In South Elgin, lights shine bright for a cause

Juniper Lane residents in South Elgin have been busy preparing their annual holiday lighting displays again this year with a renewed purpose.

In 2005, the neighbors collected more than $2,500 from people driving down the village's brightest Christmas block. The money was donated to Cal Sutter and his family.

Sutter, a Kenyon Woods Middle School student and Little League all-star who was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia in June 2005.

He endured several intensive treatments, but ultimately succumbed on Aug. 28, 2006. Even though he lost his battle to this disease, the courage he displayed throughout his traumatic ordeal is inspirational.

To learn more about Cal's courageous fight, visit www.caringbridge.org, the Web site that was established for loved ones to keep in touch with Cal and track his progress during his illness. Click the link for "Visit a Caring Bridge Site," then type in calsutter -- no spaces, all lowercase.

This year, Juniper Lane residents will support Cal's All-Star Angel Foundation with any donations received.

The foundation was founded in an effort to keep Cal's name alive in all of the hearts and minds he touched during his short lifetime, as well as to honor his love of baseball.

The foundation will award college-related financial assistance to one senior baseball player from South Elgin High School and another from St. Charles North High School each year; it will provide small miracles/wishes for pediatric cancer patients and financially assist the families; and it will provide funding for pediatric cancer research.

Juniper Lane has won the village light contest for the last 7 years, ever since the village began judging. This year, the residents are also sponsoring their eighth annual food drive. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the lights and the spirit of the holiday season, and to bring canned goods to share with those less fortunate.

Marked food donation containers will be placed curbside throughout the season. All donated food will be delivered to the South Elgin Food Pantry. Since the food drive began, more than 9,000 pounds have been donated and delivered to the pantry.

Visitors can also expect to see Santa from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturdays, as well as other nights as his busy schedule permits.

Residents want to thank everyone for their generous donations in years past and look forward to the best display ever this year.