The 2025 Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award

We are honored to be nationally recognized by Subaru Of America, Inc. for our dedication to our customers, our community, and the Subaru Love Promise.

The 2025 Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award recognizes elite Subaru retailers who provide an exceptional customer experience at every interaction with Subaru. These retailers have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting passions and causes in their local communities in important areas such as environment, community, health, education, and pets.

Here at Gerald Subaru North Aurora, we love our community as much as we love our vehicles and are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of all our customers and neighbors.

2026 Customer and Community Commitment Award
The Subaru Love Promise logo2026 Customer and Community Commitment AwardView Our Love Promise Pledge

Did Gerald Subaru North Aurora go above and beyond, provide exceptional service, or support causes that are important to you? We'd love to hear about it.

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What is the Subaru Love Promise®?

The Subaru Love Promise® is our vision to show love and respect to all people at every interaction with Subaru. Subaru and our retailers believe every day gives us an opportunity to positively impact the world around us – by how we support each other, our customers, and our community. Together, we are committed to making the world a better place.

The Love Promise is what makes Subaru More Than a Car Company® and a Subaru retailer More Than a Car Dealer®. It sets a standard that we are committed to living every day.

What is the Subaru Love Promise Community Commitment?

At Gerald Subaru North Aurora, we believe in being a positive force in our community, not just with donations, but with actions that set an example for others to follow. We aim to make the world a better place through several key initiatives that help support and protect people, pets, and our planet:


How is Gerald Subaru North Aurora dedicated locally to the Love Promise?

For over 70 years The Gerald Family has been dedicated to helping make a positive change in the lives of others by supporting our local communities and charitable organizations. We believe in the good work of the charities and groups we support and stand behind their efforts to make a difference in our communities.

Subaru Loves Pets logoPAWS Chicago
Subaru Loves to Help logoFamilies Helping Families | Hesed House | Arranmore Center for the Arts | American Red Cross | Tri-City Family Services
Subaru Loves Learning logoBoys & Girls Clubs of America | Big Brothers/Big Sisters | YMCA | People to People
Subaru Loves to Care logoThe Edward Foundation | Living Well Cancer Research | American Cancer Society | Hope on Wheels

Did Gerald Subaru North Aurora go above and beyond, provide exceptional service, or support causes that are important to you? We'd love to hear about it.

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Love Promise Stories from Gerald Subaru North Aurora

Subaru and Gerald Subaru North Aurora believe in making a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work. We uphold that belief through our Love Promise Community Commitment. Every month, we select inspiring stories from customers and partners from around our area who strive to support our collective commitment and feature them here

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora Supports Hesed House - Eli T

Imagine having to go without a coat, shoes, or even socks. For millions of children and adults experiencing homelessness and other urgent need situations across the country, even here in Naperville, this can be a harsh reality. Helping others is the key to a strong community which is why Gerald Subaru of North Aurora believes in helping to support individuals and families in urgent need. This season, for our Subaru Loves to Help® initiative, we are partnering with Operation Warm®, a national nonprofit focused on connecting children with the resources they need to thrive. Through this partnership and other historical Subaru Loves to Help efforts, Subaru and retailers like us will have helped nearly 900,000 children and adults in urgent need so far. On 1/13/25, Gerald Subaru of North Aurora partnered with Hesed House and donated 120 coats to children in urgent need. These essential items not only help keep children protected, warm, and dry, it can have a significant impact on a childs mental and emotional well-being.

Inspiring Healthy Living, Strength and Charity in the Community - Criag B

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora's support of our community was very apparent last September at the Fox Valley Marathon Races. Their donation and role as Official Vehicle Sponsor led 2600 walkers and runners to make health and fitness a priority all summer. Culminating on a rainy September morning to run a 26 mile Half Marathon, 10k, or 5k. While the weather was damp, the participants' spirits were not as they rounded the final corner to see the Gerald Subaru of North Aurora sponsor vehicle and their staff in the rain at the finish line. After the race concluded, Gerald Subaru of North Aurora kept the energy going by encouraging runners and walkers to gather at a photo booth to commemorate their accomplishment. In addition to supporting runners' healthy lifestyles, Gerald Subaru of North Aurora's support helped enable local charity organizations to offer discounts, special amenities, and a great race-day experience to 98 charity runners and walkers who raised over $110,000 in donations. These organizations promoted local children's efforts in the arts (Kaneland Arts initiative), supported research, raised awareness, and granted wishes for pediatric cancer patients (Cals Angels) and promoted mobility for the disabled in Africa (Living with Hope). From the out on the course, in the race village, to at the finish line, Gerald Subaru of North Aurora was there for everyone one race day. Fox Valley Marathon Races are grateful and honored to be able to work with their team year after year to promote health and fitness and to play a critical role in offering help to others in need.

Sharing the Wonders of Wildlife with Gerald Subaru of North Aurora - Greg M

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora has been a steadfast advocate for animals in need, standing alongside Anderson Humane in our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect wildlife. Their generous sponsorship of the Groundhog Day Celebration has provided vital support while bringing the community together in a shared commitment to wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Beyond their financial contributions, Gerald Subaru of North Aurora actively spreads awareness and inspires others to get involved. Their support has been instrumental in expanding Anderson Humanes Wildlife Education programs, creating engaging opportunities for the public to learn about and appreciate the importance of wildlife conservation. Thanks to their unwavering commitment, weve been able to care for thousands of animals, offering them a second chance at life. We are deeply grateful for Gerald Subaru of North Auroras partnership and their dedication to building a more compassionate world for all animals.

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora spreads Warmth and Hope - Noemi V

Our team at Hesed House is eternally grateful for the dedication of our friends at Gerald Subaru of North Aurora, whose compassion and generosity burned bright throughout the harsh winter season. As locals know, the cold months in Illinois are unforgiving, especially for those facing homelessness who have to brave the elements as a part of their daily lives. The crew at Gerald Subaru of North Aurora sees this need, and as a part of the Subaru Loves to Help partnership with Operation Warm, donated 240 coats for our guests. However, their devotion to providing warmth and care didn't stop there; upon learning that we were low on essential cold and flu medicine for our guests, they banded together once more to provide essential cold medicines and cough drops for the Hesed House community. These acts are a reminder that our guests are seen, valued, and cared for by our amazing community. We're honored to call Gerald Subaru of North Aurora a part of our Hesed Family. Their dedication to our mission helps end homelessness one person, one family at a time!

Bringing Magic and Memories to a Community - Beth W

Each October, downtown Batavia transforms into a Halloween wonderland as thousands of families gather for Batavia MainStreets BatFesta free, fun-filled celebration that brings the community together. Among the festivities, one booth stands out year after year: Gerald Subaru of North Aurora. As a proud sponsor of BatFest, Gerald Subaru of North Auroras commitment to the community is more than just a promiseits a tradition. Their presence at the event is something families have come to look forward to, not just for the warm smiles and friendly conversations from their dedicated team, but for the best giveaway items at the event! Whether its pumpkin carving tools and candles that help kids create their spooky masterpieces, or colorful keychains to brighten up backpacks, Gerald Subaru of North Aurora knows just how to add an extra spark of joy to the day. BatFest is a beloved tradition, attracting over 5,000 visitors who come together to celebrate the season. For many families, this event is a cherished opportunity to enjoy quality time togetherat no cost. Thanks to sponsors like Gerald Subaru of North Aurora, Batavia MainStreet can continue offering this magical experience year after year. Their support helps provide a safe, welcoming environment where families can make memories, explore local businesses, and enjoy a day filled with laughter and community spirit. At Gerald Subaru of North Aurora, their Love Promise extends far beyond their dealership doors. Its about giving back, strengthening connections, and ensuring that special events like BatFest remain a highlight of the year for Batavia families. Their generosity and involvement embody what it means to be a true community partnerone pumpkin carving kit, candle, and keychain at a time.

Working Together for Animal Welfare - Greg M

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora has been a dedicated supporter of Anderson Humane, playing a crucial role in our mission to save and care for animals in need. Through their generous sponsorship of the Walk4Animals/5K, they have helped bring the community together in support of pet adoption, wildlife rescue, and compassionate animal care. Their commitment to making a difference extends beyond financial contributionsthey actively engage with our cause, spreading awareness and encouraging others to get involved. Thanks to their support, the Walk4Animals/5K successfully raised over $70,000, providing vital resources to help us find loving homes for domestic animals and rescue over 3,000 wild animals in need of rehabilitation. Their generosity ensures that more pets find families, more wildlife receives care, and more lives are transformed. Anderson Humane is incredibly grateful for Gerald Subaru of North Auroras partnership and their unwavering dedication to creating a more humane world for all animals.

Providing Hope and Support for the Community - Katie A

At Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry, our team strives to provide for every person who walks through our doors. With rising cost of living, more families than ever are in need of access to quality food, basic necessities, and support for the future. Our ability to care for our neighbors is made possible by the overwhelming assistance of the community and partners like Gerald Subaru of North Aurora. Over the years, the dealership has devoted their time and efforts to raise money and collect essential items for our patrons. It is this love and care that earned them a place as one of our Pantry Partner Award Winners. We're so grateful for the impact that Gerald Subaru of North Aurora has had on our mission, their assistance in carrying us through rough seasons, and making life-changing food accessible in the community.

Positivity and Excitement Floods Into The Village of North Aurora - Mark G

The North Aurora Days Committee was delighted to have Gerald Subaru of North Aurora as a returning sponsor for our 2024 North Aurora Days festival. The dealership is based here in North Aurora and we always love seeing our local businesses coming out to support their home community. Not only did Gerald Subaru of North Auroras financial sponsorship help us to put on an exciting, high-quality event for our residents and the surrounding community, but their enthusiasm was contagious from their booth as they handed out souvenirs and engaged with attendees. Their booth was the very first one our attendees encountered entering the park and it was full of smiles and positivity. Gerald Subaru of North Auroras booth truly encapsulated everything about North Aurora Days. We appreciate the support of Gerald Subaru of North Aurora and we look forward to working alongside them at future events!

Extravagant New Beginnings - Robert V

Charity Blooms is a very small, volunteer run nonprofit community garden management company. We work with hundreds of other volunteers every year to grow thousands of pounds of produce for the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry. Due to the simple nature of our business, resources are scarce and funding sources are very limited. However, we have ambition and passion to be the best we can be. This spring we were approached about a possible sponsorship opportunity with Gerald Subaru of North Aurora. We eventually worked out a plan for them to sponsor a virtual fundraiser for our farm. This was to be no small feat for our group. We were going to have to establish a social media presence and orchestrate a GoFundMe campaign for 1 month. We had never done anything like this before. We were nervous, but had nothing to lose! Gerald Subaru of North Aurora was absolutely amazing. They were truly vested in making this event a success for us. We felt as though they truly cared about our event and wanted us to raise as much money as possible. The outcome exceeded all expectations! We could not have been happier as we had raised almost $10,000! We now post almost daily and have over 500 followers sharing our journey. Our fundraiser was also picked up by GoFundMe corporate and they flew a team out to Aurora to do a nationwide story about our organization and our partnership with Gerald Subaru of North Aurora. The recognition has been amazing. We have used the funds to improve the soil and processes at our farm to increase our production. We also hosted hundreds of students at our cooking classes. We were able to teach and feed many more people than anticipated. Gerald Subaru of North Aurora gave us the courage and support to reach past our self imposed goals and we came out a much stronger group because of them.

Supporting a Community with Gerald Subaru of North Aurora - Kristen D

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora has made a profound impact on the events and programming within Batavia MainStreet and downtown Batavia. For example, supporting programs like the Batavia Farmers' Market- a weekly Saturday event that draws 2,500+ visitors to the community. With the dealership's annual presenting sponsorship, the Farmers' Market has become a beloved ritual for Batavians and shoppers from neighboring communities. Beyond the direct sales for our farmers, we've also seen the benefit of the market to our local economy. Assuming each visitor spends just $20 in Batavia while at the market, our projected economic impact is nearly 1.3 million dollars annually! In this way, Gerald Subaru of North Auroras contribution to Batavia MainStreet also impacts the downtown small business community. In fact, according to a study by Cornell Cooperative Extension, consumers are often enticed to shop at other businesses in the vicinity of the Farmers' Market. These indirect sales have been estimated to be $.58 for every dollar spent at the market. Moreover, market goers love the impressive and thoughtful giveaway items that Gerald Subaru of North Aurora provides at our MainStreet booth- things like tote bags, cutting boards, measuring utensils, and other usable items that our shoppers love. Picking them up on a stop to the market gives them another reason to visit our non-profit booth, learn more about community events, volunteer opportunities, and provide food assistance for those in need. Our programming and outreach activities reflect and support our communitys socio-economic diversity by providing opportunities for low-cost to no-cost events for individuals and families. Our Farmers Market is free and offers SNAP and Link Access. Print information about this program and our other free/low-cost events are distributed to the local Food Pantry and subsidized housing areas in our community. These initiatives may not be possible without the sponsorship of Gerald Subaru of North Aurora.

Brining Joy to Learning - Robyn C

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora helps to make downtown Geneva a magical place during the summer season! Thanks to the dealership's generosity, we are able to keep this cherished festival alive for the community and the surrounding areas; and it continually provides us an opportunity to teach the locals about our Swedish influence while bringing thousands of families to Geneva to listen to live music, enjoy Swedish food, and celebrate our historical culture. Gerald Subaru of North Aurora has been a loyal partner to the Geneva Chamber of Commerce for years and has aided in our mission to make Geneva thrive as a place for residents, visitors, and local businesses. Their contributions have allowed us to continue hosting festivals and events that make the city a special place for making memories. On behalf of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, we want to thank the Gerald Subaru of North Aurora team for all they do, and are grateful for this amazing partnership!

Hope and Warmth from Gerald Subaru of North Aurora - Noemi V

Our friends at Gerald Subaru of North Aurora helped us care for our guests this past winter! The winters in Illinois are rough, especially for individuals facing homelessness. When the team of Gerald Subaru of North Aurora were delivering jackets for our kiddos, I briefly shared how our Outreach team was having to give out hand warmers to a lot of individuals facing homelessness in our community. It was not long before they volunteered to do a donation drive for hand warmers for Hesed House! We are so grateful for these donations because it not only provided warmth for our guests, but it shows their continued dedication to our mission. Every time their team comes on-site, they treat our guests with dignity and look for ways they can engage with us one step further. We are proud to call the Gerald team, and everyone who supports the Subaru Share the Love Campaign, part of the #hesedfamily as we care for our neighbors in need!

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora helps Raise Money for Anderson Humane - Greg M

In April of this year, Gerald Subaru of North Aurora and Subaru of America teamed up to sponsor the 2024 Gala Better Together: Animals in Translation for Anderson Humane. Thanks to their support and generosity, the event raised over $250K for Anderson Humane's mission to save lives and create life-long connections between people and animals. Without these crucial funds, they couldn't continue their work. Thank you Gerald Subaru of North Aurora for your continued financial support and bettering the lives of thousands of animals both domestic and wild each year.

Feeding Furry Friends in Need - Katie A

In addition to providing food to families in need, Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry strives to feed all family members by hosting a Pet Pantry each month. The regularly scheduled Pet Pantry for January was nearly canceled due to a lack of pet food. However, Gerald Subaru of North Aurora came to the rescue and donated the funds to ensure the event took place. Their generosity meant the Aurora Food Pantry could replenish its stock and provide quality food, grooming equipment and toys to families in need. January's Pet Pantry had the largest turnout in the pantry's 40-year history, serving 157 families. We are SO grateful for the continued support of the team at Gerald Subaru of North Aurora! They know the importance of keeping our furry family members with us, even when times are tough.

It Takes A Village - Major Joaquin R

The phrase it takes a village to raise a child originates from an African proverb and conveys the message that it takes many people (the village) to provide a safe, healthy environment for children, where children are given the security, they need to develop and flourish, and to be able to realize their hopes and dreams. This is a popular phrase, however; We are blessed to witness how the village comes together in response to the need of the child. Gerald Subaru of North Aurora, through holiday meal donations and Angel Tree gift collections, is making a difference in the lives of many families in our community with their altruism. As a business in the community, they understand that it is not just about making a profit but to make our community stronger by providing the support needed by struggling families to improve their circumstances. We are blessed that your company is driven by great people that care for our community. From David Gutierrez to Brian Skeate and everyone who participated. Your passion was contagious! We learned that even some customers were drafted to participate and that says a lot about all of you! Your local Salvation Army in Aurora, IL wants to say thank you to all of you! Is a pleasure to serve together for a greater cause!

Bringing Joy and Fun to the Village of North Aurora - Mark G

We were delighted to have Gerald Subaru of North Aurora as a sponsor for our 2023 North Aurora Days festival. The Gerald Automotive Group is based here in North Aurora and we always love and appreciate seeing our local businesses coming out to support their home community. Not only did Gerald Subaru of North Auroras financial sponsorship help us to put on a high-quality event for our residents and the surrounding community, but their enthusiasm was contagious from their booth as they handed out souvenirs and engaged with attendees. We cant even count how many yellow Gerald Subaru bucket hats we saw that weekend! We truly appreciate and value the support Gerald Subaru of North Aurora showed our Village and we look forward to working alongside them at future events!

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora Makes a Difference in Any Weather - Beth W

What could be more beautiful than an outdoor summer event along the river with live music, food, and cocktails? It is Batavia MainStreet's largest annual fundraiser and always our favorite event of the year. With a forecast of sunny skies and 80 degrees in the weeks leading up to this year's Cocktails in the Park, we were feeling confident this would be the best year yet. Ticket sales exceeded expectations and plans were made to ensure a wonderful experience for all. And then, it rained. All of the decor and set-up that was done earlier in the day was wasted as rain poured for several hours leading up to our event start time of 7pm. We were bracing ourselves for unhappy sponsors, vendors, and event goers... but we couldn't have been more wrong! Not only did our vendors show up with smiles on their faces, but Gerald Subaru of North Aurora stood shoulder to shoulder with us as we greeted guests, quickly wiped off tables, and watched in amazement as nearly 500 people came to support downtown Batavia. Having the support of an organization like Gerald Subaru of North Aurora, continues to allow our organization to run community focused events and programs that bring people together and we are so grateful. Next year the weather will be perfect at Cocktails in the Park; but if it isn't, we know Gerald Subaru of North Aurora will be standing by our side rain or shine.

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora Brings Comfort and Warmth to Living Well - Angela M

Northwestern Medicine Living Well Cancer Resources thanks the Gerald Subaru of North Aurora team for their continued support! Gerald Subaru of North Auroras support allows Living Well to continue to serve anyone in our community impacted by cancer. We offer 85+ support, education, art therapy and mind/body fitness programs to adults, teens and children living with cancer and their families and caregivers, all free of charge. Living Well serves as a vital component to comprehensive cancer care and stands as a gathering place that provides comfort and community to anyone experiencing the effects of cancer. The Subaru Loves to Care® blankets allow Living Well to provide comfort to those on a cancer. journey. We are grateful that Gerald Subaru of North Aurora has supported our work and, in turn, helped someone, perhaps a friend or neighbor, through a very difficult time. Thank you, Gerald Subaru of North Aurora, for your continued generosity and support.

More than just a car dealer... - Kelli R

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora has always been a trusted partner for many of our festivals, Swedish Days being one of them. They have been a Central Stage sponsor for many years. Without sponsors like Gerald, we wouldnt be able to bring in the quality of bands the public has come to expect.   Gerald understands that being a sponsor is more than just putting their name on a sign. It is being present and being a part of the community they belong to. The team from Gerald has been on site all week. They interact with the public, hand out Gerald souvenirs, and do it all with a smile, no matter the weather.   The Geneva Chamber is lucky to have Gerald Subaru in North Aurora on our festival team.

Loves Event from Anderson Humane - Greg M

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora has been a wonderful supporter of Anderson Humane (aka Anderson Animal Shelter) for the past eight years. In 2022, they provided much needed financial support through the October Subaru Loves Pets event and helped us find forever homes for more than 31 dogs, puppies, cats and kittens. This is such a wonderful achievement which would not have been possible without our partnership. With the continued support of Gerald throughout 2022, we were able to reach a record number of adoptions; 4,500+, saved over 3,000 wild animals and supported 91 veterans! Suzi Gonnerman and the entire Gerald Subaru of North Aurora team have been incredible partners helping us continue our mission and find loving homes for so many deserving animals. Thank you, Gerald Subaru of North Aurora!

National Institute for Community-Casa De Luz - Michael V

Our organization has been a beneficiary of the Subaru Share the Love event for past several years. The support we have received helps us to continue to serve in communities with at-risk children and families, providing assistance in the areas of education, community, and health & wellness. We work to inspire leadership in communities through gifts of time, talent, and resources. This is where Gerald Subaru of North Aurora is extraordinary. Many employees, and even many of the Gerald family, have given their time and talents to assist in our program efforts and fundraising. Whether supporting from the Share the Love program or volunteering at events or fundraisers, the Gerald Subaru group goes beyond expectations in serving their community and making a difference. We are, and continue to be, blessed by Gerald Subaru of North Aurora and their employees.

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora and Geneva Chamber of Commerce - Laura R

Festivals are important to locals and visitors in Geneva. While it brings tens of thousands each year to Geneva, it also allows us to showcase our dedicated sponsors. One of which is Gerald Subaru of North Aurora. During Swedish Days, while they were the presenting stage sponsor, they were on-site with a positive attitude, despite the questionable weather. They were flexible and accommodating and just happy to be a part of our festival and our community. Their enthusiasm and positive energy was and is contagious. Festivals and various chamber events are not possible without the support of local businesses like Gerald Subaru of North Aurora. The dealership has been a longtime supporter of Geneva Chamber of Commerce events. Their support allows the Chamber to continue producing the high-quality events that the community loves and has come to expect. We are grateful for Gerald Subaru of North Aurora and the long-time partnership we have established and we look forward to future endeavors with them.

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora Brings Love and Hope to Cancer Patients - Shelby W

This June, during Subaru's Loves to Care month, the Gerald Subaru of North Aurora team and Pravin, an Illinois Region LLS volunteer, delivered blankets to the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center in Warrenville, IL. Angela, Director of LivingWell, showed everyone around the facility and they were able to see first hand how LivingWell staff engage with patients, their care givers and loved ones. The LivingWell team makes a difference in providing not just support and counseling, but also care and love, which is why Gerald Subaru of North Aurora and LLS - Illinois Region are happy to support the Cancer Resource Center in supplying these items of love and comfort. Thank you to Gerald Subaru of North Aurora for your endless generosity and support of our mission and to Angela and the entire LivingWell Cancer Resource Center team for all that you do for your patients and continuing to fight for a world without cancer.

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora helps us Weish for a Cure! - Angela M

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora loves to care! Gerald Subaru's kindness, generosity, and impeccable service extends far beyond their North Aurora showroom. When The Andrew Weishar Foundation (aka Weish4Ever, pronounced "wish 4 ever") reached out to Gerald Subaru to partner with them to help families battling cancer, they didn't hesitate to jump onboard. As a sponsor of Weish4Ever's annual, signature music festival, WeishFest, Gerald Subaru plays an integral part in providing much-needed funds to an under-served and under-resourced portion of the cancer community. Chicago-based non-profit The Andrew Weishar Foundation is a grassroots, volunteer-led organization that provides direct and immediate financial assistance to families with adolescents or young adults (AYA) battling cancer and finding themselves in financial distress. Its focus is to ease the burdens brought on by the disease, bring joy during difficult times, and ensure patients and their families know they are not alone in their fight. A simple yet powerful mission. The organization was established in the south suburbs of Chicago and has been supporting families throughout the Midwest since 2013. Because of Gerald Subaru of North Aurora and other loyal supporters, Weish4Ever has gifted over $1.6 million directly to over 300 patients facing cancer since its inception.

Fox Valley Marathon - Craig B

The Fox Valley Marathon Races, including our host communities, program charities, volunteers, and of course our walkers and runners, want to thank you again for another year of sponsorship and support to help make the event a success. Your help as an event sponsor benefits the 2000 plus participants at this years event by giving them a health and wellness goal to strive toward throughout the spring and summer, and a fun, exciting fall day as a reward for their commitment. This is particularly important in 2021 as we have all missed those motivational events in a difficult 2020. Whether veterans to racing, runners doing their first marathon or half marathon, or newbies gathering the courage to change their lives and take on the challenge of their first 5k run or walk, so many of our participants walk away from the event changed people with the strength and confidence to tackle their next challenge, however daunting. You are helping the local charities in our Charity Program, as well as all the recipients that benefit from their variety of community services. This years Charity Hero runner teams include Cals Angels, Kaneland Arts Initiative, and Trailhead Project, and our Charity Volunteer Fundraiser teams include Caseys Safe Haven, Venturing Crew 413, Indian Prairie Education Foundation, Scout Troop #33, Fox Valley Robotics, South Elgin Cross Country, Gregory Middle School, Yorkville Step, Geneva Cross Country, St. Charles East Cross Country, St. Charles North Cross Country, St. Charles East Soccer, South Elgin Track and Field, East Aurora Key Club, and Rosary Cross Country. You are helping our volunteers and runners feel what a community is all about, working together for good to accomplish something big that none of us can do alone, and instilling a sense of pride in themselves for their communities and for their active roles within them. And you are helping our 5 host communities showcase themselves to runners, their friends, and their families traveling from 36 states to the Fox Valley to enjoy a weekend of the parks, towns, riverfront, restaurants, entertainment, and retailers that make the Fox Valley so special. This is important this year more than ever, as our communities begin their recovery from a year of lost travel and tourism revenues. And finally, I want to personally thank you for the Gerald Subaru of North Aurora teams above-and-beyond race weekend presence with aid station recovery vehicles so we can help our participants whose day is not going quite as planned, with a race village photo booth to help everyone commemorate a special day, and with a Gerald Subaru attitude and enthusiasm that seem to bring a smile to the face of everyone who meets you. The event would not be the same without you, and I and the Fox Valley Marathon team are grateful.