Coach Tomaso Walk/Fun Run Celebrates his Life, Spirit

His name is familiar around Huntley thanks to the sports complex that bears his name.

And his spirit is celebrated every year at that complex.

The Coach Tomaso Celebration 1-MileWalk, 5K Fun Run and Kids 50-Yard Dash will once again celebrate the life of the late Village Manager Carl Tomaso while benefitting others. It will be held Saturday, Oct. 13.

Tomaso was known as Coach because he was an avid sports fan, dedicated Chicago Bears fan and had an ability to bring people together into a team, said Barb Read, management assistant.

“We started this the fall after he passed away in the spring (of 2008). We just asked his family and his family thought it would be a great idea to do something for Shop with a Cop,” Read said. “He was always doing something for kids.”

Shop with a Cop started 18 years ago and is run by the McHenry County Police Charities. “We rely on events just like this (the Tomaso walk/run),” for funding, said Aimee Knop, the organization’s spokesman and a McHenry County Sheriff’s Deputy.

It cost over $40,000 last year to take 200 children on Shop with a Cop. Each child gets $150 and goes shopping with an officer. Most children select a coat, hat and boots with the cash, Knop said.

McHenry County Police Charities raises money throughout the year to make sure it has enough by Christmas to serve children, she said. There is another large fundraiser planned by the McHenry Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 15 in McHenry.

The Tomaso walk/run helps Shop with a Cop meet its goals.

“It’s not big, it’s not huge, but we try to do our part and do it for Carl Tomaso,” she said. “It’s been a nice family event.”

“We are still at the fun stage,” Read said. “We are not competitive. We are up to 75 people a year. We are thinking after this year, we will have a sponsor to help us make it more professional by having officials run the race, get bibs and do a certified course.”

Wells Fargo is the sponsor and helps fund expenses to the proceeds can go to Shop with a Cop.

This year’s walk and run steps off Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Tomaso Sports Complex, 11950 Ackman Road. The complex is located in the Talamore subdivision.

Registration is from 7 to 8 a.m. Start time is 8 a.m. The donation is $20 for adults and $5 for children under age 12. No registration for the Kids 50-Yard Dash is required and all children receive an award.