The Story Behind a Hometown Tradition

I hope everyone enjoyed Independence Day and ate their fair share of hot dogs. This Saturday you can enjoy a corndog by attending the Corndog Kickoff! The office has been much busier this morning preparing for the event after the long weekend.

As I continue highlighting past Iowans of the Day, I am amazed by how many Iowans have impacted their communities. One couple, Richard and Juanita Schillig from Bettendorf, Iowa, started a tradition that has continued since 1994.

The Schilligs started the 5K fundraiser “Run with Carl,” to honor their son’s life and his love of running. The race grew to include a 5 mile run, 5K walk/run, a one mile run and a half mile fun run. The money raised at the event goes to the Carl D. Schillig memorial fund that provides scholarships to Pleasant Valley and Bettendorf High School graduates. Through the memorial, over 30 students have benefitted from the $4000 raised.

The couple is also involved in numerous community organizations including S.U.M.M.I.T., a program to help troubled youth by exposing them to possible career opportunities, and their local church through cooking meals for various events. The couple was also awarded the Humanitarian Award from the Cornbelt Running Club for their volunteer work and community mindedness.

The deadline to choose Iowans of the Day has passed, but I can’t wait to see which ten Iowans will be recognized at the 2016 Iowa State Fair! Now the fourth of July has passed, the Iowa State Fair is right around the corner and I have so much work to do to prepare for our winners. But first, we have to get through the Kickoff. See you July 9!

-Audra