Saturday, April 25, 2026
Our Story
Cream City 5K is a 501c3 nonprofit founded in 2015 by Jesse Pagels as a way to raise awareness and support organ, eye, and tissue donation. A professional trumpet player and runner, Jesse overcame a decade-long battle with pulmonary fibrosis thanks to a double lung transplant. This gift of life inspired Jesse to start Cream City 5K, which donates all proceeds to Versiti Organ and Tissue, as well as other organizations that support organ donation throughout Wisconsin.


Our Story
Cream City 5K is a 501c3 nonprofit founded in 2015 by Jesse Pagels as a way to raise awareness and support organ, eye, and tissue donation. A professional trumpet player and runner, Jesse overcame a decade-long battle with pulmonary fibrosis thanks to a double lung transplant. This gift of life inspired Jesse to start Cream City 5K, which donates all proceeds to Versiti Organ and Tissue, as well as other organizations that support organ donation throughout Wisconsin.


Get Involved
Besides participating in the race, there are countless ways to get involved with Cream City 5K, including:
Get Involved
Besides participating in the race, there are countless ways to get involved with Cream City 5K, including:


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