Boy Donates $2K, Pantry Honors Betty, More: Good News, Illinois

ACROSS ILLINOIS — New Year's Eve has come and gone and 2022 is upon us, bringing with it those all-too-familiar single-digit temps. We could all use a healthy dose of good news to start out the new year. We at Illinois Patch created this roundup of the week's best "good news" articles to celebrate the stories that make us smile. From a local pantry that's honoring Betty White's memory, to a boy who raised money to help families of children with craniosynostosis, we hope these Good News, Illinois, stories brighten your day!

Lights On Ekman Show Raises More Than $4K For Batavia Nonprofit

For the second year in a row, Brett Foy, the show's organizer, has raised and donated more than $4,000 to Batavia Mothers' Club Foundation.

Furiends Of Manhattan To Honor Betty White Legacy With Fundraiser

The nonprofit pet pantry is asking for donations to help local pet owners get the supplies they need for their furry friends.

Evergreen Park's Abbey Murphy's Grit Leads To Olympic Stage

Murphy is the second-youngest woman to make a U.S. Olympic hockey team and has already made a strong impression on her teammates.

South Suburban Native Releases First Film To Premier At Theater

"Burning in Trial" was set to premier at an Orland Park theater but was cancelled. Matthew Dunlap is still sharing his work, however.

New Lenox Boy, 8, Raises More Than $2K For Special Cause

The money is going to Cranio Care Bears, a nonprofit group that gives care packages to families of children with craniosynostosis.

Want to celebrate someone or something that made you smile? Have a Good News, Illinois, story of your own you'd like us to feature? Email lisa.farver@patch.com.