Congress honored Rory and The Foundation
Initiated by Illinois congressman Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. House of Representatives honored Rory and The Rory David Deutsch Foundation on January 5, 2005. A portion of Emanuel’s statement to the House read: “I applaud the research supported by The Rory David Deutsch Foundation on behalf of children afflicted with brain tumors. The promise of a cure borne from this heart-breaking tragedy serves as a source of inspiration and hope for the future of our children. I join with the Fifth Congressional District and indeed all of Chicago in wishing The Foundation and the Deutsch family continued success and happiness in the future.”
Rory’s class dedicated graduation year
The eighth grade class at Elm Place Middle School, which Rory would have been a member of, added to their graduation year by organizing a number of successful fundraisers on behalf of The Foundation — including a Valentines Day dance that raised $2,500 for The Foundation and in May an auction featuring everything from restaurant gift certificates to celebrity and sports memorabilia. Through letters and e-mails to potential donors, they explained The Foundation’s mission and their fundraising goals. “They were all excited about being involved with this last big bash for Rory,” said eighth grade teacher John Whitehead. “To them, their eighth grade year was really about something.”
Children’s Theatre Company again raised the curtain for a cure
Margo Proeh and the budding young stars of the Lake Forest Children’s Theatre Company once again stepped into the spotlight for The Rory David Deutsch Foundation. In keeping with The Foundation’s commitment to actively involve children in its charity events, the Children’s Theatre stages performances each year and donates a portion of the proceeds to the battle against pediatric brain tumors. This year, Margo’s hard-working team presented the timeless classic “Aladdin.” Margo also broadened her professional activity and her commitment to The Foundation. In June of 2005, she staged the World Premiere of “Romes n’ Jewels,” a hip-hop ballet based on Romeo and Juliet at the Vittum Theater in Chicago. A portion of this show’s proceeds also benefited The Foundation. “This show was dedicated to a number of people,” she said, “and one of them was Rory.”
JAB Produce continued its annual Rory Day
JAB Produce sells fresh produce to grocers all over Chicagoland. On July 1, JAB Produce again sponsored its own “Rory Day.” On that day, five percent of all sales were donated to The Foundation. “I have known the Deutsch family a long time and, of course, I know about The Foundation,” said Steve Serck, who owns the company and is also a member of The Foundation’s Board of Directors. “I just decided that whatever I can do for The Foundation, I am going to do. We put up banners in the store and promote it heavily. My employees also engage in individual contributions that they donate to The Foundation.” With customers who typically buy produce by the truckload, this is always a big day for Rory.
More students shined for Rory Award
This was another terrific year for The Rory Award Program at Indian Trail School. Reinforcing the school’s CARE program, the Rory Award appreciates the written and artistic interpretations of students on the responsibilities of being a good citizen. In 2004, Jeremy Forman, a second grader, earned honors for his superb drawing depicting good citizenship. Madelaine Sereda, a fifth grader, wrote the winning essay. In 2005, first-grader Jordyn Cohen earned honors for her artistic expression of good citizenship and Marlee Learner, a fourth-grader, wrote the winning essay.
U of I fraternity delivered championship event
The Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity at the University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign campus sponsored a Powder Puff football game that benefited The Foundation. The fraternity’s philanthropy chairman, Jeffrey Holmes, met Ross and his sons when serving as a counselor at Camp Horseshoe. “I’ve known about The Foundation and the work it has been doing for a while. The Power Puff game is our main philanthropic event of the year, and this year we did it for Rory.”
In this event, members of the fraternity coach a team from a participating sorority. “We get fifteen or sixteen sororities each year to participate, and they all pay a $100 entry fee,” Jeff said. “Guys in the house also make contributions. Then, we write to all the fraternity parents and ask them to make contributions.” This year, twelve sororities from the Champaign campus participated. The Championship Game took place on Saturday, April 9. The championship trophy was awarded at a post-game concert, where Jeff spent time on stage acquainting the crowd with the efforts and goals of The Rory David Deutsch Foundation. The event raised almost $3,000. The fraternity’s philanthropic commitment didn’t stop there. They have an ongoing program known as “Sober Drivers. On the weekend, anyone can call the house and rent a Sober Driver for $1. The fraternity kept track of the funds and at the end of each semester sent The Foundation a check.
3-on-3 hoops tournament won the day
Fresh jerseys, tightly tied sneakers, and baggy shorts matched the determined game faces of more than 160 fourth through tenth grade boys and girls who took to the floor for a day of 3-on-3 hoops—a tournament that has become a championship event supporting The Rory David Deutsch Foundation. Held on October 7, 2005 and hosted by Highland Park High School, the fifth year of this biennial basketball gathering raised $20,000 for The Foundation. This event brought out both the competitive and giving spirit of young players who typify the tournament’s theme, “3-on-3 for What Tomorrow Can Be.”
More than 300 fans cheered teams of boys and girls who were matched in 3-on-3 games against their peers. “It was another great year, and another great group of kids,” said Alan Samsky, who has served as the tournament’s director for the last four years. “It’s all about raising awareness, raising support for The Foundation, and having fun for a good cause.”