Homer Glen Family Holds 'Chalk-A-Thon' To Give Back To Charity

HOMER GLEN, IL — One Homer Glen family is giving back to Ronald McDonald House, after the charity supported them while their daughter was sick. The Cepkauskas family will be hosting the "Cepkauskas Chalk-a-Thon" at 12 p.m. Oct. 7 to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House.

The family is encouraging neighbors across Homer Glen to fill their sidewalks with chalk and support Ronald McDonald House. According to the family's site, they wanted to raise $1,000 for the charity, and have already surpassed that goal with $1,075 raised.

When Emily Cepkauskas was born, it was learned she had a large hole at the center of her heart. According to the family's Facebook page, Emily spent three and a half months at the hospital in the pediatric ICU many miles away from their Homer Glen home. The family was able to stay at a Ronald McDonald House near the hospital, where they were welcomed and their son, Tyler, could have friends to play with, the family said.

Laurie Cepkauskas, mother to both Emily and Tyler, said one of the family's favorite things to do is play outside, but they weren't able to do that much while Emily was sick. They've created the "chalk-a-thon"to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House and also spend time outside drawing with chalk with friends and family.

According to Laurie, her son Tyler told her he will fill the entire block with chalk, since they raised $1,000.

"We want to encourage our community to do this along with us," Laurie said. "Go outside and fill up their neighborhood sidewalks with uplifting messages and images."

Laurie said Ronald McDonald House allowed her to stay close to Emily when she needed me most.

"We hope to help RMHC provide the gift of hugs, laughter, and time together to even more families like ours," she said.

To donate to the Cepkauskas' fundraiser or join in on the event, you can visit their site.

Photo provided by the Cepkauskas family.