Passion with a purpose most certainly filled the Forum on Saturday evening! With over 860 guests all there to support pediatric cancer and the work that Bear Necessities does to make a difference in the lives of these children who wage these battles, it was an evening to remember. The dancing, dining, live and silent auctions were all quite exciting but nothing in comparison to the 20 young adults who lined the stage to share their stories of survival.  Tears were abundantly flowing, but in great joy as Theo the 2013 Bear Hug Ambassador shared his story then introduced his friends and one survivor after another told of their amazing accomplishments. It was truly an honor to be in the presence of such courageous and inspirational young adults. The final survivor Emily tells the crowd "my motto is never, never, never give up! In 20 years when I grow up, I want to be back on this stage to tell you what I'm doing in my life after cancer!"

The compassionate and spectacular Co-chairs, Nina Mariano and Tracy Scurto welcomed the crowd with great pleasure as they announced it to be the largest Bear Tie Ball in the organization's history!

Thanks go out to so many individuals and corporations that it's impossible for me in this short column to thank them to the extent I would like, however I extend the most heartfelt thanks to all for making the evening the success that it was. From stuffing the goodie filled swag bags, printing needs, donating auction items, all the volunteer hours and on and on......it all made an enormous difference! Over ¾ of a million dollars was raised to further our mission! 

THANK YOU it truly takes a village!

Once again, are the words of my special friend Emily that we should all live by "never, never, never give up!" Emily, I promise we won't until we find a cure!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen  

The Bear Necessities Bangle of Wishes bracelet is constructed of a silver bangle with a hook to secure, accented with purple glass beads, silver beads, and a purple Swarovski crystal in the center. 

With more than 850 people in attendance and $750,000 raised to help Bear Necessities eliminate pediatric cancer and provide hope and support to those who are touched by it, the 2013 Bear Tie Ball was a great success! The event, co-chaired by longtime supporters Nina Mariano and Tracy Scurto, was held Saturday, March 9th at the UIC Forum in Chicago. The evening began with specialty cocktails sponsored by Pernod-Ricard, a massive silent auction, tantalizing raffles, and lively hobnobbing with a very Chicago star-studded crowd. A delicious dinner from Blue Plate followed. Then came hours of dancing to the music of the Al Sofia Band, and even an eleven o'clock balloon drop to the hit song "Celebration." 

Co-Chairs Tracy Scurto, Nina Mariano with Kathleen Casey

This year's event marked a very special milestone, the 20th Anniversary of the Bear Tie Ball. Emcees Val Warner of Windy City LIVE and Roe Conn of the same and WLS Radio led guests through an extraordinary program that commemorated two decades of commitment to a critical mission, to the children who have won, lost, and continue to fight battles with pediatric cancer, and to the road that still stretches far ahead until the day a cure is found.   

Emcees Val Warner & Roe Conn

The Bear Tie Ball began in 1993, the year young Bear Krupa died, as a simple affair with a $99 ticket and a 200 person guest list committed to the cause. As Bear Necessities has grown into a national organization over the course of the past two decades, so has the army of supporters who have joined the organization in the fight against this devastating disease. At no other time was this more evident than when twenty pediatric cancer survivors took the stage at this year's event. In a special tribute to Bear Necessities' 20th anniversary, these amazing individuals shared the story of their own battles and the impact Bear Necessities has had in their lives. As each was introduced one by one, the largest ballroom this event has ever seen stood at attention.

Theo Yianas - Bear Hug Ambassador 2013

Among the stories shared at the 2013 Bear Tie Ball, a common thread of hope bound each survivor to the other and to all those in attendance. From Theo, the 2013 Bear Hug Ambassador, who told the crowd that when he grows up he wants to be a scientist and find the cure for cancer, to Emily, whose infallible spirit inspires everyone she meets, the theme was this: never ever, ever give up. And until the day when children live forever free of cancer, Bear Necessities does not intend to.

Our amazing 20th Anniversary Speakers: Stephanie Flood, Alexandra Di Fulvio, Emily Wheeler, Matthew Claver, Emily Phillips, Kelley O'Malley - Pauley, Amanda Groeller, Marie Wakerly, Robbie Pfister, Shannon Dowty, Vinny Ciccio, Yali Derman, Alex Cullum, Sam Lent, Amy Hayes; front row: Matthew Otwell, Samson Campbell, Anthony Catalano, Robert Bates

Bear Necessities extends its most sincere thanks to: The 2013 Bear Tie Ball Host and Event Committees, all of the event's volunteers, Pernod-Ricard, Butch McGuire's, FIJI Water, United Airlines, Splash/Chicago Sun Times, Cardinal ColorGroup, Spot On! Greetings, AON Foundation, Mr. & Mrs. Dave & Marcia Knuepfer, Caherciveen Partners, Chicago Cubs Charities, Mr. & Mrs. Tom & Donna Itrich, Magellan Corporation, Sunrise Electric Supply, Mr & Mrs. Mario & Cheryl Tricoci, Mr. & Mrs. Dave & Laurie Proctor, Advocate Health Care, Mr. & Mrs.  Fredrick & Lolita Bates, Bear Cartage & Intermodal, Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Clune Construction Company, Contel Fresh, Inc., Culloton Strategies, Mr. Paul Davies, Focus Capital Advisors, Inc., GWC Law Firm, Ms. Sue Hallen & Ms. Ruth Welding, Kellogg Company, Orange Crush LLC/Althoff Industries, Simms Family Foundation, and all of our Table Angels.