The 2018 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle's executive race director has broken his fundraising goal of $18,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Carey Pinkowski announced in February that he was running the race for the first time since he took third place in 1988 and that he was raising money for the American Cancer Society.
"I have seen so many people in my life—my father, my dear friends and other individuals—battle cancer, and this cause has always been important to me," Pinkowski said when he announced he would run. "It is humbling to participate among a group of runners who make their running more impactful by raising funds for a charitable cause."
Pinkowski hoped to bring awareness to the race's new donation matching campaign. Bank of America matched donations made at the point of registration from Jan. 29 through Feb. 9. The race partners with 34 charities.
"Over the past 16 years, I have watched more than 100,000 charity runners cross our finish line," Pinkowski said. "It really highlights the beauty of our collective spirit in the sport.
Bank of America made a one-time, $8,000 donation in honor of Pinkowski's own fundraising.
"We're honored to make this donation in recognition of Carey's dedication and passion to the Chicago running community," said Paul Lambert, Chicago market president of Bank of America. "Carey's demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm have shaped both the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon into the world-class events that they are today."
Local
The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K returns for the 39th year Sunday at Grant Park. Last year, more than 20,000 runners "turned downtown Chicago into a sea of green" to celebrate the local running community.
