Yorkville Restaurant's 5K Raises $12,500 for Foster Kids

When Southbank Original Barbecue opened in Yorkville 10 years ago, they made a promise that serving their community would mean more than just great food and drinks.

This March, that commitment came full circle. The restaurant's 10th annual SOB 5K charity race raised $12,500 for CASA Kendall County, an organization that gives vulnerable children a fighting chance at stability and safety.

CASA volunteers serve as court-appointed advocates for kids navigating the foster care system. These trained community members become a consistent voice for children during one of the most uncertain times in their young lives, working to ensure every child finds a safe, permanent home.

The donation represents a decade of Southbank showing up for their neighbors. While many businesses focus solely on profits, this Yorkville restaurant has made community support part of their identity, hosting the annual 5K every spring since they opened their doors.

Yorkville Restaurant's 5K Raises $12,500 for Foster Kids

The Ripple Effect

This $12,500 will fund countless hours of advocacy for Kendall County children who desperately need someone in their corner. Each CASA volunteer typically serves one or two children at a time, building relationships and speaking up for their best interests in court proceedings that determine their futures.

When local businesses invest in organizations like CASA, they create a safety net that catches kids before they fall through the cracks. The volunteers provide stability and consistency that many foster children have never experienced, often becoming one of the few trusted adults in a child's life during family crisis.

Southbank's 10-year commitment shows what's possible when businesses see themselves as community partners rather than just service providers. Their annual race has become a Yorkville tradition, bringing runners together for a cause that protects the community's most vulnerable.

Every dollar raised means another child gets an advocate who will fight for their right to a childhood filled with safety instead of chaos.