| BEARTWEEN THE LINES | |
Dear Friends,
An enormous BEAR HUG goes out to our Auxiliary Board! Purple Affair for the Bear was an absolutely amazing evening and most importantly a very successful event to benefit the children and families we serve. Your dedication and compassion for our mission is truly heartwarming. You really hit one out of the park guys -thank you all!
Bear Tie Ball, here we come! When I take a moment to reflect on the last 20 years, it's difficult to believe it was that long ago that a group of people sat in a tiny office in Cary, Illinois planning the very first Bear Tie Ball. So much has changed over the years and yet so much has not! Tracy Scurto was my co-chair then and this year, she again takes the reins along with Nina Mariano to see that the 20th Anniversary Bear Tie Ball is the most spectacular ever! On the other hand, in the last 20 years only two new drugs have been developed for pediatric cancer and the National Cancer Institute still spends less than 4% of its budget on children's cancer and 96% of its budget on adult cancers.
We celebrate the fact that in the past 20 years we have made an enormous impact in these children's lives through Bear Hugs and research yet I am beside myself that we have not come closer to finding a way to eradicate this horrific disease for our children.
Please come celebrate with us and help us find that cure that is so desperately needed. There are many ways that you can be a part of the event, find out how you can make a difference - CLICK HERE for Bear Tie Ball information.
I'd like to thank each of you personally for walking with me and Courtney these past 20 years in our journey to make Bear's dream a reality. I know if he was physically still with us he would be on the stage this year urging all of us to continue the fight on behalf of the thousands of children who are stricken with pediatric cancer. Help us continue to make Bear proud!
Kindest regards,
Kathleen
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| BEAR HUG NEEDS | | |
1. Personalized Bulls and Blackhawks jerseys - Veronica Age 12, Erik Age 18, Kunal Age12 and more
2. Special family dinner at the hospital - Aedan Age 3
3. Limo for a trip downtown
4. Grocery gift cards (Jewel, Dominick's, Whole Foods, Wal-Mart)
3. 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. |
| JOIN BEAR'S CIRCLE | |
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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| TEAM BEAR | | |
JOIN THE TEAM
Take the Challenge:
To change the world for kids with cancer.
Run, walk, bike or swim with Team Bear to give
kids with cancer many more tomorrows.
As a Team Bear member, you are asked to raise a minimum in pledges depending on your chosen event:
5K - $250 10K - $400 Half Marathon - $650 Triathlon - $650
Marathon (registered prior to race closing) - $650
Chicago Marathon (post close charity spot) - $975
Become a Team Bear member with a $25 member fee and then register for a race(s)of your choice. Member benefits vary for each event, every member will get a Team Bear singlet, fundraising guide, online fundraising website and a wristband with a Team Bear Ambassador picture to inspire you as you train. Additional benefits may include: CARA training and membership, reimbursement for TrainingPeaks online training plan, and weekly emails filled with encouragement to keep you going.
For more information, please visit www.bearnecessities.org or contact Susan Mura: 312-214-1200 x23, email: smura@bearnecesities.org
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| A VIDEO TO REMEMBER | | |
BEAR NECESSITIES' PSA
CLICK HERE to watch and share with your friends on Facebook & Twitter
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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 | |
 | Barrett Bear is getting ready for the 20th Annual Bear Tie Ball - if you would like to purchase a Bear tie
CLICK HERE or call Alex at 312 214 1200 ex. 21 |
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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| COBRA CORN |
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POPCORN FOR THE BEAR
 10% of proceeds from each bag will directly support the children of Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
CLICK HERE for more information
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| TEVOLUTION | | |
PARTNER FOR GOOD
CLICK HERE to learn more about our partner Tevolution!
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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
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XIYON
 Xiyon was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 2, his tumor was only found after a routine check for whiplash following a car accident. His diagnosis was a mystery and doctors were stumped until he started having terrible headaches. It was discovered that the tumor wasn't in his brain, it was in his cranium and it started putting pressure on his brain. Since then, he's had two craniotomies, 3 cycles of chemotherapy, 3 bone marrow transplants and 30 rounds of radiation. It has been tough road, but Xiyon and his family are getting through it together. When Xiyon was asked what he would like to do for his Bear Hug, he knew he wanted to do something with his family and with horses. Medieval Times was the perfect match! Xiyon said "My Bear Hug made me very happy. I haven't seen a horse up that close before."
"I thought Xiyon's Bear Hug was great. He was so excited about the horses. Our knight won and he brought the horse right in front of our table! I think this meant so much to Xiyon. He has been the best through this journey and he deserved something special. He got down sometimes. He wouldn't eat or play, but now, he's a happy 3 year old. If it wasn't for the scar on his head, it'd be like nothing ever happened to him. He now knows his alphabet and we're working on his numbers. Thank you so much. He had a ball!!."
~Xiyon's Mom
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| 20TH ANNIVERSARY BEAR TIE BALL! |
| SATURDAY, MARCH 9
March 9, 2013 marks the 20th anniversary of the Bear Tie Ball. Want to be part of the celebration? Here are just a few ways you can help us make the 2013 Bear Tie Ball at the UIC Forum in Chicago the biggest and best yet:
- CLICK HERE to purchase 20th Anniversary Bear Tie Ball Raffle Tickets
- CLICK HERE to reserve individual tickets or a table of 10
- CLICK HERE to honor a loved one with a Bear Tie Ball Centerpiece Tribute to be displayed at the event
- CLICK HERE to place a business or family ad in the Bear Tie Ball Program Book
- CLICK HERE to purchase a classic, purple Bear Bow Tie custom made for Bear Necessities by Vineyard Vine
The Men's Wearhouse is proud to offer $40.00 off your tuxedo rental for the Bear Tie Ball 2013. Men's Wearhouse will donate additional $5.00 to Bear Necessities when you book under group 4404876 by March 2nd. Prices start as low as $49.99.
Contact Gina 630-232-8368 if you have any questions.
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| RAFFLE TICKETS - WIN GREAT PRIZES! |
| 20TH ANNIVERSARY BEAR TIE BALL
Raffle Tickets: 1 for $25, 5 for $100, 11 for $200
CLICK HERE to purchase
GRAND PRIZE: GET AWAY TO LOS CABOS!
From Earth, Sea & Sky Vacations comes a luxurious 3 night, 4 day stay for 2 adults in a Deluxe Ocean View Room at Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos in sunny Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! Stay must be booked by: 06/09/13. Travel available - with some restrictions - until 10/01/13.
FIRST PRIZE: WINE, WOMEN, & SHOPPING
You and 10 guests will enjoy an evening of shopping at Stuart Weitzman on Michigan Avenue. Included for the host is a complimentary pair of shoes or handbag valued up to $500, and for her guests: 20% off their purchases.
SECOND PRIZE: Apple iPad Mini
With 16GB, ultrafast wireless, an LED-backlit Multi-Touch display, and access to thousands of apps, the iPad Mini is the full iPad experience in just 7.9 inches!
THIRD PRIZE: MY KIND OF CULINARY TOWN
Head to trendy River North for Chicago style adventures in food & drink. Included: dinner for two from the Chef's Tasting Menu at EPIC and an additional $200 worth of gift certificates from hot spots Hub 51, RPM Italian, The Red Head Piano Bar, Scoozi, and Moe's Cantina.
Drawing will be held at Bear Necessities' 20th Anniversary Bear Tie Ball on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the UIC Forum in Chicago, IL. Winner need not be present.
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| PURPLE AFFAIR FOR THE BEAR | | |
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR JANUARY 2014!
Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation's Auxiliary Board started the year with an outstanding Purple Affair for the Bear at River East Art Center! Hundreds of supporters danced to live music, tasted delicious food from many local restaurants, bid on an extensive silent auction, and simply had fun for a good cause!
Many thanks to all the sponsors, donors, volunteers and our amazing members of the Auxiliary Board for all your hard work in support of the brave kids battling cancer!
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| DANCE FOR THE BEAR | | |
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10
 | | Kristina's Studio of Dance |
Don't miss 'Dance for the Bear' a Benefit Concert from the talented performance group of Kristina's Studio of Dance!
Forest View Educational Center
2121 S. Goebbert Rd., Arlington Heights, IL
5:00pm
Proceeds will help support Bear Necessities. CLICK HERE to learn more.
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| STATE RESTAURANT NETWORKING EVENT |
| WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6
Looking for a better way to network and socialize in Chicago? If so, head on over to Network and Social's upcoming charity networking event at STATE Restaurant 935 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, IL 6-9 pm. Admission is $10 with pre-pay / $20 at the door without RSVP. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets. Donations through the event will be taken to help fund Bear Necessities' critical mission. CLICK HERE to learn more. |
| SHAVE FOR A CAUSE |
| SATURDAY, MARCH 16
On March 16, 2013, St. Margaret Mary Parish in Algonquin will host their 5th Annual Shamrock Shave. Bear Necessities has been chosen again this year to be one of the charities to benefit from this wonderful event. The Shamrock Shave is a unique fundraising event because it brings the neighboring communities together to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and to help raise money for two great worthy causes. Women and men of all ages, including children graciously volunteer to have their heads shaved off and collect donations to support the causes. The more volunteers they get - the more they raise!
St. Margaret Mary Education Center Gymnasium
111 S. Hubbard Street, Algonquin, IL
Cabbage dinner at 5:30 pm
Shave, dance & entertainment at 6:45 pm. In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, the evening will also include kid's activities, door prizes and raffles. The evening will surely be a fun-filled and memorial experience.
If you or know of anyone who would be interested in shaving their mane for our charities, please contact Chris Cimaglio, Shamrock Shave Event Coordinator at 847-514-9028, and let him know that Bear Necessities sent you. We know this is a great sacrifice on your part and we are truly touched that you would consider making this commitment.
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| SUPPORT PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH |
| TAX YEAR 2012
CHECK IT OUT! The Illinois Childhood Cancer Research Fund needs your support. As of tax year 2012, Illinois income tax payers can donate a portion of their expected refund to go directly to a newly established fund that grants dollars to pediatric cancer research.
For the fund to be maintained, we need a minimum of $100,000 in donations. Please help get the word out and tell all your friends in the childhood cancer community. CLICK HERE to find more information on Facebook and Twitter.
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| CALENDAR OF EVENTS | |
Sunday, February 10: Dance for the Bear
5: 00 PM - 7:00 PM I Forest View Educational Center, Arlington Heights, IL I CLICK HERE for more information
Tuesday, February 19: New Volunteer Orientation
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM I Bear Necessities's Office I 55 West Wacker Dr., Suite 1100, Chicago, IL I for more information email Alex or call 312 214 1200 ex. 21
Wednesday, March 6: STATE Restaurant Network & Social Charity Event
8: 00 PM - 9:00 PM I 935 W. Webster Place, Chicago, IL I CLICK HERE to purchase tickets
Saturday, March 9, 2013: 20th Annual Bear Tie Ball Passion for a Purpose
UIC Forum I 725 W. Roosevelt Rd. Chicago, IL I for more information email Alex or call 312 214 1200 ex. 21
Saturday, March 16: St. Margaret Mary Shamrock Shave
5:30 PM I St. Mary Margaret Mary Education Center Gymnasium I 111 S. Hubbard St., Algonquin, IL I for more information call Chris Cimaglio at 847-514-9028
Tuesday, March 19:
New Volunteer Orientation
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM I Bear Necessities's Office I 55 West Wacker Dr., Suite 1100, Chicago, IL I for more information email Alex or call 312 214 1200 ex. 21
Saturday, April 27: Annual Kids Run for the Bear
Save the Date! I for more information email Karen or call 312 214 1200 ex. 29
Thursday, June 13: Golf for the Bear
Save the Date! Ruffled Feathers Golf Club, Lemont, IL I for more information and to reserve your foursome email Karen or call 312 214 1200 ex. 29
For full calendar of events CLICK HERE
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