Mike & Friends Lift 100 Tons

How much can you lift? How about your friends?

DuPagePads volunteer and advocate Mike DeMeritt knows the answer pretty accurately from his fundraiser, Mike & Friends Lift 100 Tons. This year they are at it again on Saturday, September 17, 8:00 am-4:00 pm at CrossFit Carol Stream.

No stranger to creative and physically challenging fundraisers, from 2010-2013 Mike’s fundraiser was Mike Runs 100, where he collected around $10,000 mike lifting bar each year in donations for DuPagePads to complete a 100 mile race. In 2014, he shifted the focus from running to CrossFit and created the event Mike Lifts 100 Tons, where he would lift 100 tons in under 8 hours. Last year due to doctor’s orders, Mike enlisted the support of his friends to help him reach his goal. With a strong push, they were able to lift an astounding 1 million pounds or 500 tons!

“There was an amazing spirit and sense of community. I was amazed at how much fun we had doing so much work. When you know it’s all to help end homelessness in DuPage County, it’s hard to think of the work as a burden,” Mike shares.

Over the course of 6 years, Mike has raised $60,000 to benefit DuPagePads. You can support Mike and Friends in raising $10,000 by donating here: Donate to Mike Lifts 100 Tons

The community is also invited to cheer them on at CrossFit Carol Stream after the agency’s annual Run 4 Home on Saturday, September, 17^th.

“Mike’s continued support of our mission to end homelessness is truly inspirational. His athletic fundraisers speak to his determination and dedication. These are the same qualities needed in our work to assist families and individuals move to a place they can call home,” said Carol Simler, DuPagePads President and CEO.