OGLE COUNTY — Plans are underway for a second event in memory of Byron resident Maggie Meyer and her son Amos.

The second annual “Infinity Run in Memory of Maggie and Amos Meyer,” will be held on April 28, 2018 at the Chana Education Center with a 1-mile run/walk and a 5K event. Proceeds from the event will go towards scholarships and grants for local libraries and teachers to support learning and education for the youth in the community.

The event is to celebrate the lives of Meyer and her 3 year-old son, Amos, who friends and family say were “charismatic, loving, energetic individuals who took every opportunity to live life to the fullest.”

Both lost their lives during a house fire in Byron in October of 2016.

“Maggie was an avid runner and fitness enthusiast, having ran many 5Ks and a Tough Mudder. Amos enjoyed anything outdoors, tractors, his pet fish and rabbit, and Paw Patrol,” said Stephanie White, event co-chair and Chana Education Center teacher, also where Meyer taught. “We hold this event in their memory as a way for the community, family, and friends of Maggie and Amos to come together to celebrate their lives.”

Day of events

The 1-mile un-timed run/walk, “Moose’s Mile,” will be on a looped course mostly paved, with a stretch of gravel. Strollers are welcome for this event starting at 3:30.

The 5K, “Maggie’s Miles,” is mostly on paved roads with a stretch of gravel as well. The course will be chip timed, with the results posted online. Medals will be awarded to the overall top three male and female finishers and the top three finishers in age groups. Strollers are welcome but will be asked to line up behind runners. This event starts at 4 p.m.

The Facebook event page, “Infinity Run: In Memory of Maggie & Amos Meyer,” has been established with information and a link to sign up for the race. Pre-registering by April 5 will guarantee a t-shirt. Flyers for the event are also being distributed throughout Ogle County.

Cost structure is based on age and event, with children 5 and under free for both events (no t-shirt included). Participants age 6 to 17, in both events — cost is $15 and includes online registration fee. For 5K participants ages 18 and up, cost is $30, which includes registration fee. The 1-mile run/walk event for ages 18 and up is $15, including online fee.

Participants are also invited to join for a pork chop sandwich meal, $7 pre-ordered, or hot dog meal, $3 pre-ordered. An addition $1 is charged for food purchased at the door. Other entertainment on the grounds includes Amos’ Kid Zone and music played throughout the event. Additional t-shirts are available for purchase.

“We will be having a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction,” White said.

For more information, please visit the website: infinityrun.itsyourrace.com. The website also includes a link for a detailed parking map.

Any persons unable to attend, but wish to donate are asked to send a check made payable to: “Maggie and Amos Foundation,” and mailed to Chana Education Center, 204 Main Street, Chana, IL 61015

Event co-chair Stephanie White said the inaugural event held last year raised over $6,000. Among the beneficiaries: Young patrons at the Mount Morris Public Library are able to use hands-on STEM materials; nearly $3,000 helped to fund special projects in classrooms throughout the area, encouraging creative teaching for students of all ages; and a scholarship of $2,000 was awarded to a college level student pursuing a career in special education.

A portion of the title lends itself to the tremendous impact both Maggie and Amos have made in everyone’s lives they touched, which will endlessly be remembered.

“”While their lives were unexpectedly cut short, the goodness that they shared with those around them will not end,” as read on the event flyer.

Sponsorship opportunities

Groups, organizations, and businesses interested in sponsorship are asked to contact planning committee members at 815-732-4664 or by emailing any of the following: mdettman@ocecil.org, fmcnamee@ocecil.org, lkalnins@ocecil.org, swhite@ocecil.org, tkoch@ocecil.org, or cjennings@ocecil.org.

Sponsorships of $50 or more will have their name placed on the back of the t-shirt that will be given out at the event. All donors will have their name placed on a Thank You sign displayed at the event.