MILWAUKEE (Sept. 19, 2015) – Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin announced that more than 16,000 people participated in Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk the morning of Saturday, Sept. 19, raising more than $1 million.
Since Marquette University men’s basketball coach Al McGuire began the event in 1978, Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk has brought thousands of people to downtown Milwaukee to run, walk and fundraise in support of the top-tier care for kids that Children’s Hospital provides locally, regionally and nationally.
“We know that community support is vital to achieving our vision that Wisconsin’s children will be the healthiest in the nation, and there is perhaps no greater symbol of the community’s support for our kids than the sight of thousands of people running and walking down Wisconsin Avenue,” said Peggy Troy, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. “Because of the generosity of our title sponsor, Briggs & Stratton, as well as countless other sponsors and benefactors, the real winners today are the kids.”
During its nearly 40-year history, Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk has raised more than $16 million through gifts and pledges. Money raised goes to support Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin’s research, advocacy, care and education efforts throughout the state.
“Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk demonstrates the community spirit that thrives in this city,” said Todd Teske, CEO of Briggs and Stratton. “As a company with a long history in Milwaukee, Briggs & Stratton is committed to supporting the health of Milwaukee kids for many generations to come. Our employees have been immensely proud of our commitment to Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk, and support the event by running, walking and donating.”
Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk is a USA Track & Field-certified 8k course, attracting elite runners and wheelchair athletes from throughout the region. Participants can also choose to participate in a 3- and 5-mile walk route, instead of running.
Top finishers in the men’s, women’s and wheelchair divisions are:
Men:
Brian Finnel – 24:48
Women:
Mina Demarco – 30:12
Push Rim Wheelchair:
Steven Smith – 22:32
Hand Cycle Wheelchair:
Melissa Smith – 27:28
For more information about Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk, visit alsrun.com or https://www.facebook.com/
About Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is the region’s only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. The hospital, with locations in Milwaukee and
Neenah, Wis., is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United
States. It is ranked No. 4 in the nation by Parents magazine and ranked in all 10 specialty areas in U.S. News & World Report’s 2014-15 Best Children’s Hospitals report. Children’s provides primary care, specialty care, urgent care, emergency care, community health services, foster and adoption services, child and family counseling, child advocacy services and family resource centers. In 2013, Children’s invested more than $105 million in the community to improve the health status of children through medical care, advocacy, education and pediatric medical research. Children’s achieves its mission in part through donations from individuals, corporations and foundations and is proud to be a member of Children’s Miracle Network
Hospitals. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.