away in the fall. Family was of utmost importance to him. His commitment to the closeness and love of family was his guiding force. The 3 DeMatoff's running together in his memory would have meant the world to him.

He was also a strong supporter of my work with CARA. This year I was elected as Vice President, and I am sad he did not get to see that accomplishment. He was a champion for CARA's programs, and a strong example of the power of physical fitness for a long and healthy life.

CARA, the Chicago Area Runners Association is on a mission to make sure everyone in the Chicagoland area has access to the benefits of running. Please consider making a gift to the Team CARA 'Go Run Campaign. Your investment will support CARA's 'Go Runs and Run Crews which aim to make running free and accessible for every neighborhood around Chicagoland. 
  • Gerardo ValenciaTrujillo made a $75.00 donation

    Gerardo Valencia

    $75.00
  • Leah Hammer made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Cawley Team made a $150.00 donation

    Best of luck Darren & thank you for your efforts in raising awareness.

    $150.00
  • Jose Perez made a $50.00 donation

    Darren! a true legend and inspiration thank you for always finding community and creating a space for runners!

    $50.00
  • Diane Roman made a $50.00 donation

    Darren - Thank you for continuing to do amazing work for runners! 🏃🏻‍♀️ Love you! ❤️ Diane

    $50.00
  • Anthony Fiore made a $50.00 donation

    hope you have a great race!!!

    $50.00
  • Randolph Johnston made a $100.00 donation
    $100.00
  • Elizabeth Johnson made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Wendy Stella made a $50.00 donation

    Best of luck in LA, can’t wait to see how those speedy legs do! Inspiration and motivation are just two of your amazing qualities my friend. See you in October!

    $50.00
  • Megan Spears made a $25.00 donation

    I love that you do this Darren. You are an inspiration. Best wishes for LA.

    $25.00
  • Marc Rosen made a $510.00 donation

    Great work Darren!

    $510.00
  • Cathleen Collins made a $30.00 donation

    Thank you for helping to develop a wonderful running program for the Chicago community. As a youth, my school gym teacher started a small city team and it grew into an amazing group that traveled the country. We are forever grateful to our coach and parents who worked tirelessly to fundraise and support us. Thank you to all running volunteers. Best of luck this year!

    $30.00
  • Miguel Trujillo made a $14.00 donation
    $14.00
  • In memory of Marcene Schwarz and Mel DeMatoff made a $75.00 donation

    Darren, you are an inspiration to us all and such a great ambassador for runners and the community! So glad you will be there to help encourage Greg and Benjamin to complete their first marathon. Wish I could’ve been there with you guys too! However, I’ll be tracking the three of you with the app, every step of the way! Good luck and safe travels! -Rob

    $75.00
  • Dan and Jennifer Laytin made a $524.00 donation

    Go Darren!!!

    $524.00
  • Richard Mayer made a $36.00 donation
    $36.00
  • Benjamin Dicke made a $35.00 donation
    $35.00
  • Vanessa Thanos made a $50.00 donation

    Good luck Darren!!

    $50.00
  • Stephanie Masi made a $100.00 donation

    Darren, you are the heart of our running community!!

    $100.00
  • Kenneth Jensen made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • In memory of Jan Youman made a $100.00 donation

    My momma knew this group saved me a million times over. Love you, Darren. Sending buckets of love to you, your brother and that lovely nephew. Have the best race.

    $100.00
  • Homero and Anabel Ramos made a $26.00 donation

    Go Darren! Thank you for all you do for the running community.

    $26.00
  • Amanda Dykema-Engblade made a $100.00 donation

    Go, Darren, Go!!

    $100.00
  • George Mejia made a $25.00 donation

    Have a great time in LA running with your family! It's going to be amazing!!! Go Run!!!!

    $25.00
  • Anonymous made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Elizabeth Johnson made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Karen Wood made a $50.00 donation

    Thank you for working hard to make our running world better!

    $50.00
  • Ted Jindrich made a $25.00 donation

    I don't make it often but I love Go-Run.

    $25.00
  • Heather Donlan made a $25.00 donation
    $25.00
  • Patrick Clark made a $25.00 donation
    $25.00
  • Lena Park made a $100.00 donation

    I hope you have the best time with your family in LA!! Enjoy your vacay and the race!!

    $100.00
  • Claire Ruberman made a $100.00 donation

    Go Darren! What a lovely way to honor your father. Wishing all three of you beautiful races!

    $100.00
  • Nick Kosiek made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Larry Coronelli made a $25.00 donation
    $25.00
  • Jen Strickland made a $25.00 donation

    good luck!!

    $25.00
  • Kiarri Kershaw made a $100.00 donation

    Have a great race!

    $100.00
  • Kerl Lajeune made a $50.00 donation

    Keep running my friend.

    $50.00
  • Claire Girardeau made a $50.00 donation

    I hope you and your family have such an incredible time in LA! Enjoy it all!

    $50.00
  • Gloria Alfaro made a $50.00 donation

    You are going to do it great in LA!! next time I will go with you

    $50.00
  • Randy Vreeland made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Annette Lee made a $50.00 donation

    run darren run!

    $50.00
  • Elena Eisman made a $50.00 donation

    a beautiful thing to do in your fathers memory. He was a special man who loved you all very much.

    $50.00
  • Changil Jeong made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Tim Plonczynski made a $25.00 donation
    $25.00
  • In memory of Mel De Matoff made a $100.00 donation

    In support of the three De Matoff's running together in memory of Mel.

    $100.00
  • Adrian Novik made a $50.00 donation

    I hope it helps.

    $50.00
  • Andrew Sarkipato made a $75.00 donation
    $75.00
  • In memory of Melvyn DeMatoff made a $50.00 donation

    So happy your Dad supported your running passion. You never fail to inspire me. Much strength to your families first time marathon!

    $50.00
  • Anonymous made a $25.00 donation

    Along with Norwood Street and our Edgewater community, CARA is lucky to have you as such an active, inspiring transformative leader. Thank you for your commitment. Also, congratulations on becoming CARA Vice President, and good luck with the LA Marathon to all three of you! Genevieve Waller

    $25.00
  • Amy Shifflett made a $100.00 donation

    So proud of your hard work and dedication Darren!

    $100.00
  • Leslie LaPlante made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Anonymous made a $50.00 donation

    thanks for organizing—very meaningful!

    $50.00
  • William Thomas made a $50.00 donation
    $50.00
  • Julie Pratt made a $100.00 donation

    Good luck, Darren! I’m so excited for you and your family to run together!

    $100.00
  • Jenny King made a $50.00 donation

    Good Luck Darren!!

    $50.00
  • Smartek made a $1,000.00 donation

    We are proud to support Darren & the great work that he does for the community!

    $1,000.00
  • Amanda Burns made a $50.00 donation

    Go run fast!

    $50.00
  • DSA Factors made a $100.00 donation

    Enjoy your family run!!!

    $100.00
  • Grant Brasher made a $50.00 donation

    Awesome Darren! Let’s keep growing the running community!

    $50.00
  • Lisa Wenderoth made a $25.00 donation

    way to give back!

    $25.00
  • Holly Orlowski made a $50.00 donation

    You are an inspiration! Cheering you on all 26.2 miles!

    $50.00
  • Rick Wilkens made a $250.00 donation
    $250.00
  • Darren Dematoff made a $100.00 donation

    Please join me in supporting CARA's community-based programs that reached nearly 5,000 people last year!

    $100.00
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