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Geneva, IL —
Sixteen-year-old Dan Herrera of Geneva proved that, with a little perseverance, ideas can be realized when his Eagle Scout project came together recently.
Herrera, a Boy Scout, has less than two years to earn an Eagle Scout rank and he wanted to earn it by organizing a 5K fundraising race. But he learned people cannot just present a race in the city without adhering to several regulations — mostly regarding insurance.
“5K runs are some of the most problematic,” Geneva Economic Director Ellen Divita said.
She said there are manpower issues with police coverage and some streets might have to be closed depending on the race route. And Herrera learned he would have to buy a $1 million insurance policy.
So Herrera’s idea for a race did not seem likely earlier in the year. But he still wanted to raise money for his cause which was to replace tattered American flags displayed downtown with new ones.
Herrera knew that the event would also have to serve to inform participants how to properly care for flags.
The idea came to him when he and a friend were running through town last year and they noticed several flags were worn and faded.
Then he saw something he found unconscionable — a flag in a trash can.
Burning is a proper way to dispose of an American flag and it should never be thrown into a garbage, he explained.
He figured his fundraiser would educate people on flag care.
Herrera’s fundraiser idea hung in limbo, but he still wanted to find a way to combine two of the things he loves — running and the American flag.
City officials searched for a way to help Herrera.
“Dan came to me and I wanted to support him because he’s a wonderful young man,” Divita said.
She knew local businesses Geneva Jake’s and Geneva Running Outfitters were looking to present a race with a good cause. Divita steered Herrera toward those businesses to present his idea.
“I found a sponsor,” Herrera said. “... They were very excited.”
Liz Fahey, manager of Geneva Jake’s, said she’s been thinking about organizing a race for about a year.
“With us being an independently owned store, I would like to give back to the community,” Fahey said.
And Herrera is doing most of the work to earn his rank. He walked door-to-door to several businesses asking owners if they would like to contribute to the 5K race, which would include a raffle and prizes.
Sixteen-year-old Dan Herrera of Geneva proved that, with a little perseverance, ideas can be realized when his Eagle Scout project came together recently.
Herrera, a Boy Scout, has less than two years to earn an Eagle Scout rank and he wanted to earn it by organizing a 5K fundraising race. But he learned people cannot just present a race in the city without adhering to several regulations — mostly regarding insurance.
“5K runs are some of the most problematic,” Geneva Economic Director Ellen Divita said.
She said there are manpower issues with police coverage and some streets might have to be closed depending on the race route. And Herrera learned he would have to buy a $1 million insurance policy.
So Herrera’s idea for a race did not seem likely earlier in the year. But he still wanted to raise money for his cause which was to replace tattered American flags displayed downtown with new ones.
Herrera knew that the event would also have to serve to inform participants how to properly care for flags.
The idea came to him when he and a friend were running through town last year and they noticed several flags were worn and faded.
Then he saw something he found unconscionable — a flag in a trash can.
Burning is a proper way to dispose of an American flag and it should never be thrown into a garbage, he explained.
He figured his fundraiser would educate people on flag care.
Herrera’s fundraiser idea hung in limbo, but he still wanted to find a way to combine two of the things he loves — running and the American flag.
City officials searched for a way to help Herrera.
“Dan came to me and I wanted to support him because he’s a wonderful young man,” Divita said.
She knew local businesses Geneva Jake’s and Geneva Running Outfitters were looking to present a race with a good cause. Divita steered Herrera toward those businesses to present his idea.
“I found a sponsor,” Herrera said. “... They were very excited.”
Liz Fahey, manager of Geneva Jake’s, said she’s been thinking about organizing a race for about a year.
“With us being an independently owned store, I would like to give back to the community,” Fahey said.
And Herrera is doing most of the work to earn his rank. He walked door-to-door to several businesses asking owners if they would like to contribute to the 5K race, which would include a raffle and prizes.
Herrera found many businesses were not able to contribute, but many were.
For example, State Street Jewelers donated jewelry and Starbucks donated a gift basket.
Last week, the Geneva City Council voted unanimously to approve the use of city property for the Run for the Flags 5K on Aug. 6. The route includes mostly park land along the Fox River and the Kane County Government Center on Batavia Avenue. No streets have to be closed for the race.
Herrera is accepting registrations and hopes for success to earn his Eagle Scout rank, but he certainly has learned from the experience.
“You have to really commit yourself,” Herrera said. “You have to really be persistent and on top of everything and find a way to work with people.”
