Sister Baliga Will Lead Team at Chicago Marathon
The Mission of Our Lady of the Angels team aims to raise $500,000 for local food programs this fall.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Sister Stephanie Baliga and nearly 200 teammates will participate in the Chicago Marathon this fall to generate support for community services. The group has already secured $184,000 toward its $500,000 fundraising target for the 2026 event.
Why it matters
Funds raised by the marathon team directly sustain the food pantry and outreach operations of The Mission of Our Lady of the Angels. These resources ensure the ongoing distribution of groceries to hundreds of local families and senior citizens each week.
The Mission of Our Lady of the Angels food pantry currently serves 400 to 500 families in person weekly, in addition to making 300 deliveries to senior citizens. The team has raised over $2.6 million in total since 2011.
The players
Sister Stephanie Baliga
She is an athlete and religious sister who has participated in the Chicago Marathon for 15 years to support charity.
The Mission of Our Lady of the Angels
This organization operates a food pantry and community services in Chicago for families and senior citizens.
The details
Sister Stephanie Baliga, who has participated in the Chicago Marathon for 15 years, leads the organization's efforts to utilize athletic events for charitable income. The team recently added to its 2026 fundraising efforts by collecting $16,000 during a half marathon held on June 10, 2026.
Timeline
The team raised over $2.6 million between 2011 and 2025.
A half marathon held on June 10, 2026, generated $16,000 for the organization.
Nearly 200 team members will participate in the Chicago Marathon in the fall of 2026.
Market Landscape
The 2026 campaign represents a continuation of the organization's long-standing strategy to leverage high-profile local sporting events for non-profit growth. By maintaining a dedicated marathon team, the group secures a steady pipeline of donor funding that distinguishes its outreach model from smaller, local-only pantries.
The consistent funding allows The Mission of Our Lady of the Angels to maintain its high volume of weekly food distributions for Chicago residents. As the team reaches its 2026 goals, the community can expect sustained access to the pantry and delivery services provided by the organization.
The takeaway
Charity-based marathon teams can provide significant financial stability for community organizations over long periods of time. Donors and local residents looking to support these services can engage with the marathon team through upcoming events or direct contributions.
Further reading
For more on local charitable efforts, visit the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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