Foster The Future

The Foster The Future event is a community fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Deer Grove East Forest Preserve in Palatine, Illinois. Organized by Chicago Angels, the event features a USATF certified, chip-timed 5K run and a 1K family walk. Proceeds support the organization’s Love Box and Dare to Dream programs, which provide mentorship and community support to children and families within the foster care system.

The event is held at the Deer Grove Forest Preserve East, utilizing a course known for its natural scenery and well-maintained trails. All participants receive an event t-shirt and a finisher medal. Awards are presented to the top three overall male and female finishers, as well as the top male and female runners in eight age categories ranging from "14 and under" to "70+." For those unable to participate personally, there is an option to sponsor a mentor/mentee team from the Dare to Dream program to attend the event for free.

The mission of Chicago Angels is to provide stable, consistent relationships for children in the foster care system. In Illinois, there are currently over 18,000 children in foster care. National and state-level data highlights significant challenges and disparities within this system. In Illinois, Black children are disproportionately represented, making up approximately 40% of the foster care population despite representing only about 15% of the state's total child population. Conversely, White children represent about 43% of the foster care population, while making up roughly 50% of the state's child demographic.

Research indicates that youth in foster care face higher risks for various life challenges. Nationally, about 50% of youth who age out of foster care will obtain a high school diploma by age 18, compared to 70% of their peers in the general population. Furthermore, youth who experience foster care are at a higher risk for homelessness, with approximately one in four experiencing homelessness within four years of exiting the system. Programs like the Love Box, which provides monthly care packages and emotional support, aim to mitigate these risks by fostering long-term community connections.

The Chicago Angels organization operates on core values of hope, community, and empowerment. By organizing the "Foster The Future" race, they seek to raise awareness and provide the financial resources necessary to support the volunteers who walk alongside foster families. For more information regarding event sponsorships or the specific route at Deer Grove East, interested parties can contact Jessica Stockl at 201-953-4209.