Heroes Bash to raise money for cancer research

Three years ago, Ann and Matt Widman created the Super Jake Foundation in memory of their son, Jake, a superhero who lost his courageous battle with the childhood cancer neuroblastoma in 2005, at the age of 4.

The foundation organized its first Heroes Bash to celebrate Jake's birthday, and since then, it's raised $900,000 for research on pediatric cancer and to support children with cancer and their families.

This Saturday, the foundation hopes to reach a fundraising milestone: $1 million.

This year's Heroes Bash will take place from 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Northbrook Hilton.

"I hope and pray we reach it. I think it's very exciting," Ann Widman said. "It says a lot about the organization and a lot about Jake and his impact."

In honor of Jake's love of super heroes and his courageous battle, guests who attend the bash are invited to dress the part.

"There is a little bit of hero in all of us," Widman said.

While many enjoy coming dressed as Superman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman and even the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, there is another motivation to don the spandex. The foundation will hold its first costume contest, honoring first-, second- and third-place winners in adult and child categories.

The evening will include appetizers, dinner stations, a live auction including vacation and sports packages and a silent auction featuring more than 200 items. There also will be a 50/50 raffle. Raffle tickets cost $10 each or three for $20.

Also at the event, the foundation will present its Super Jake Heroes Award to its first corporation, Abbott Laboratories.

Widman said it is now more important than ever to raise awareness as there are not many organizations that focus on pediatric cancer. She said 80 percent of money raised goes toward research programs across the country, including in Chicago, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and at Texas A&M University.

Widman said the foundation also created a new grant program to give up to $5,000 to Illinois neuroblastoma patients and their families. While she and Matt were fortunate to have professional-level jobs at Abbott, Jake's treatment rocked their world financially. She remembers they would not open bills when they arrived in the mail.

"He died three years ago, and we still are paying off his medical bills and still get collector calls," she said.

The foundation does what it can to help ease financial burdens families face. One family sought help to pay student loans. Another needed a bed as their child was bed ridden and had a broken bed.

"It's difficult managing all of that and focusing to get your child well," she said.

Tickets to attend the bash cost $100. Advance reservations can be made on the foundation Web site, thejakefoundation.org, or you can pay admission at the door.

Heroes Bash

The Super Jake Foundation hopes to reach a fundraising milestone of $1 million at this year's Heroes Bash.

When: Saturday, Nov. 8

Time: 7 p.m. to midnight

Place: Northbrook Hilton, 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Cost: Tickets are $100

More info: thejakefoundation.org