Jaunty race attire was on display along with big smiles this weekend as members of our Chicagoland team competed in the 40th annual Chicago Marathon, raising funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

The team from our Schaumburg, IL retail location, called Next Stop in 26.2 Miles, were represented by Jennifer Zappie, loan processing manager, and Kimberly Radaker, production assistant, and were a part of the more than 45,000 runners who took to the streets of Chicago this past Sunday. The event was just part of our ongoing effort with the charity; many of our Chicagoland offices have been involved with the Ronald McDonald house for more than 10 years.

As is a race-day tradition, all of the associates from the Schaumburg office attended the marathon to encourage and cheer on the runners from Next Stop in 26.2 Miles. “One supporter that really stands out is Katey Biegel, from our processing team,” said Jennifer. “Every year that the team has been running in this marathon, she has been out there supporting her co-workers and being a true team player.”

At the end of the marathon, runners and other wristbanded attendees were treated to the Ronald McDonald hospitality tent, featuring catering, massages, physical therapists, and a red carpet experience for those who ran.

Chicago Marathon Runner Group

Spending time volunteering at the Ronald McDonald house is what inspired Jennifer to volunteer in the Ronald McDonald marathon tent last year. “I really enjoyed being a small part of the process of keeping families together during a difficult and trying time,” she added.

Not a team to let injuries impact their fundraising efforts, Team Next Stop in 26.2 Miles is still working to meet their fundraising goals. If you are interested in supporting them, you can do so by donating here. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities and are tax deductible.

Monies raised help fund operations at Chicago’s Ronald McDonald House location, where #TeamloanDepot associates from our Lisle location regularly donate their time. “As a company, we love watching our employees give back to the community,” said Tom Fiddler, senior vice president and midwest division manager. “loanDepot has a strong culture of giving back to the communities where we live and work.”

The generous spirit of these Chicagoland team members is mirrored throughout loanDepot, with countless teams supporting local community and national charitable organizations. On the Pacific Coast, more than 20 associates from #TeamloanDepot Orange County completed the Susan G. Komen OC Race for the Cure on Sun., Sept. 24.

Interested in joining a team that is committed to supporting our communities? Email us at hello@loandepot.com with your resume and area of interest.