On Thursday, April 29th, a group of Bear Necessities volunteers, board members, and staff celebrated National Volunteer Appreciation Month and eighteen years of dedicated volunteer service. Held at Bear Necessities' downtown office overlooking the Chicago River, the 2010 Volunteer Recognition Reception focused on the organization's incredible story of growth and the critical role our volunteers have played. Guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers provided by Berghoff Catering and Sweetwater Tavern and Grill, and many participated in a special project to help Bear Necessities decorate the family room in our new office.

Year after year, volunteers help drive Bear Necessities forward in our mission to eliminate pediatric cancer and provide hope and support to those who are touched by it. In the past ten months alone, Bear Necessities' volunteer corps - numbering in excess of 500 - has logged over 2,000 volunteer hours. With the value assigned to one hour of volunteer work in Illinois just over $22, that's an estimated $44,000 in donated time and talents!

                      
Board member, Sue Hallen, winner of The 2010 William W. Hogan Award

Special awards were presented to six individuals for their exceptional support over the past year. The William W. Hogan Award was presented by President/Founder Kathleen Casey to Sue Hallen for Distinguished Board Service. Director of Marketing & PR, Courtney Krupa, along with outgoing Auxiliary Board President, DeRondal Bevly, presented Torrie Hargreaves with the Barrett "Bear" W. Krupa Award for Outstanding Junior Philanthropy. Dave Kurland of the Chicago Bulls was recognized as Outstanding Small Miracle Donor of the Year. And last but certainly not least, three individuals were recognized for their resolute commitment to Bear Necessities' Mission, their demonstration of the organization's Values, and their steadfast promotion of Bear's Philosophy. Bear Necessities' 2010 MVPs were Lisa Fiore, Rachel Kelley, and Joe Teson.

Eighteen years since Bear Necessities' inception, pediatric cancer is still the number one cause of death by disease in our kids. Our work is far from done, but with the steadfast support of our incredible volunteers, Bear Necessities will continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and their families impacted by this devastating disease. From all of us, to each of you thank you for all that you have done, and all you continue to do.

Sincere thanks again to Berghoff Catering and Sweetwater Tavern and Grill for the delicious spread, and to Greg Kosinski, our resident bartender.

 Special Congratulations

 

On April 16th, BN board member, Fredrick Bates received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award for Exemplary Service from the Rotary Club of Chicago-Far North for his outstanding work with Bear Necessities. Congratulations Fred for a well-deserved award and your continued support in BN's mission!

In addition, patients received goodie bags filled with toys, books, DVDs and cookies donated by Girl Scout Troop 161 of Algonquin, Illinois.

Thank you to our volunteers Amy Alfonso and Colleen Rafferty for helping to make another hospital meal a great success!

TSO performed a nearly sold out show in front of 3,300 people on Saturday, April 17th at the Chicago Theater. $1 from every ticket was donated to Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation for a total donation of $3,300!