The ways we support each other.

On Sunday Oct. 11, 2015, 45,000 runners and over 1 million spectators gathered along the course for the Chicago Marathon, which winds through 29 of the city’s neighborhoods. Nichols’ own Derek Schmitt was among the 25 runners on the “Run for the Kids’ Sake” team, which raised a total of $48,000 to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago.

Derek has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) since April of 2012 and, as he describes it, he has had “the privilege of being a “big” that matched with the same “little” since joining. I have witnessed my “little” develop into a young man and he has taught his “big” brother more than I could have ever imagined.” He also discovered that there was no better motivation than Running for the Kids’ Sake.

In addition to doing something amazing for charity, Derek also learned a number of lessons about himself as he trained and ran. First, meeting the short term goal of each training run were milestones on the way to the long term goal of crossing the finish line. It gave him a renewed sense of purpose to chase personal and professional goals one step at a time. He also discovered that, even after visiting all parts of Chicago as a tourist and as a resident, running has been his favorite way to see the Windy City.

But the most pleasant surprise for Derek was how communal of an event the marathon was, and the overwhelming support he received.  “I was not only humbled by the course but also by the donations and support from friends and family, and the words of encouragement (and snacks) from complete strangers that lined the streets of Chicago. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget.”

We are so pleased and proud to be able to support Derek in meeting his goals both inside and outside of the office, and to help the community in the process.

We’re with you, every step of the way.

Team Nichols