DAVENPORT, IA–October 1, 2010–A remembrance honoring late community advocate John Kiley is planned for Saturday, October 16th with an unofficial "fun run" on Arsenal Island and a gathering at the Blue Cat Brew Pub in Rock Island.
An invitation is extended to all Quad-Citians who knew Kiley, an accomplished runner, volunteer and supporter of social justice causes, who died suddenly February 15, 2009 at his home in Davenport.
There is no cost or registration for the three-mile fun run that begins on the Arsenal at 5 p.m. A photo ID is required to enter the island. Participants are invited to walk, jog or run a three-mile course around the island. A celebration "In Honor of John" will follow upstairs at the Blue Cat Brew Pub in Rock Island.
Organizers hope to gain local support for establishing an annual "5Kiley" celebration in the Quad-Cities.
"We want to honor a man who loved the Quad-Cities," says Kathy Weiss, one of several organizers. "We would also like to support those organizations and projects that were near and dear to John, such as Café on Vine." Kiley helped establish the Davenport soup kitchen while serving as Social Action Director for the Catholic Diocese of Davenport, a position he held until his death.
"He also supported local arts and the music scene," Weiss said. "He played basketball at St. Ambrose and ran countless Bixes and marathons. He touched so many lives here and we feel it's important to celebrate this rare gem, who was a friend to all."
For more information or to volunteer, please email kileyrun@gmail.com.
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