A Cubs outing for officer, scholarship

Ed Dillon was a fan of Peggy Kinnane's Restaurant in downtown Arlington Heights.

The police investigator was often seen in the pub when he wasn't working, chatting with customers and watching Cubs games.

Peggy's owner Derek Hanley knows his regulars and, even after their death, does what he can to help them out. On Dec. 31, Dillon, 27, took his own life. He leaves behind an empty stool, lots of memories and parents who are still grieving.

Because Dillon loved the Notre Dame football and Cubs baseball, Hanley, along with Dillon's parents Ed and Ellen, will host a Cubs rooftop fundraiser in Dillon's memory May 18.

If successful, the event will raise about $30,000, with half going to the Edward A. Dillon Memorial Scholarship Fund and half going to Salute, a nonprofit group that supports active-duty military personnel.

The $225 ticket will include breakfast at Peggy's, coach bus transportation to and from the game, and unlimited food and beverages at the game. There will also be a raffle.

In total, 275 tickets are available and need to be sold.

"Being the die-hard Cubs fan he was, he will certainly be present at the event in sprit," said his dad, Edward J. Dillon.

The scholarship will go to a Stevenson High School senior, Dillon said.

The police officer graduated from the high school in 1998 and as a student worked in the school's audio-visual department.

Dillon went on to earn a bachelor's in political science and journalism from Bradley University in 2002. Three years later, he added a master's in criminal justice from Boston University.

He joined the Arlington Heights police force in March 2003 and was an investigator specializing in financial crimes when he died. He also served as treasurer of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 80.

"This is a tribute to Ed, to his life," said his mom, Ellen, about the fundraiser.

Hanley often offers up his pub for a good cause. He has held fundraisers for people suffering from cancer, multiple sclerosis, leukemia and cystic fibrosis. Every fall, Hanley also hosts a golf outing to raise money for hospice care in memory of his father, who died in Ireland.

"Ed came here all the time, and with the blessing of his family, this is just something I wanted to do," Hanley said.

If successful, the Cubs rooftop event will return next year.

To buy tickets or for more information on the Cubs rooftop party, call Hanley at Peggy's at (847) 577-7733.

Information can also be found at www.peggykinnanes.com.