by Michelle Mayer | Mar 12, 2026 | Chicago Marathon, Fundraising, Fundraising Events, Sponsors, Statewide, USA Games
This March 2026, Jersey Mike’s Subs is once again proving that great things happen when communities come together. Jersey Mike’s 16th Annual Month of Giving is officially underway, and for the second time, franchise owners and operators nationwide are uniting around a single cause, the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Since the Month of Giving launched nationally, Jersey Mike’s franchises, team members, and generous customers have raised more than $143 million for local charities. This year, those dollars will help ensure the 54 Illinois athletes and Unified partners on Team Illinois have the support and resources needed to get to the biggest stage of their athletic careers.
How It Helps Illinois Athletes
Throughout the month of March, customers can support Special Olympics Illinois every time they visit a participating Jersey Mike’s location. Guests can round up their purchase or make a donation at the register or through the Jersey Mike’s mobile app, knowing their contribution is helping to support Special Olympics Illinois athletes and those heading to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
The campaign culminates on Wednesday, March 25, with Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving. On this special day, 100 percent of sales from participating Jersey Mike’s restaurants will be donated to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and the local state programs, like Special Olympics Illinois.
Nationwide, Jersey Mike’s hopes to raise enough money to ensure every qualifying athlete can attend the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, while also breaking last year’s record-setting $30 million raised during the Month of Giving.
Going the Extra Mile for Special Olympics Illinois
Giving back is deeply personal for many Jersey Mike’s franchisees, including Alex Gowin, a longtime owner and operator of nine Jersey Mike’s locations in downstate Illinois.
Alex is taking his support even further by running the 2026 Chicago Marathon in support of Special Olympics Illinois. A longtime runner, business owner, and proud supporter of the movement, Alex is combining his passions to raise awareness and funds to help create opportunities for athletes to reach their full potential.
“Special Olympics Illinois has a massive positive impact on people’s lives,” Alex shared. “I’ve built incredible relationships with athletes and staff, and I couldn’t think of a better cause to run for.”
Join the Movement
Supporting Special Olympics Illinois has never been easier … or more delicious. Stop by your local Jersey Mike’s Subs anytime in March, round up your order, or donate through the app.
And be sure to mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 25, when every dollar spent goes directly to support Special Olympics.
Find your nearest Jersey Mike’s store and together, Illinois can help send our athletes to the USA Games and show what’s possible when inclusion, community, and generosity come together.
by lauryn | Oct 9, 2025 | Athletes, Chicago Marathon, Healthy Athletes, Mission Focused, Uncategorized
As Health Messenger Alex Huegen prepares to run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 12, his focus isn’t just on crossing the finish line, it’s on staying healthy in every sense of the word.
“Running is my stress relief,” Alex says. “But training for a marathon pushes that limit sometimes.” For Alex, mental health is just as important as physical endurance. He’s learned to lean on his support system — teammates, Law Enforcement Torch Run officers, coaches, staff, and board members — when the pressure builds. “Their encouragement gives me the extra mental push when I need it,” he says.
Alex’s journey as a Health Messenger has equipped him with tools to care for both body and mind. “It gave me the tools to know what’s best for my body, and sharing that with others makes me more confident,” he explains. “When I talk about drinking water, eating colorful foods, or stretching, it reminds me to do it too.”
Special Olympics Illinois health programs have played a key role in his training. “The education parts really helped me,” he says. “I learned stretching guidelines I use before and after practice. Healthy Habits showed me the importance of fueling my body with a variety of foods. And at USA Games in Orlando, Healthy Athletes helped me find the perfect running shoe, which has made a big difference keeping me injury free.”
On World Mental Health Day, Alex’s advice to fellow athletes is simple but powerful: “Listen to your body, not just your schedule. Fuel up, drink water, and stretch to stay loose. For mental strength, focus on one step at a time and remember why you love your sport. And when it gets tough, lean on your teammates, coaches, and the Special Olympics Illinois community. Their support will carry you through.”
Alex’s story is a reminder that health is holistic – physical, mental, and emotional — and that staying well means caring for all parts of yourself. Check out these tips for staying mentally strong.
by Michelle Mayer | Sep 30, 2025 | Chicago Marathon, Fundraising, Fundraising Events, Statewide
On October 12, the streets of Chicago will come alive as 54,000 runners take on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Among them, one-third are charity runners, each running for a cause close to their hearts.
For Team Special Olympics Illinois, this race is about creating inclusion and opportunity for athletes across the state.
The 2025 Team Special Olympics Illinois consists of 21 dedicated runners. Among them, one Special Olympics Illinois athlete, two staff members, six volunteers, one LETR officer, and four athlete family members.
Though each runner has a personal reason for participating, they are united by a shared mission to build a more inclusive world alongside individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Meet Joseph Santello: Running for 26 Friends
Joseph gave the reason “26 miles for 26 friends” when joining Team Special Olympics Illinois. He has been a friend and advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities since 2010, and his passion for inclusion runs deep.
“I have many friends who have special needs and many of them enjoy participating in Special Olympics Illinois competitions,” shares Santello. “I want to support them!”
To share his journey, Joseph created a website highlighting the stories of each of his 26 friends.
“Many people in this world don’t see the beauty and truth of someone with intellectual disabilities,” said Santello. “Some people turn their heads when they see someone out in public, and I hope to help change the lives of others so that won’t happen.”
Santello’s commitment caught the attention of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon’s “Find a Runner. Help a Cause.” campaign, which selected him as a featured charity runner.
“It’s been a huge honor,” said Santello. “I am hopeful that people hearing about my story will help get the word out about this incredible organization.”
Art Meets Impact: A Life-Size QR Code Installation
To amplify the message of charity runners, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon partnered with local artist Bob Faust to create a life-size QR code installation outside the Art Institute of Chicago.
The piece, titled Impact Adds Up, incorporates real items donated by six charities, including Special Olympics Illinois, symbolizing the tangible difference these organizations make for individuals and communities.
As Rita Cook, President, Bank of America Chicago puts it, “everybody’s running for something bigger than themselves.”
Show Your Support
Every mile run and every dollar raised helps Special Olympics Illinois create opportunities for growth, personal development, and connection through sports, health, and leadership programs for more than 18,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Find a runner and help our cause by supporting Team Special Olympics Illinois.
