Along with finishing in the top 40 percent of the 1,750 competitors in the grueling Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, Chicago area resident David Carlins, 43, was runner-up in the affiliated Janus Charity Challenge. Consequently, Chicago Youth Programs will receive a donation of more than $300,000.

Carlins finished the Hawaii Ironman in 10:41-- topping more than 1,000 of the competitors in the event. To date, he has raised more than $300,000 for the Chicago Youth Program through the unique Janus Charity Challenge. The innovative fundraiser is unique because there is no designated beneficiary. Each participant can choose to raise funds for the charity of his or her choice. In addition the sponsor, Janus Capital Funds, makes additional contributions to the beneficiaries of the top fundraisers at each event, ranging from $10,000 to $2,000 for the top five finishers.

Carlins is president of Magellan Development Group, which has been involved with Chicago Youth Programs for more than 20 years and contributed $100,000 to the fund. An additional $160,000 has been donated by affiliated contractors and developers such as McHugh Construction, Kole Construction, LR Development, Mesirow Financial and Chatfield Electric Co., while dozens of individuals and companies have made contributions from $50 on up.

Carlins has been involved with CYP for more than 20 years, beginning as a volunteer basketball coach at Cabrini Green while in law school. Two years ago Magellan was instrumental in the design and construction of CYP's first permanent home, a 10,000-square-foot facility at 5350 S. Prairie with a gymnasium, day care center, playground and staff offices.CYP is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to improve the life opportunities and health of at-risk youth, using a comprehensive approach aimed at developing their capabilities.

"The success rate of the program has been phenomenal, whether you measure it by the number of kids in the program now graduating school or count those going on to successful employment," said Carlins. "This additional $308,000 will go a long way in energizing that program."