This Sunday, Sept. 13, hundreds of runners will gather at Lisle Community Park for the sixth annual Rock the Beat. This 5k run and fun walk is organized by Real Estate Takes Heart, a nonprofit group of young commercial real estate professionals committed to promoting charitable giving and providing networking opportunities for real estate professionals through athletic fundraising events. Rock the Beat has raised over $75k for area heart charities in its six years. Last year's race raised $15k for the American Heart Association.

The race has a personal meaning for the race organizer, Clarion Construction director of business development Jonelle Dzikowicz (pictured, second from right). Jonelle's dad, James Ocwieja, died from a heart attack 11 years ago. Jonelle was bitten by the real estate bug visiting her father, who worked as a contractor on residential properties, on job sites. The two spent countless time biking through the race course when Jonelle was growing up. Jonelle says other members of the race's board of directors have family or friends who've suffered heart problems, and that one in four people have a heart attack or cardiac problem in their lives. Any opportunity to help makes a difference. The race begins at 8:30am. If you wish to participate or make a donation, you may register here.