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Dear Friends,
It's that time of year to start anew and make resolutions to better our lives. At Bear Necessities, we resolve to make larger impacts in the lives of children with cancer than ever before...but we can't do it alone. This year over 13,500 children will be diagnosed with some form of childhood cancer and yet only 2 new drugs have been developed over the last 20 years to help them win this fight. Pediatric cancer remains the number one cause of death by disease in 2012 but less than 4% of all dollars raised for cancer research goes to help find cure for these brave children.
I boldly ask you to make it your resolution to be pediatric cancer advocates with Bear Necessities and help us assist scientists pave the way to a cure, and help us bring hope and joy into these children's lives as they wage their courageous battles.
CLICK HERE to make a donation.
Happy New Year!
Warmest wishes,
Kathleen
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| BEAR HUG NEEDS | | |
1. Nintendo Wii - Jocelyne
2. Xbox 360 with Kinect - Joseph
3. Amazon Gift Cards - Chris
4. Derrick Rose's or other personalized Bulls Jersey - Mark & Anthony
5. Bulls Tickets - Mark & Anthony
6. Sponsor Violin & Piano
Lessons - Diane
7. Car Seat & High Chair - Naia
8. Grocery Gift Cards (Jewel, Dominick's, Whole Foods)
9. Gas Gift Cards (BP or Shell)
If you are interested in helping fulfill a child's Bear Hug by purchasing items, helping fund a special experience or making a designated donation to this program, please EMAIL or call Meg at 312.214.1200 x25.
All donations will receive proper acknowledgement for tax purposes. |
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HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT MONTHLY GIVING?
Please consider becoming a regular contributor. With just a small (or large!) gift charged to your credit card once a month, you can ensure a steady stream of income to Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The Monthly Giving program allows donors to easily make a gift in regular monthly installments from a credit card account - your pledge will be automatically processed each month.
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| MATCH YOUR GIFT |
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MATCHING GIFTS
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15,000 companies match gifts...does yours?
Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by their employees.
Please check with your HR Department to find out if your gift can be matched!
CLICK HERE for a list of companies with Matching Gifts!
With matching gifts you can sometimes double or even triple your gift! Please donate today!
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| BARRETT BEAR | | |
Check out Barrett Bear's travels. Planning a trip or a great vacation? Take Barrett Bear with you, share your pictures and tell us about your adventures.
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Barrett Bear with with Kathleen Casey, Dr. John Goldberg, Assistant professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Director of Pediatric Oncology & Early Phase Clinical Trials Program at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Nancy Crane, Executive Director of Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Tampa; at Children's Research Hospital in Miami, FL
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| EAT POPCORN AND DONATE |
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COBRA CORN
Make sure to grab a bag of Cobra Corn today! 10% of proceeds from each bag will directly support the children of Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. CLICK HERE for more information and store locations.
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| OFFICE NEEDS | | |
Bear Necessities would greatly appreciate a donation of a camera to take pictures, short videos and capture precious moments with the brave kids battling cancer at the events, hospital meals and Bear Hugs.
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| DONATE NOW | | |
UNITED WAY OR WORKPLACE GIVING CAMPAIGN
Please earmark your donation to go directly to Bear Necessities through the Donor's Choice Program. All you need to do is fill in Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60601 and tax ID number 36-3874655.
Federal Employees may make donations to Bear Necessities using CFC #10505.
CLICK HERE to download your Giving Campaign card.
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| JOIN OUR LIST |
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| FEATURED BEAR HUG | | |
NOAH
When Noah was just 7 months old, he was diagnosed with Infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, also known as infant ALL. Throughout his short life, he's endured more than 700 doses of chemotherapy, three surgeries and countless blood transfusions and spinal taps. He receives a daily dose of chemo orally and also had a port put in his chest to administer the chemo once a month. He and his parents have spent a considerable amount of time at the hospital. Yet through it all, he remains an upbeat little boy who's enthusiastic about life and constantly has a smile on his face. "He's just amazing," said his mom, "He's tough. He fights for his life." Noah is an energetic child who's full of life, loves to laugh and enjoys playing with cars, trucks and trains. "He loves anything with wheels," said mom, "his first word was car!"
After finding out about Noah's love of trains it seemed like a great fit to take Noah on a ride to the NORTH POLE via the Polar Express! The night of his ride, Noah dressed in his pajamas (just like the boy in the book)!
"It was non-stop excitement for Noah. As soon as we pulled up and he saw the train, he was jumping up and down! It was absolutely precious! One of Noah's favorite parts of the event was getting to see Santa and receiving a present from him. In keeping with the story of The Polar Express, Noah received a bell. He rang the bell the entire way home. To watch him full of so much joy and excitement was lovely! We are so grateful for Bear Necessities and the Batavia Park District for the journey aboard the Polar Express. Seeing Noah bursting with joy gave my husband and me such wonderful memories. It was absolutely priceless. Thank you again for your outstanding efforts in making this an amazing memory we will cherish forever." ~Noah's mom
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AUXILIARY BOARD'S SIGNATURE EVENT
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CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!
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BEAR TIE BALL - MARCH 10, 2012
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RHYTHMS FOR A REASON
Get ready for a toe-tapping evening of music and celebration. It's "Rhythms for a Reason" this year, and that means we're going to rattle the walls, shake a leg, and come together to make a difference in the lives of children and families battling pediatric cancer.
CLICK HERE to purchase tickets, sponsor the event, donate an item to the auction, purchase raffle tickets, or place an ad in our 2012 Program Book.
Bear Tie Ball 2012 "Rhythms for a Reason"
Saturday,
March 10, 2012
UIC Forum
725 W. Roosevelt Rd. Chicago, IL
Valet Parking available
Cocktails, Silent Auction 6pm
Dinner and Dancing until Midnight
Tickets start at $325
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TEAM BEAR 2012
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TAKE THE CHALLENGE - RUN FOR THE KIDS
Team Bear is an amazing group of athletes who have pounded miles upon miles of pavement to help children across the country fight pediatric cancer.
Run the 2012 Bank of America Chicago Marathon for kids with cancer! Join Team Bear today!
Simply CLICK HERE to complete and return your 2012 commitment form.
Registration for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 7, 2012 opens February 1st!
The race is expected to close earlier this year than ever before. Take THE CHALLENGE! Run your 2012 race with Team Bear.
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THE MELTING POT
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JANUARY SPECIAL IN SUPPORT OF BEAR NECESSITIES
Through the month of January you can enjoy a four course meal and one beverage for $49.99 per person. Choose any Cheese fondue, Salad, Individual Entrée and Chocolate Fondue paired with a Beer, Glass of Wine or a Cocktail.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
CLICK HERE for more information.
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| CAUSEMIC CONNECTIONS |
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SOCIALIZE FOR A CAUSE
Causemic Connections is a new partner of Bear Necessities! This quarter, net proceeds from the events will be donated in support of the brave kids battling cancer.

CLICK HERE for more information and to see the schedule of upcoming events!
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| CALENDAR OF EVENTS | |
Wednesday, January 11: Causemic Connections - Open Bar Happy Hour
6-9 PM I Public House I 400 N. State St., Chicago, IL I To purchase tickets and for more information
Thursday, January 26: Causemic Connections - Cinco de Mayo in January
6-9 PM I Cantina 46 I 46 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL I To purchase tickets and for more information CLICK HERE
Saturday, January 28: Auxiliary Board's Signature Event
8-12 PM I River East Art Center I 435 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL I To purchase tickets and for more information CLICK HERE
Sunday, February 26: Causemic Connections - Oscars Party
6-9 PM I 694 Wine & Spirits I 694 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL I To purchase tickets and for more information CLICK HERE
Saturday, March 10: Bear Tie Ball 2012 "Rhythms for a Reason"- Bear Necessities' Signature Event
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