Friends, coworkers plan bowling fundraiser for couple

It's been a harsh winter for Amy and Nick Sclafani. The Parkside Pub waitress and her husband have been struggling to survive, since their world turned upside down Nov. 2.

That's when a drunk driver smashed into Nick, who was riding his motorcycle, breaking nearly every bone in his face.

By some miracle, Nick survived, suffering from "severe lower facial trauma" and facing months of painful operations and therapy to repair the damage. A carpenter who works in home construction, Nick now spends his days in therapy or resting at home while Amy works at the Parkside Pub in downtown Huntley, struggling to meet their mounting bills while her husband recovers.

Tonight, her co-workers and friends here in Huntley will help the couple with a benefit fundraiser at the Bowl-Hi Lanes on Route 47.

"It's been a struggle, and we wanted to do something to help them," said Lisa Miles, a Parkside co-worker and friend.

"Everybody likes Amy, so when I started talking about it, everyone jumped on board."

Several Parkside employees, customers and local friends joined with Bowl-Hi owner Donnie Zielinski to plan the "Bowl-athon Benefit for Nick," starting at 7 p.m. tonight at 10520 S. Route 47.

Doors open at 7 p.m.; a $5 donation includes pizza and musical entertainment by D.J. Don Esposito of Lake In The Hills. A cash bar is available. A $20 donation also includes 40 -- yes, that's 40! -- frames of "casino partner bowling," Miles said.

"It's supposed to be just an absolute blast -- it's a long game, but it's going to be a lot of fun."

Starting at 10 p.m., pairs will compete in a casino-style game where a computerized "wheel" drops certain pins, and bowlers try to pick them up.

"It's basically your old candlelight bowling with a little twist," Zielinski says. "It uses a casino wheel, and they can win little prizes."

The $20 donation includes shoe rental and lane fees. Families are invited and kids are welcome. Bowlers should plan to arrive and register by 7 p.m., Miles said.

"If you don't have a partner, we'll find one for you."

If you don't bowl, that's OK, too.

Raffles will be held throughout the evening, and there will be a 50/50 drawing, Miles said.

At 8 p.m., a live auction by auctioneer Scott Naperman features premium prizes from area merchants, including a Jacuzzi-suite stay at the Holiday Inn Express, dinner for two at Montarra in Algonquin, a golf foursome at Pinecrest Golf Course, and a two-day motorcycle rental from Woodstock Harley Davidson.

One top prize, Miles said, is a tandem sky dive experience from the Chicagoland Skydiving Center.

For information, call the Bowl-Hi Lanes at (847) 669-5114.

Get jumping:ŒAgain this year, several Huntley Unit District 158 grade schools will take part in the American Heart Association "Jump Rope For Heart," an annual fundraising campaign scheduled in or around February -- National Heart Month -- at thousands of schools throughout the United States.

Students collect pledges, then join in a jump-rope team relay to raise money for heart disease research. Here in Huntley, Leggee Elementary students held "Jump Rope For Heart" sessions for each grade level Jan. 14-16.

Conley Elementary will hold their event Feb. 20-22, Chesak Elementary on March 5-7 and Mackeben Elementary March 17-19. Every year, Huntley schools raise thousands of dollars in pledge donations, and students also learn about the causes and treatment of heart disease. District 158's two middle schools also took part this year in the AHA "Hoops for Heart" fundraiser, held in December.

Students at Heineman and Marlowe Middle Schools raised over $13,000 at their basketball free-throw shooting events.

Valentine serenades:ŒWant to surprise your sweetie this Valentine's Day? The Fox Valley Men of Harmony will deliver a "Singing Valentine" to your special someone.

For 16 years, these local area barbershoppers have been spreading romance, roses, and Valentine love songs throughout the Fox Valley area, to raise money for their organization.

Between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, a formally dressed barbershop quartet will perform two love songs and present your favorite Valentine with a red silk rose and a personalized card. Deliveries may be scheduled at homes, workplaces, restaurants, classrooms, or even hospital rooms, says Arnie Olson of Elgin.

The cost is $40 for orders received by 6 p.m. Feb. 10, or $50 thereafter.

To reserve your time, call Olson at (847) 931-1432 or e-mail arn24@aol.com.