Hey, all. Rachel Kay Winter here! This year, I have an incredible opportunity to run the Chicago Marathon, my FIRST ever full marathon. It feels fitting to go for this goal so close to my hometown, and in a place where my family can be present to see me reach this goal that I never thought I'd be aiming for. 

I will be running as part of the BandWith Chicago Marathon Team, whose mission is not only close to home, but close to my heart. BandWith Chicago is a Chicago-based non-profit dedicated to providing exceptional performing arts programs to underserved communities. 

Those of you who know me personally know that music has always held such a special place in my life. It was my own music education background, just 100 miles south of Chicago, that molded me in my formative years. All those years of band, choir, theatre, opera, and 1-on-1 lessons gave me invaluable skills that still impact my life on a daily basis. Skills like team-building, problem-solving, confidence, discipline -- music education provides all of this and more. I'm thrilled to raise money for an organization providing high-quality music education to a community so close to the community that raised me.

Thank you in advance for all of your support as I prepare to train for this major goal.

If you'd like to learn more about the BandWith, check out some more info below or their website. https://www.bandwithchicago.net/


More about BandWith Chicago: Since their founding, BandWith has connected over 800 young people, ages 5-21, with outstanding arts instructors and mentors, providing them with the performance opportunities and support they need to be successful. With your generosity, BandWith can continue to support free dance, drumline, sound engineering, instrumental and choral ensemble programs, grow and develop new initiatives and ultimately provide more community members with high quality music education. On behalf of all of the students currently receiving music education through BandWith, we are grateful for your gift of music!