Golf fundraiser helps send sick kids to camp

On the face of it, Thursday's golf outing at Poplar Creek Country Club in Hoffman Estates looked like a corporate event, drawing business people from throughout the Northwest suburbs.

A closer look, however, revealed its driving force: sending children with leukemia or pediatric cancer to camp.

They raised money for the Chicago-based Children's Oncology Services, Inc., a nonprofit organization, dedicated to improving the lives of children diagnosed with cancer.

Their major project is operating the "One Step At A Time" programs, including a two-week summer camp in July at Williams Bay, Wisc., where children can experience normal summer fun -- outside the hospital setting.

Steve Ritchie of Palatine organized the golf outing nine years ago, when he joined COSI's board of directors.

"Our whole goal is to provide camps and scholarship funds for kids with cancer and leukemia," said Ritchie, who works as an insurance consultant and broker in Rolling Meadows. He began to draw on his business contacts, and their referrals to grow the event, from a straightforward scramble outing, to a premiere fundraiser which raises significant money.

So far, he figures the event has raised nearly $250,000 over its first nine years, but he has bigger plans.

"My goal is to net six figures for the day," Ritchie said. "And I'll do it. It may take another two years, but I'll get there."

This year, a steel drum band played outdoors while the golfers relaxed after their rounds. It underscored the good feelings enjoyed during the day, but Ritchie says next year he hopes to have a child there to tell about the camp experience.

"Other than our soldiers serving overseas," Ritchie said, "these are the bravest people on the face of the earth."