History

A tradition begins
Join us Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, for the 31st Briggs & Al's Run & Walk for Children's Hospital. Throughout its history, the event has raised more than $9.4 million to help Children's Hospital of Wisconsin provide medical care, conduct research to enhance pediatric care, advocate on behalf of children, and educate medical professionals and the community about issues related to children's health. In 2007, more than 15,400 participants raised more than $1 million for Children’s Hospital. Be part of one of Milwaukee's longest running traditions!

The Al's Run success story
Briggs & Al's Run & Walk owes its success to a wellspring of community support that has benefited Children's Hospital in countless ways. The late Marquette University basketball coach Al McGuire, the event's founder, was deeply committed to supporting many Children's Hospital programs. Proceeds from the first run and walk went toward the prosthetic limb bank. In past years, the undesignated money raised by this event has benefited the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. However, this year undesignated money for Briggs & Al's Run & Walk will support the west tower expansion project, which will open in spring 2009. The west tower is being added to meet the current and future needs of all our patients. Other programs at Children's Hospital receive support when pledgeraisers designate their gifts.

Al McGuire retires from run and walk
After 15 years of active participation in one of the largest and most successful races in the Midwest, Al McGuire announced his retirement from the event. Briggs & Stratton recognized the importance of continuing the event and became the event's new title sponsor. Briggs & Stratton’s title sponsorship ensured the continuation of McGuire's vision.

A legend honored
When Al McGuire passed away in January 2001, Briggs & Stratton vowed to create a lasting, living tribute to him. Thompson suggested a tribute that reflected McGuire's commitment to children and the community and reinforced the hands-on, hard-work approach by which he lived. In Sept. 2001, during a touching ceremony, McGuire's bib No. 1 was retired forever.

The tradition continues
Marquette University’s involvement with the run continued with basketball coach Tom Crean and his wife, Joani, serving as grand marshals from 2000 through 2007. Today, Briggs & Al's Run & Walk is going strong.