Runners raise $5K in 5K run organized by Mayo HS student to send aid to Lebanon
Sep. 20—A return of summer weather greeted nearly 70 runners for a 5K run Sunday to raise money for the Lebanese Red Cross.
Marc Zoghby, a Mayo High School junior, whose parents came to the U.S. from Lebanon in 2001, planned and organized the fundraiser.
Although Zoghby was raised in the U.S., he has watched and empathized with the hardships people in his parents' home country have weathered in recent years.
More than a year ago, the country reeling from economic hardships as well as COVID-19 was struck by another disaster when an explosion ripped through the capital city of Beirut, killing more than 200 people and displacing thousands.
"It was really hard to see that," Zoghby said. "I wanted to do something to help."
Along with registration, Lebanese artists and other vendors set up in Soldiers Field Park, where the event began and ended, to raise money for the effort.
Zoghby, along with some high school friends, began planning the fundraiser in June. More than 65 runners and walkers registered for the event, which raised about $5,300.
"It really shows there's a really great community here that comes out to support other people," he said.
Zoghby said he is considering holding the event again next year.
