What a magic day, thanks to many
To the editor: I recently had the honor of taking part in an incredible act of kindness. On Dec. 8, four young cancer patients not only went to see Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers perform, but met these teen idols at a sold-out concert at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.
All four of these girls had their wish granted through the Bear Necessities Pediatric Foundation's Small Miracles program. Bear Necessities volunteer Cheryl Arts sent out an e-mail on Halloween that eventually made its way to Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens. Brad's father's recent battle with cancer, along with his personal experience of having a sick child, prompted him to embrace this wish. The girls and their families attended the concert and a party in the mayor's skybox, and received gifts including a laptop, hard-to-get toys and dolls, video iPods, T-shirts. and even a puppy! Their parents also received weekend stays at Indian Lakes Resort.
The day was fabulous. The girls and their families arrived at the Allstate Arena in limousines and were escorted to a meet-and-greet with the Jonas Brothers. Then they went into the mayor's skybox, where there were plenty of food and drinks.
The show itself did not disappoint. Both performers were incredible onstage, delivering a powerful performance to the sold-out audience of screaming fans! All the girls and their friends and family stood from beginning to end singing, screaming and dancing with the crowd.
But the best part was yet to come. After the show ended, all four girls were escorted to another meet and greet, where they got to meet and take pictures with Hannah Montana herself, Miley Cyrus.
Many thanks to Cheryl Arts and the Bear Necessities Pediatric Foundation, River Grove Mayor Marilynn May for supplying limousines, the great staff at the Allstate Arena, all the many volunteers and givers (you know who you are), and especially to Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens for making this wonderful day come true.
Even Gov. Blagojevich was in a giving spirit when he met the girls and invited them all to stay at the governor's mansion in Springfield.
I urge everyone to support these wonderful foundations and the work they do to support cancer patients and their families.
Rick Weigand, president
Strike at Cancer Foundation, Franklin Park
Food drive success deserves thanks
To the editor: Palatine Township extends our sincere thanks to Lavelle Law Ltd. for planning and coordinating the fourth annual Palatine Food Drive. A special thanks to Kerry Lavelle for his efforts in making the local food drive a success.
Over 10 pallets of non-perishable food items were donated to the Palatine Township Food Pantry. Our thanks to the local community for your continued support and donations to the Township Food Pantry; you make a difference in our community.
Linda Fleming, supervisor
Palatine Township