Christmas Without Cancer Queen of Hearts Back in Play

Christmas Without Cancer administrators and committee members have been in a holding pattern since their Queen of Hearts momentum stalled with the closing of St. James Place in Oak Lawn, just one more establishment open again following a suspension of operation due to the pandemic.

With a current $115,000 raised, Christmas Without Cancer is offering online sales leading up to Thursday's live drawing at St. James Place, also scheduled to live stream at 7 p.m. July 16 on the Christmas Without Cancer Facebook site.

With fewer cards remaining than a Pinochle hand, a winner is assured in the remaining 11 weeks of summer, but caution remains paramount regarding healthy procedures.

"We worked carefully on a plan to consider our supporters and the state restrictions that govern St. James Place and occupancy," said Christmas Without Cancer founder Gerri Neylon. "Many of our staunchest supporters are cancer survivors, so, we'd prefer many of them stay home and enjoy the raffle suspense through Facebook.

"We hope the excitement we've enjoyed at St. James Place these many Thursdays is just as dramatic for those watching from home on their computers or phones."

For that reason, Christmas Without Cancer is selling Queen of Hearts raffle tickets while respecting St. James Place's need to remain at 50 patrons or less during the fourth phase of reopening of the state.

Manager Christopher Oleskiewicz opened the Oak Lawn establishment last Friday without a hitch but knows the Queen of Hearts event has been like New Year's Eve in Berlin as the prize money soared each Thursday.

"Everyone has bought in to how much half the money raised will help local families with cancer and bills related to their struggle," said Oleskiewicz. "We feel blessed because the entire St. James Place staff is healthy, so, staying the course is paramount for our staff and patrons.

"We're so looking forward to seeing everyone back so we've got a free raffle for a great surprise gift tomorrow."

At St. James Place, local "celebrity" bartender Sue Sommerville has been "the stick that stirs the drink" on Queen of Hearts raffle nights, while facilitating introductions so everyone knows everyone.

"Sue has been a driving force for us since last fall," said Renee Copeland, vice president of Christmas Without Cancer. "She's our greatest ambassador and we can't wait to see her."

"Christmas Without Cancer's "Queen of Hearts Raffle" campaign to raise funds for local families facing cancer has been bolstered throughout state shut down by the dozens of committee members and volunteers.

Copeland and the Christmas Without Cancer team have been uplifted by web-based initiatives empowering the organization to keep providing funds to needy families. Some highlights in the last few months include:

Butter Upon Bacon paid tribute on Fathers Day to family member Matt Hooker, a former Christmas Without Cancer board member who is remembered for his fight against cancer. The talented catering operation set up at the Public House in Blue Island for brunch. Proceeds from the day helped families under the Christmas Without Cancer wings.

"It's nice to see these businesses who have their own struggles with the pandemic to still give back during these difficult times," said Copeland.

Letz Box Chicago was floored by its cancellation for its annual fundraiser at Bourbon Street, but owner Dan Letz shook off the gut punch to create at tee-shirt fundraiser.

"Without hesitation, Dan put together the shirt fundraiser to help us raise much needed funds and create awareness with the messaging on the shirts," said Copeland.

Evergreen Park's Ann Frederickson won the "specialty raffle ticket" on Facebook driven raffle hosted by Neylon and Copeland.

"The specialty raffle was so much fun our supporters want us to do it again and we're already brewing up the next one with more prizes for more winners," said Copeland.

The lull in the action has allowed for Copeland and 5K Race Director Debbie Gardner to prepare for a virtual Christmas Without Cancer 5K Run/Walk uniquely scheduled between September 19 and September 26, 2020.

"This was not a knee-jerk reaction but rather a shift into a virtual race to allow our supporters to walk or run with a small group of family friends at a time and location of their choosing," said Copeland.

Race registration is currently open:
https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/AnyCityAnyState/ChristmasWithoutCancer5kRunWal
For businesses interested in receiving a sponsorship packet, please email christmaswithoutcancer@gmail.com before September 1, 2020.

"We have such a tight bond with our supporters that we know they'll adapt and do the extraordinary to help their neighbors locally in need," said Copeland, "We're blessed to have such a following."

For more information, visit the website at http://www.christmaswithoutcancer.org.