Something was missing in Orland Park this year.
For 10 years, the Jane’s Warriors 5K Run and Walk was a September staple in the village and proceeds would go to the Jane Caliendo Memorial Foundation.
Caliendo died in 2014 of cancer and was a popular coach and teacher at Sandburg.
Her husband, Jim, was also a coach and teacher at the school and he has helped keep her memory alive with the foundation, which has donated over $230,000 to the Orland Park community including over $100,000 in scholarships, $20,000 in cancer research to the University of Chicago Medicine and $13,000 to assist in the pandemic.
“To coin a phrase, the 5K kind of ran its course,” Jim Coliendo said. “We’re doing little fundraisers now but we are definitely going to be around for a long time.
“We’re going to try to do different creative things to raise money.”
Although still in the planning stages, the next event is expected to take place in the spring.
Meanwhile, the foundation annually makes a visit to the Orland Fire Protection District to drop off food for the fire personnel.
Foundation officials provided the men and women of the OPFD food from Papa Joe’s restaurant on Dec. 12. Also making an appearance was recently retired fire chief Michael Schofield, who is Jane Caliendo’s brother.
“Every year around the holidays we pick a weekend to feed the firemen of Orland Park,” Caliendo said. “The fire department was a big part of the Schofield family.
“Michael was the chief. Jane has nephews that are firemen in different areas. These are some of the things we do in the community. It is money raised by the community and given back to the community.”
“It’s always nice when the fire department gets recognized for its hard work,” Deputy Chief John Purtill said. “We’ve been connected with them for years. The foundation gives back to a lot of people.
“The guys love it. It’s always appreciated.”
Foundation official Tracy Sullivan is proud of the work the foundation has done in 11 years and said that Jane would be happy with the money raised and the good that it is doing for the community.
“Jane Schofield Caliendo was a dear friend and teammate of mine in grade school,” Sullivan said. “I have been proud to assist her husband Jim with Foundation operations, fundraising etc.
“Jane’s legacy is the positive impact on the lives of her family, friends and student athletes. Jane loved Orland Park, and giving back to others, so we continue to do what we can to follow her example.”
