Carol Stream fundraiser honors Glenbard North grad

Since her days in middle school, Alexa Bertram knew what she wanted, and it all centered on three letters: NIU.

The DeKalb university was the only one she ever wanted to attend in her pursuit of becoming a licensed clinical psychologist. And it was the only one that received her application.

Last spring, the 17-year-old seemed well on her way. With a diploma from Glenbard North High School in hand, the Carol Stream girl was looking forward to beginning the process of growing up.

Two weeks after graduation, though, Bertram died unexpectedly, leaving her family to pick up the pieces and think of ways to continue her shattered dreams.

They settled on an endowed scholarship to enable future Glenbard North graduates to attend NIU, and preferably pursue psychology.

The first of their fundraisers is planned for Sunday, Nov. 30, at the Village Tavern & Grill in Carol Stream. The restaurant is donating a portion of the proceeds to anyone who presents them with the flier for the event. Michelle Niebuhr, Alexa's mother, said fliers must be brought into the restaurant, they cannot be handed out on-site.

All of the money collected will go into a fund that specifically supports the scholarship, she said.

The fundraiser starts at 11 a.m. and continues until 11 p.m. at 291 S. Schmale, Carol Stream.

Niebuhr said the family is also raffling 10 donated items, including a home stereo, two mp3 players and gift certificates.

For more information, call Niebuhr at (630) 665-3521.

To get a copy of the flier for Sunday's event, visit memorialwebsites.legacy.com/AlexaRaeBertram/ and click on the "donate" link.