
Instead of running with 50,000 others in the Chicago Marathon, Matt Brusich created a “homegrown marathon,” running the 26.2 miles within his own city block the day before the actual marathon. “Aside from it being something silly and a training towards a physical fitness goal, I thought it would be neat to see my home block from a different perspective,” he writes. He wanted to raise awareness and funds for the Lincoln Park Community Shelter, a homeless shelter and nonprofit. As well as friends, family, and community members, DiNucci’s pizza sponsored the race. It donated a portion of sales of a pie named “Matt’s Homegrown Hot Honey Hustle pie” to the shelter that day — and fed some unhoused community members. Brusich racked up about $11,000 in donations, and gifts are still pouring in.
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