Campus Colors teamed up for Rory
Campus Colors, the nation's largest retailer of collegiate licensed clothing and accessories in the country, joined the race for a cure by launching an annual fundraising event at its Highland Park store. Owners Barbara and Neil Rubenstein came up with the idea to reward any purchase or donation of $50 or more with entry into a “March Madness” raffle. The prize: an authentic #23 North Carolina basketball jersey signed by Michael Jordan himself. Proceeds generated from the raffle went to The Foundation’s support of further research into pediatric brain tumors.
Vivo sprung into action
The popular Chicago restaurant Vivo included The Foundation in its First Annual Spring Forward Bash in May by donating proceeds of an event that brought people together to enjoy delicious hor d’oeuvres, tasty drink specials, cool music, and an exciting raffle.
Jamba Juice raised a glass for Rory
As one of the smoothest operations around, Jamba Juice in Highland Park continued blending generosity with its taste for success. Raising $1,400 for The Rory David Deutsch Foundation in 2001 through a special drink known as the Rory Galaxy Smoothie, in 2002 the shop carried on its commitment to donate 50 cents of each purchase of this delicious concoction.
A true artist created a unique opportunity
Celebrated Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick created an etching that uniquely expresses childhood, and then donated the work to The Rory David Deutsch Foundation. Through his distinct talent and generosity, Fitzpatrick created an artful and heart-full fundraising endeavor.
The Karyn Collection brought in new gifts
The Karyn Collection in Highland Park continued to offer a portion of its sales of Beanie Babies and other popular store items to The Foundation. Having generated $1,265 for the cause in 2001, the specialty gift shop turned its attention to 2002 in anticipation of again exceeding expectations.
Steve Kessler put music to work for a cure
CD City, an independent music store in Highland Park, contributed money and promoted fundraising events for The Foundation. Owner Steve Kessler, a musician himself, performed at the Apple Tree Theater in March. All proceeds from the show’s $25 ticket price were donated to The Foundation.
Saks renewed its shopping special
Once again, Saks Fifth Avenue in Highland Park hosted a spring shopping spree event in which 10 percent of collected revenue was donated to The Foundation. Through the store’s 2001 event, more than $5,000 was raised to help promote the understanding and treatment of brain stem gliomas.
Family Event headed to the farm
The Rory David Deutsch Foundation Family Event, organized by co-chairs Robin Baba and Beth Conen, invited guests on a trip to the country with a family-style gathering at Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm in Hampshire, Illinois. Called “Under the Stars for Rory,” as many as 1,000 people embarked on this adventure. Highlights included a corn maze, pig races, a petting zoo, dancing, a hayride to the pumpkin patch, plus hip sounds played by a D.J., an amazing silent auction, and a fabulous dinner catered by Marcello’s in Chicago.
Coach K guided a remarkable evening
The Hall of Fame leader of the Duke University basketball team, Mike Krzyzewski, won the attention and hearts of those who attended “An Evening With Coach K.” Raising approximately $230,000 for pediatric brain tumor research, the inspirational event, like the legendary coach, was one of a kind. Ross captured it best when he said, “Coach K gave multiple gifts to all of us that night. He not only helped us fulfill a fundraising goal; his words and ideas filled our minds and hearts. He talked about his teams over the years and how our Rory team can continue on its own championship quest to go the distance against pediatric brain tumors and other devastating childhood diseases. ‘Our victory,’ he said, ‘will be defined by the energy we bring to that quest, our commitment and the extent of our participation.’ What a message, what a show of support!”