Cheers to Supporters & Success

On Thursday, May 11th, we held our 3rd Annual Charity Reception at Ditkas in Oak Brook. After our Curve Ball Event, we love getting together with our host families, partner charities and dedicated supporters for a night celebrating the successes of the year. We wouldn’t be where we are without the support of our sponsors, donors and especially all of our spouses! One for the Kids President, Tim O’Malley started off the night with some kind words of appreciation for everyone in the room.

Matt Scales presented the first check of the night to the Janeliunas family. “Not only have you touched us so deeply,” said Shannon. “You have forever changed Colton’s life. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”  For more information on Pitt Hopkins and how you can help children like Colton, click here.

Chuck Rickman introduced Tracy Wennerstrom. “This year has been one of the worst anyone has ever experienced,” said Tracey. “Losing my husband a month and a half after my son was born was extremely difficult but I appreciate all you have done for our family. Your love and your hugs. Thank you, that’s all I can say.” 

We look forward to a continued relationship with these two amazing host families and are so grateful we were able to introduce you to the One for the Kids family!

Next up was Paul Windsor with the introduction of our partner charity, Advocate Children’s Heart Institute. Doug Hutchings, Director of Philanthropy and Emily Vernon, Development Coordinator at Advocate were there to accept their check and give thanks to the charity. “You have helped us purchase echo-cardiogram diagnostic equipment,” said Doug. “This has helped us with the sheer volume of patients that need to procedures done. We had over 16,000 surgeries that we performed last year across the globe. It is because of organizations like yours that help us make a difference in these children’s lives.” 

Chris Orvino said extremely kind words about our next partner charity, Special Olympics Chicago. Skinny Sheahan was there on behalf of the organization. “We have about 7,000 athletes in Chicago,” said Skinny. “And we would never be able to do the things that we do without the support of One for the Kids and organizations like yours.It really does make a difference.”

This year’s “Step-Up Award” was given to Matt Scales, who really stepped up when we needed him for the Curve Ball fundraising efforts. We also wanted to thank Christine Scales who was involved in every step of the way. You’re a lucky guy, Matt!

Jeff Brown was recognized for his beyond amazing job as our auctioneer. 

To close out the presentations, Chuck Rickman was chosen to talk about what One for the Kids means to him. “Over the years I have started to see more and more of what we do as a charity and how it affects families and our partner charities in a positive way,” said Chuck. “For me it’s all about having fun for this great cause and do it with people I truly like. I can’t think of a better group of people.” Cheers to you Chuck!

Thanks again to everyone who came out and we look forward to an even more successful event next year!