Volunteers hope to 'tag out' ALS with fundraisers in May

If you're driving through Barrington today or Saturday, and see people standing in the streets wearing yellow aprons, don't be concerned you are interrupting a cooking demonstration.

Those wearing the yellow aprons, about 150 of them, are all volunteers collecting money to help "tag out" ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Money raised will go to the Les Turner ALS Foundation.

The collection efforts, which will take place at street corners and in front of businesses throughout town, are being led by Barrington's Bob Lee, who at this time last year was riding his bike across the country as part of his "Ride for 3 Reasons."

Lee said he enjoys the charity fundraiser because it allows him and the rest of the volunteers a chance to see how great people in the community can be.

"You are able to see the goodness in people," Lee said.

Included in the volunteers will be the 85 student athletes in the Barrington High School baseball program.

Since ALS is nicknamed for baseball legend Lou Gehrig, who died at age 37, Barrington head baseball coach Jim Hawrysko said he thought this would be a great service project for the team.

"I thought it was a perfect fit for our program," he said.

Whether the donations are large or small, Lee said everything is very much appreciated.

"Some people empty their change holders out and some people write checks," Lee said. "It all adds up."

A new addition to this year's fundraiser is that everyone who donates will be given a flier, that when presented at certain stores in town will result in a portion of the sales being donated to the Les Turner ALS Foundation.

Participating stores include Kelley Wine Cellars, Long & Co. Jewelers, Wool Street Grill and Sports Bar, Tropical Smoothies and Enhance Your View-Hunter Douglas Window Coverings

ALS is a terminal neuromuscular disease that causes impaired speaking, swallowing, breathing, muscle wasting and, eventually, total paralysis and death. Presently, little is known about the causes of ALS and there is no prevention or cure.

"To me this is the most devastating disease someone could be diagnosed with," Lee said.

Established in 1977, the Les Turner ALS Foundation is recognized internationally and is the only independent, publicly supported non-profit organization in the Chicago area dedicated solely to the treatment and elimination of ALS.

Lee said the goal this year is to raise $10,000.

"I am hoping the weather will cooperate," he said.

ALS "tag days" will be taking place throughout the Chicago area each weekend in May.

For more information about Tag Days, contact the Les Turner ALS Foundation at (847) 679-3311 or visit www.lesturnerals.org.