Art donations sought for pediatric cancer fundraiser
Dundee Township residents have a chance to get a head start on an annual fundraising motorcycle ride that benefits children who suffer with brain tumors.
On Saturday, June 29, a charity art show called “where the HEART is” will be held at the Cactus Zone restaurant in Sleepy Hollow. Money collected from the sale of paintings, drawings, pottery and embroidered items will be donated to the national pediatric cancer fund, said organizer Karen Kruger.
“Not only are we’re looking for customers to come to the sale, but we’re inviting artists to donate items and take part in the show,” she said. “I’m hoping to have at least 100 items to sell. I’m already halfway there.”
The sale will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Route 72 Mexican restaurant.
“Currently, in this country there are more than 28,000 people, many of whom are children, living with brain tumors,” Kruger said. “The sale will help them and showcase local artists.”
She hopes to raise $2,500 from the inaugural show that could become an annual event similar to Ride for Kids. Each year, tens of thousands of motorcyclists take part in rides throughout the country.
“In the Chicago area alone, we’ll have as many as 1,000 riders raising money for pediatric cancer,” said Kelly Corwin, coordinator of the national rides. “They will raise $250,000 in one day.”
This year, the Chicago area ride will be July 21. It will start and end at 10 a.m. at Elgin Community College. In between the start and finish, the motorcycles will rumble through the Fox Valley on a 40-mile trek.
The sounds and numbers of the bikers draw attention to the need for more money to help families with children who have cancer, Corwin said.
“To be a part of the ride, the motorcycle riders pay a registration fee that is $40 for advance registration and $50 for the day of the ride,” she said. “All that money goes to the pediatric cancer fund.”
“The riders make a big loop around the Chicago area.”
Even before they start, money collected from the Dundee Township art show will be donated to the charity, said Sue Gangwani, owner of the Cactus Zone.
“I’m sponsoring the show because it for a very worthwhile cause. This allows me as a local business owner to be a part of the community,” she said.
Her restaurant is at 1025 W. Main St., across from Spring Hill Mall.
For details about the art show, call Kruger at (847) 612-9259, or send her an email at kakruger1@gmail.com.
For information about Ride for Kids, call Corwin at (828) 458-3397 or visit the group’s website, rideforkids.org.