Carol Stream Companies Pack the House for American Cancer Society
Supporters of American Litho's Relay For Life team filled Bulldog Ale House in Carol Stream the evening of May 18 for the BEST MONDAY EVER, a fundraiser to propel the team closer to its $15,000 goal on behalf of the American Cancer Society.
Tables filled with ALitho staffers, their families and friends enjoyed great food and drinks, featuring a red, white and blue cocktail created by Bulldog mixologists for the event.
Relay team leader Sam Dentino of Bloomingdale, who worked with Bulldog General Manager Dani Landau to organize the event, thanked Landau, ALitho President Mike Fontana and VP Chris Joyaux for their "extremely generous support. Just look at this place … everyone's here, and it's really moving to see so many of us coming out for a great cause," he said.
The party added fun and inspiration to ALitho's Relay efforts, which come together Saturday, June 27 when supporters hit the track at Relay For Life of Carol Stream. The company has reached Silver Team status with $5,500 raised to date and more on the way, says team captain Frank Arostegui of Aurora.
In between the laughs, there were more than a few stories of loved ones lost to cancer, Arostegui said.
"We had serious moments and even shed a few tears," he said. "I guess that underlines why we're doing this: cancer affects far too many of us to ignore." A survivor of squamous cell carcinoma, Arostegui now serves on the American Cancer Society's Regional Leadership Board for the DuPage county area.
Relay team leaders Joe Bulgarelli, Karie Vaughn and Ellie Valadez, who helped publicize the event inside and outside ALitho, were excited about the turnout and the $500 donation from Bulldogs, reflecting 10% of the night's proceeds.
"We'll keep pushing all through June as we work toward our goal," says Bulgarelli, a St. Charles resident who recently teamed up with his wife, Ursula, to organize a Cookies for Cancer event that offered homemade chocolate-chip goodness in return for cash donations from ALitho employees.
Relay For Life funds fuel the American Cancer Society's free programs for cancer patients, caregivers and families, research for new cures and community-based education to help all Americans reduce their cancer risks. Anyone seeking support and resources in the wake of a cancer diagnosis can call ACS anytime, day or night, for help in multiple languages. The number to dial is 800-227-2345.
More information on the Carol Stream event, which has already raised close to $25,000 for the cancer fight, can be found at www.relayforlife.org.