Football fundraiser aims to assist boy who needs heart transplant
A fundraiser to benefit the Children’s Organ Transplant Association in honor of Owen Payton, a 6-year-old West Chicago boy who needs a heart transplant, will kick off with a flag football game for all ages.
The game and the fundraiser start at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, at Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar and Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, West Chicago.
In addition, a raffle auction will be held during the Bears game, which will be shown on Hawthorne’s 120-inch screen.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children in advance; or $25 a ticket at the door. The price includes a food buffet and drink specials will be available. Ticket orders should be directed to Jenna McKnight at jenna.mcknight@bps101.net.
Cash, checks and most major credit cards will be accepted at the auction for any purchase or donation. Early consignments include two Trike Flight one-hour lessons, a three-night South Haven Mich., getaway for two, Chicago Bears hats signed by Charles Tillman and photography packages.
“The family and friends of Owen Payton want to encourage everyone to attend the football event and raffle to help give Owen a second chance at life,” said McKnight, who is planning the event.
“All profits from the auction and 50 percent of the ticket price will assist with transplant-related expenses.”
Owen was born with a congenital heart defect and was recently diagnosed with heart failure. The doctors at the Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago have recommended a life-saving heart transplant and placed him on the transplant list this past spring.
The Payton family needs an estimated $60,000 to pay transplant-related expenses.
If you have an item to donate for the raffle, visit COTAforOwenP.com or contact Jenna McKnight at (630) 362-9760 or jenna.mcknight@bps101.net.
Owen’s family has asked for assistance from the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, a national charity based in Bloomington, Ind. COTA is dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-related expenses.
Its services are free and all funds generated by COTA community fundraising campaigns are available for transplant-related expenses.