1. Overnight at Key Lime Cove- Serene Age 3, Kaylen Age 6, 

Michael Age 2

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.

BEAR NECESSITIES' PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT  

Making its debut at the 2012 Bear Tie Ball, Dreams & Reality really gets Bear Necessities' message across to its audience. Please watch

and share with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

COBRA CORN 

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. 

GOLF FOR A GOOD CAUSE - JUNE 27

REGISTER BY JUNE 8TH!

NEW! Don't miss your chance to win two daily tickets for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the 2012 RYDER CUP at Medinah Country Club in the Golf for the Bear Ryder Cup Raffle. CLICK HERE to purchase raffle tickets. 

CLICK HERE  for the Golf for the Bear Sponsorship Packet and Form.

For more information Email or call Karen Carey at 312 214 1200 ex.29. 

KIDS RACE FOR THE BEAR

On Saturday, May 26th over 1,200 runners took their places at the starting line for the annual Western Springs Tower Trot. Now in its 35th year, this self-described "hometown style" 5/10K race winds through the neighborhood streets of Western Springs, IL. For the past twelve years, a great alliance between Bear Necessities and the Tower Trot has allowed our organization to spread the word about our critical mission and programs to this community (and beyond) both leading up to and on race day. Thanks to the amazing efforts of Bear Necessities' volunteer and longtime champion, Jackie Stoll, as well as the steadfast support of the Village of Western Springs and Recreation Department, Race Director Len Caldeira and his family, and a group of generous sponsors, the Tower Trot raises thousands of dollars year after year to help Bear Necessities in the fight against pediatric cancer. 

The Wheeler Family & Karen Carey

At this year's race, Bear Hug Ambassador Emily Wheeler (age 13) engaged participants of every age in the important work Bear Necessities does by sharing the story of her courageous battle. Her enthusiasm was felt particularly by each one of the participants in the Kids' Fun Run (ten-year-olds and younger), who watched her address the starting line with grace, humor, and great resolve. The palpable reminder that Bear Necessities' work is far from done was felt by everyone in attendance when a special team of participants was  pointed out during the awards presentation. Having lost an amazing son, brother, classmate, and role model to this terrible disease just weeks before race day, the family and friends of young Jake Cech dedicated their race to his memory. Team Jake alone raised over $1,800 for Bear Necessities at this year's Tower Trot.

Bear Necessities extends a special thanks to 2012 sponsors of the Western Springs Tower Trot including: Morgan Stanley Smith Barney-The Schulte Group, Wells Fargo Advisors, Inc.-John G. Linehan, WM Display Group, Kelly Chiropractic, Laidlaw Student Council, Tower Racing, The Wheel Thing, Elite Fitness & Gym, The Community Bank of Western Springs, Wayne Hummer Wealth Management, Meg J. Studios, Pet Necessities, Standard Market, Sheer Envy, LaGrange Printers, Lyons Township Soccer Club, Chicago Flyers, Casey's Market, Inc., Minuteman Press- Countryside, The Competitive Foot, Western Springs Fruit Store, Inc., Great American Bagel, Heartland Bank & Trust, Ad-Biz, Inc., Scavuzzo's Café Italia, Republic Services, Inc., and LaGrange Printers.

AUXILIARY BOARD'S EVENT 

TODAY! WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6 

TEAM BEAR 2012

ADD A CHARITABLE FOCUS TO YOUR RUN! 

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION 

THANK YOU!

In 1992 a small band of volunteers helped form Bear Necessities from the hospital room an eight-year-old Barrett "Bear" Krupa. Twenty years later, the time and talents volunteers continue to give so freely to Bear Necessities drive us forward in our critical mission. On May 10th, Bear Necessities hosted its Annual Volunteer Recognition Reception at our office on 55 W. Wacker in Chicago as a small token of our great appreciation! 

Kathleen Casey & Fred Bates

That evening, Bear Necessities was once again thrilled to honor a few volunteers whose dedication to the fight against pediatric over the past year has been particularly outstanding. A special congratulations went to our 2012 MVPs: Flora Chandlee, Angelica Kodosky, and Ana Pliego three  amazing women whose dedication to our Mission, Values, and Philosophy has helped Bear Necessities reach over 70 Spanish speaking families in need of our services. Longtime Board Member and tremendous champion of our mission, Fred Bates received the 2012 William Hogan Award and outgoing Auxiliary Board President, Lindsay Miller received the 2012 Barrett Krupa Award for outstanding service.

From all of us, to each of our amazing volunteers, thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for so many brave children and families battling cancer!

KICKS FOR CANCER 56 - JUNE 23

4TH ANNUAL TOURNAMENT 

Kicks for Cancer 56 (a 3 v. 3 soccer tournament to benefit Bear Necessities) will be held Saturday, June 23rd at the East Side Sports Complex in St. Charles. Started in 2009 to honor the memory of Alex Kintz - loving son, great best friend, and avid soccer player - this event has grown by leaps and bounds. To date, almost $17,000 has been raised through Kicks for Cancer 56 to help Bear Necessities eliminate pediatric cancer and provide hope and support to those who are touched by it. CLICK HERE to learn more, and here to register your team today!