Support N. Aurora boy with kidney disease at local 'Night of Giving'

In support of the Children's Organ Transplant Association, Culver's of St. Charles, 4068 E. Main St., will hold a night of giving Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 5 to 9 p.m.

The event will honor a local 16-month-old with a kidney disease, and Culver's will donate 10 percent of its receipts to COTA on his behalf.

The Culver's honoree is Calvin Hummel of North Aurora, who was diagnosed with infantile nephrotic syndrome last January. By March, he had no kidney function and the organ was removed in April. Calvin continues to receive dialysis four days a week at a Chicago children's clinic while he awaits a kidney transplant, which he can receive once he reaches 22 pounds.

Calvin's family learned of COTA after his diagnosis and have since been using the organization's resources for fundraising and outreach. Every dollar raised in honor of COTA's patients is used for transplant-related expenses, and Calvin's mother Heidi is grateful for that support.

"Calvin will most likely need another kidney in 25-30 years," says Heidi. "We are so lucky that we have Culver's and COTA to help spread our message, because the donations from this event provide lifetime funds that will result in Calvin living a full life."

"Calvin is a special boy, and we are thrilled to be able to hold this fundraiser for COTA in his honor," says Culver's of St. Charles owner Scott Martenson. "At the very least, it will help our community learn a little more about COTA and all they do for young people awaiting transplants."

For more information on Calvin's story and COTA, visit www.COTAforCalvinH.com.