Posted: March 21, 2006

Athletics: The Lasalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle Welcomes New Official Charity, Rock For Reading

Recording Artist Alice Peacock to Headline March 31-April 2 Weekend Event

CHICAGO (March 21, 2006) – The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle welcomes Rock for Reading to its line-up of official charities for the 2006 8K Race to be held on Sunday, April 2. Highlighting its involvement, the non-profit literacy organization’s founder and major recording artist Alice Peacock will perform the national anthem at the Start Line and participate in the 8K race. Prior to the Race, Peacock will appear at the Health & Fitness Expo at Navy Pier on Friday, March 31 (1:00-3:00 p.m.) and at the Navy Pier Stage on Saturday (12:00-3:00 p.m.).

“I would like to express my gratitude to LaSalle Bank and the organizers of The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle for assisting Rock for Reading in its mission to advance the skills of literacy among the youth of Chicago,” said Peacock. “We have experienced a lot of success in utilizing music to reach young readers, raise funds for our programs and inspire children to develop reading skills. The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle will allow us to continue and expand that work through the sport of running and the excitement created by this event.”

As part of their involvement, Rock for Reading will also host a children’s book drive at the Health & Fitness Expo. Attendees are invited to donate new or gently-used children’s books at the Rock for Reading booth at the Health & Fitness Expo (booth no. 103) during its hours of operation on Friday, March 31 (10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.) and Saturday, April 1 (9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.). Adults presenting donations will receive a free ticket to the Rock for Reading Raffle that will award numerous prizes including AirTran Airways vouchers, tickets to the Chicago White Sox home opener on April 2, entries to The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, restaurant certificates, and more. On Saturday, children presenting donations between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. will be treated to free face painting.

Tickets to the Rock for Reading Raffle may also be purchased individually for $5 each or five-for-$20 at the charity’s booth at the Health & Fitness Expo. All collected children’s books and proceeds from the Raffle will be utilized by Rock for Reading as it continues its work with schools, libraries and other organizations in the Chicago area to promote literacy.

Rock for Reading joins The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The American Cancer Society and The American Red Cross as one of the official charities of The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle.

Following her appearances at The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle, Peacock will perform the national anthem at U.S. Cellular Field in advance of the White Sox home game on Tuesday, April 4. That evening, the reigning World Champion Chicago White Sox will receive their commemorative championship rings in a pre-game ceremony on the field.

Alice Peacock's independent release "Real Day" earned national attention and received "Top Ten Independent Artists of the Year" recognition from Amazon.com. Her follow-up album "Alice Peacock" was released by Aware/Columbia and featured the radio hit "Bliss," a duet with John Mayer. Her forthcoming album, "Who I Am," will be released on her own label, Peacock Music, and distributed nationally by Universal Music Group. “Who I Am” will be in stores June 2006. Peacock looks forward to touring extensively in support of "Who I Am." Her previous tours include John Mellencamp, Aimee Mann, Toad The Wet Sprocket and Heart. She was recently elected President of the Chicago Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammy's) which services Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis. In her personal life, Peacock is the founder of Rock for Reading which raises awareness and resources for Chicago area reading and literacy programs.

The 2006 LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle
Registration for The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle hit its cap of 25,000 participants in record time and is now closed. The 8K run and 5K walk are set to take place Sunday, April 2, starting and finishing in Grant Park. The 8K race starts at 9:30 a.m. followed by the 5K Fitness Walk at 10 a.m. Runners are cautioned to remember Daylight Savings Time.

Race packet pick-up will take place at the Health & Fitness Expo located at Navy Pier, Festival Hall B, on Friday, March 31, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 1, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Health & Fitness Expo is open to the public and admission is free. There is no Race Day packet pick-up.

The Race will conclude with the popular Post-Race Party featuring the musical talents of Cracker and Underwater People.

For more information about The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle, visit www.shamrockshuffle.com or call (312) 904-9814.

**Remember Daylight Savings Time Start on Race Day**

Comment on this story.

Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest