Fox Valley fundraisers

Fund-raisers To submit your listing, e-mail foxvalley@dailyherald.com, or fax (847) 608-0849.

Relay For Life: The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of North Kane is looking for individuals and teams to participate in the annual event.

The Relay is an indoor, 12-hour event and will take place Friday and Saturday. The event begins at 6 p.m. Friday at Dundee-Crown High School in Carpentersville.

Participants raise funds for the American Cancer Society to fund cancer research and other ACS programs in the area. This is a community event for all ages. Everyone is welcome enjoy the fun and festivities.

For details on the event, fundraising ideas or to register for the Relay, visit www. relayforlifenorthkane.com or call Liz Evans at the American Cancer Society office in Batavia at (630) 879-9009.

Charity basketball: The annual Children Are Loved Forever charity basketball game is set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the St. Catherine of Siena Parish gymnasium, routes 72 and 31 in West Dundee.

The West Dundee Police Department will play the St. Catherine Boy's and Girl's basketball teams. Admission is a non-perishable canned food for FISH Food Pantry in Carpentersville.

There will be free giveaways and a free-throw contest. Bring the whole family.

Da Vinci Academy auction: Da Vinci Academy will hold its annual Benefit Auction beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Q Center in St. Charles.

The event is a key fundraiser for Da Vinci Academy, with proceeds supporting the school's programs for intellectually gifted and talented students in pre-kindergarten to eighth grade.

The event is attended by Da Vinci parents, faculty, friends and guests. Attendees enjoy a gourmet meal along with all of the auction activities: the live and silent auctions, Golden Ticket raffle drawing, and Fund-a-Project items that meet specific requests for academic enhancements.

Da Vinci Academy invites the local community to donate items, purchase sponsorship benefit packages, advertise in the auction catalog, and attend the event.

The auction provides local businesses with excellent opportunities to reach Da Vinci families who live and shop in the area.

For information, e-mail to auction@dvacademy.org or call (847) 841-7532.

Da Vinci Academy, an independent school for intellectually gifted students in pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, is at 37W080 Hopps Road, just west of Randall Road in Elgin. For information, visit www.dvacademy.org.

Run for the Arts: The 11th annual Bob Blazier Run for the Arts on Sunday will feature a new 50-yard dash for children, a 5K and a 1-mile event.

The 5K, a CARA-registered event, begins at 8 a.m. Participants can either walk or run the course. The 1-mile event, starting at 8:45 a.m., is open to all ages with ribbons awarded to finishers. The new 50-yard dash, starting at 9 a.m., is for children, age 12 and younger, with fun prizes awarded to top finishers.

The event course runs through the scenic neighborhoods of Crystal Lake, with the starting line at North Williams and Paddock streets and the finish in front of Raue Center. The course is asphalt/concrete and is USATF certified. Water will be available along the course and food and drinks will be available at the finish line. Split times will be announced at miles 1, 2 and 3. First aid stations are located at the beginning, mile 2 and end of the course.

Runners with baby joggers and strollers are not allowed in the race. In addition, bicycles, in-line skates, roller skates, other wheeled vehicles, except wheelchairs, and dogs will not be allowed on the course.

Participants can raise additional funds for Raue Center by collecting pledges. A pledge form can be downloaded at www.rauecenter.org.

A little friendly competition never hurt anyone. Get your family and friends together and register a team to participate. Businesses can take the corporate challenge. Establish a team of employees to participate in the event. Special prizes will be awarded to the largest team. For information, visit www.rauecenter.org.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event benefit Raue Center and will be used to support its many programs. T-shirts will be given to the first 300 participants who register.

After April 25, registration is $35 for adults, $28 for CARA members, $25 for under age 12 and $18 for CARA members under age 12. Cost for the 1-mile run is $15.

Packet pickup will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Race Day registration will be available from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m.

To register for the race, visit www.rauecenter.org.

The Chicago Area Runners Association is a nonprofit organization devoted to expanding, motivating, supporting and celebrating the running community of the Chicago area. To learn more about CARA, visit www.cararuns.org.

Native plant sale: The Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee will host Native Plant Sale 2008 from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at the McHenry County College cafeteria, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake.

Prairie plants and grasses are $2.50; woodland species and ferns will sell from $3 to $5. More than 150 species are available. Native plants for every environment: prairie, woodland, savanna and wetland. All plants are grown from seed, division of "home" stock or acquired from nurseries. None are taken from the wild.

Organic heirloom garden vegetables and herbs from W&M Landcorp Organic Nursery and native trees from Ohana Farms of Marengo will be offered for sale.

For more information, visit Web site TheWPPC.org.

Cash and check only, no credit cards.

The WPPC is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting native species through preservation, propagation and education.

Judaica Boutique: Fox Valley Jewish Neighbors in Geneva will hold a Judaica Boutique and Bake Sale from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. This sale will feature new and gently used Jewish items, including Jewish holiday place mats, mugs, decorations, books and more.

You can participate by: contributing any Judaica items that you have available for sale at the boutique. If you want to retain a portion of the proceeds on higher priced items, that can be arranged or baking; otherwise providing goods for the bake sale; volunteer to work at the Judaica Boutique inside FVJN and/or at the bake sale just outside FVJN.

FVJN is at 121 S. Third St., in Geneva. Contact Barb Novy by e-mail to barbara_fvjn @yahoo.com, with the details of how you will be able to help.

Five percent of all gross proceeds from FVJN events are donated to local not-for-profit organizations.

Cinco de Meow: Anderson Animal Shelter is hosting "Cinco de Meow" from 7 to 10:30 p.m. May 9 at Carmina's Mexican Restaurant in Elgin.

The evening will feature a Mexican hors d'oeuvres buffet, margaritas, live music by Alejandro Urzagaste, a performance by Reflejo Latino Dance group, and raffles.

Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door.

Carmina's Mexcian Restaurant is located at 1055 N. Randall Road.

To purchase tickets for the event or for information, call Kathy Melone at (847) 697-2880, ext. 33 or e-mail kmelone@andersonanimalshelter.org.

Proceeds from this event will benefit Anderson Animal Shelter -- a shelter providing temporary housing for approximately 3,400 homeless or abandoned companion animals annually. Anderson Animal Shelter is passionately committed not only to providing shelter to animals that are in need, but also to eliminating the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals, and doing everything in its power to help curb pet overpopulation through its spay/neuter efforts.

Walk & Roll Elgin: Friends, neighbors and cancer survivors are coming together for the American Cancer Society's first "Walk & Roll" event in the Fox Valley.

"Walk & Roll Elgin" is a 5-mile walk, 10-mile in-line skate, or 15-mile bike ride where individuals and teams of local businesses, schools, churches, community groups and families raise funds to fight cancer.

This year's "Walk & Roll Elgin" will be held on May 10 at Festival Park in downtown Elgin.

"Walk and Roll" events in Chicago and Skokie last year raised over $1 million for cancer research, education, advocacy and services for patients and their families. This is the first year that a "Walk and Roll" event is being held in the Fox Valley.

For information, or to register for "Walk and Roll," call Keri Nelson at the American Cancer Society at (630) 879-9009, or visit www.walkroll.org/elgin.

All Day Raffle: An All Day Raffle sponsored by 5th District Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary is scheduled on May 10 at the Antioch VFW at 75 North Ave., Antioch.

There will be two fun-filled sessions. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.; first raffle starts at 10 a.m. Second raffle starts no earlier than 1 p.m.

The event features food, raffles and prizes. Pull tabs will be available.

For more information call Carolyn Gratz at (847) 740-0164.

Twelve face cards and special games, $25. Each packet includes all games being played. Extra cards will be on sale at the door

Proceeds of the event will be used for cancer aid and research and other VFW programs.

Spring luncheon: Options & Advocacy is hosting its second annual Spring Luncheon on Saturday, May 10 at the Walleye Grill in the Sun City community of Huntley.

The luncheon will feature "Songs of a Woman's Life" by Jenny Riddle.

This cabaret performance celebrates the different stages of a woman's life -- from growing up to first loves, friendships, marriage, motherhood, and growing older with grace and love.

What a great Mother's Day gift for the special woman in your life.

Tickets are $45 and will support Options & Advocacy's programs which serve 1,200 infants, children, and adults with disabilities. To purchase tickets, call Debby Eifert at (815) 477-4720, ext. 221.

Spring luncheon: The Friends of Judson University invite you to its annual Spring Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 12 at in the Eagle Lounge on the Judson University campus.

In line with a Japanese theme, you will enjoy a tasty lunch, hear retired missionary and adjunct professor Judy DeRolf and enjoy a musical presentation.

In addition, participants will hear about fund-raising projects and events that contribute to student scholarships and quality of life. Call (847) 741-7176 for more information and reservations.

Colonial Care Benefit and Walk 5K for Caitlin: Colonial Café, 600 S. McLean Blvd in Elgin, will hold Colonial Care Benefit Night from 4:30 to 11 p.m. May 22.

A portion of sales generated by customers who mention Walk 5K for Caitlin at check-out will be donated to the nonprofit organization.

Caitlin Weese was hit by a drunk driver on May 22, 2003, and died of her injuries two days later; one week before what would have been her graduation from Larkin High School and three weeks before her 18th birthday.

In 2004, Caitlin's mother and step-father, Diane and Joel Mains, founded the Caitlin E. Weese Charitable Trust a/k/a Walk 5K for Caitlin.

This 501(c)3 charitable organization funds a college scholarship to a Larkin High School student in memory of Caitlin, and also supports the victims' assistance fund for the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists.

Last year, the fourth walk drew 285 participants and raised $21,000. The goal is to eventually make the scholarship self-sustaining so that there will always be a Caitlin E. Weese Scholarship, and to continue to support AAIM and its initiatives.

In August 2006, Caitlin's mother, Diane, died unexpectedly at the age of 48. The official cause of death was complications of heart surgery but there is no doubt in the mind of her loved ones that she succumbed to a broken heart after the loss of her child. She was the heart and soul of the family and of the Walk 5K for Caitlin and so to honor her; family and friends continue to work even harder to make this legacy remain a success.

Colonial Cafe will donate 10 to 20 percent of its proceeds on its Colonial Care Benefit Nights, based on total receipts from participating customers -- the greater the participation, the higher the percentage returned. Customers need only to mention Walk 5K for Caitlin while checking out after 4:30 p.m. May 22.

The fifth annual Walk 5K for Caitlin will be held on June 7 at St. Thomas More School, off Highland Avenue in Elgin. For information or additional ways to donate, visit www.walk5kforcaitlin.com.

Wheelchair donations needed: Elgin Township is collecting wheelchairs to assist physically challenged residents.

Township supervisor Annette Miller stated that the used wheelchairs can be donated to Elgin Township residents who are unable to afford them.

The Elgin Township has arranged a partnership with the Fox Valley FITE (previously known as the Fox Valley Center for Independent Living) to increase service to clients on a waiting list to receive wheelchairs.

The program will run through June 30. Anyone with wheelchairs to donate can call (847) 741-2045 to arrange for pickup, or you may drop off the wheelchair at the Elgin Township Office at 729 S. McLean Blvd., Elgin.

Hospice garden party: Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice will host its annual "Garden Party" on May 27 at the Q Center, off Route 25 in St. Charles.

This year, there will be the chance to bid on the "Best Seat in the House" and a magical transformation by Quick Change artists David & Dania, stars of TV's "America's Got Talent."

For "The Best Seat in the House," you will be seated directly in front of the stage and complete with an exclusive menu, your own server, table favors valued at $225 and more.

With room for you and seven guests, this is the only way to guarantee your tickets to this popular event before they go on sale to the public. Bidding will begin at $600 starting now and close at 4:30 p.m. April 14. You can place your bid by calling Jackie Lowe at (630) 232-2233, ext. 228. Credit cards, cash and checks will be accepted.

This year's themed basket raffle with include baskets ranging in value up to $5,000. Enter to win a 1.83 karat diamond necklace, a Power Wheels car, designer purses, more than $2,000 in gift certificates, a two-week stay on Sanibel Island, $1,000 cash and more. Tickets are $5 each, $40 for 10 or $100 for 30 tickets. Tickets for Garden Party are $60 each and will go on sale April 15 at the FVVH office or by calling (630) 232-2233. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted in person while credit cards only will be accepted via phone. Call FVVH with any questions or to purchase raffle tickets.