District 36 Graduates Spearheading Charitable Organization Along with Peers at New Trier

Twins, Zach and Sam Shonfeld, and Mason Brachmann (Class of 2013), along with 10 peers from New Trier High School, are founding members of Run BeCAUSE, an organization that channels their mutual passion for running into giving back to the community.  

On June 12, 2016, the group hosted the Run BeCAUSE Community Run at Indian Hill Park in Winnetka, an opportunity for runners of all abilities to participate in mile-long, chip-timed races that will raise awareness and funds the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  The group plans to support fundraising efforts for different causes each year.

"We're all runners and we thought that a charity run would be the perfect way to give back in a way that is special to us.

Some of us have loved ones that are affected by Type 1 Diabetes and we wanted to do something that would help them," according to Mason. "Other than raising money for such a meaningful and personal cause, we were inspired to share our love of running with the community and make a difference," says Sam. "I think it is important to surround yourself with people who similarly care about getting involved," echoes Zach. The student leaders plan to guide younger volunteers on how to run the organization so it will continue as they move on from New Trier.