Boston Marathon | West Suburban YMCA

The West Suburban YMCA Runs Boston

Meet our 2023 Boston Marathon Runner!

We’re thrilled to announce that Charlie Schmidt will be running the 127th Boston Marathon on behalf of the West Suburban YMCA. Charlie was inspired by our runner last spring and expressed his interest then. Charlie attended and worked at the Y’s resident Camp Frank A. Day (CFAD) for 9 years, and now serves as the co-chair of our CFAD Capital Campaign Committee. It felt like the stars were aligned when we received our bib from the City and were able to say yes! 

Charlie reflects that his time at CFAD held some of his fondest childhood memories and played an integral part of who he is today. He now gets to relive the experience through the eyes of his own children, who attend the camp each summer.  Charlie has committed to raising $7,500 for our Annual Fund and is motivated to help ensure that the West Suburban YMCA will continue to provide amazing programs, like CFAD, that allow all kids to have a bright future. He crushed his goal of $7,500, so he has upped his goal to $10,000! 

To support Charlie’s fundraising efforts, please visit his page here!

If you are interested in running the marathon for the Y in the future, please let us know!

 

Charlie Schmidt

2023 Boston Marathon Runner

"The West Suburban YMCA is an incredible organization that has meant so much to me since I was a kid.

Some of my fondest childhood memories are from the nine summers I spent on the shores of Lake Quacumquasit at the West Suburban YMCA’s Camp Frank A. Day (or CFAD, as the kids call it these days). Each summer, I got to live deep among the pines with some of my best friends and spend my days playing sports, singing songs, and having the time of my life. What I didn’t realize in the moment, was that I was also gaining critical skills and lessons that I’d carry with me for the rest of my life. I’m thankful that I now get to send my own kids to CFAD so they can make their own lifelong friends and memories. My kids are joined each summer by so many other second-generation campers, which is a true testament to CFAD’s lasting impact.
 
It’s been almost 30(!) years since my last summer at CFAD, and amazingly not much has changed there (in a good way). Each summer, kids get to live in cabins and tents with their friends and enjoy nature and an ever-expanding variety of sports and activities. They live with and learn from people of all different backgrounds while building character and confidence. It is one of many outstanding youth development programs at the Y, and why I am honored to represent the organization."

To learn more about Charlie's journey to the finish line, or to support his fundraising efforts, click here.

Meet Our Marathon Runner

Donate To Charlie's Run!

Help Charlie hit his goal of $10,000!