The Children’s Farm at The Center will host the annual “Dash 4 Den” walk and run on Sunday, Oct. 19, in memory of Dennis, who lost his battle with addiction in 2018.
The event begins at 8:30 a.m. at 12700 Southwest Highway in Palos Park. Community members are invited to walk or run 5K while raising awareness about the opioid epidemic and supporting the Pathway Program at The Center, which provides resources for people struggling with addiction and their families.
There is no entry fee, but participants are encouraged to collect donations. Last year, the event raised more than $25,000 for the Pathway Program. Registration is not required to take part.
Organizers said the goal is not only to fundraise but also to “humanize addiction” by honoring those lost to overdoses and showing support for families who continue the fight.
The opioid crisis remains a national emergency.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 150 people die each day from overdoses involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, a drug 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. In 2022 alone, fentanyl claimed 73,654 lives.
Dash 4 Den is part of The Center’s ongoing effort to offer prevention, treatment access and recovery support.
For more information, contact Maureen at maureenespo@comcast.net or (708) 259-1445, or Mark at mark@ramarsupply.com or (708) 717-3368. Donations can also be made online at thecenterpalos.org/dash-for-den