Big Shoulders Fund

Hello! My name is Courtney Sengstock and I chose to raise money for the Big Shoulders Fund to help students in Chicago get more resources, better education, and all-around more support so they can have the opportunities to achieve their dreams.

I am fundraising because I will be running in the Chicago Marathon in October, 2025. I chose Big Shoulders Fund because I am an educator and had a few years working in Chicago Public Schools. I saw, firsthand, the need for love, education, and resources. Those students have a special place in my heart and after seeing the lack of necessities, I decided to raise funds to go directly to helping in CPS.

I am hoping to raise $2,100.00 for the children, but I need your help! Anything is appreciated. I thank you for your support and the children will also feel the love through these donations.

Please help the Stoll children honor their late father, Ryan Stoll, by supporting their participation in running the 2022 Chicago Marathon:

In December of 2021, our family lost our father, Ryan Stoll. Our Dad was an avid outdoorsman and incredible athlete, but most of all, he loved the sport of running. A high-school and college track & field star, marathoner, and Ironman, our Dad’s passion for running was a large part of his life, and we are so grateful he instilled in each of us the simplicity and beauty of running.

Always the first to celebrate others before himself, he loved more than anything to watch his teammates, friends, and family compete in their own races. We wanted to give him that gift and honor his legacy by all running the Chicago Marathon together this fall.

Along with the many lessons learned in competition and athletics, our Dad continuously emphasized the importance of education in our lives. For that reason, we have decided to partner with the Chicago non-profit, Big Shoulders Fund, as the beneficiary of our registration for this year’s race. The organization supports a network of 72 high-need schools in the Chicago area, serving nearly 20,000 students. The funds raised by Big Shoulders Fund go directly towards supporting various programs and operational needs, including scholarship support and academic enrichment for students, operational improvements for schools, leadership development programs for the next generation of school leaders, and academic programs and professional development for teachers. The Charity received a score of 100.00 in Finance, Accountability, and Transparency on Charity Navigator, earning it a 4-star (exceptional) rating, meaning all donors can give with confidence.

Please help our family celebrate the life of our incredible Dad, and enjoy the gift of “just getting out there” by supporting our non-profit contribution and registration for the 2022 Chicago Marathon.

It’s my birthday, and this year, I’m asking for something a little different. Instead of gifts, I’m raising funds for the Big Shoulders Fund, an organization dedicated to providing a quality, values-based education to children in need across Chicago. Your donations will help create stronger communities and brighter futures for these kids.

By contributing to this cause, you can help:.

For me, this mission is close to my heart. I believe that every child deserves access to a quality education, and together, we can make a difference. Please join me in celebrating my birthday by donating to this incredible cause!

As the new school year approaches, I am reaching out to ask for your support for the Big Shoulders Fund. This incredible organization ensures that students in Chicago receive the quality, values-based education they deserve, helping to build stronger communities for our future. I will be running the Chicago Marathon with a purpose. Help me support students.

Your donations can make a profound difference in the lives of many children. Here’s how your support will help:

I chose the Big Shoulders Fund because I believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and together, we can help brighten their paths this school year. Please consider donating to support this vital mission!