Fundraiser Planned to Support Family Struck by Tragedy

BANNOCKBURN, IL - Bari Kaplan, a resident of Highland Park and dance instructor at Midtown Bannockburn, does not know Jenny and Dave Roock.

But she was touched and heartbroken by the tragic news earlier this summer when two of the Chicago couple’s three daughters were killed in an automobile accident in central Illinois. Abby and Maya lost their lives and 7-year-old Maddy barely survived.

A GoFundMe effort to help Maddy has nearly reached more than $200,000 of its $250,000 goal. And Kaplan will do her part to add to that total with a dance fundraiser planned for Friday, Sept. 23 from 5:40-7 p.m. at Midtown Athletic Club Bannockburn.

“Being a mom, when I heard what happened it just touched me,” said Kaplan. “I wondered how I could help.”

Kaplan also made a post on the North Shore Moms Facebook group seeking to set up a phone call or FaceTime session between Maddy and Taylor Swift, the singer who has come to be known for making dreams come true for children experiencing extreme difficulties.

She says that a few shares and Tweets to Swift later and the story “was in Taylor’s hands.” She FaceTimed Maddy shortly after hearing her story.

Everyone is welcome to have drinks and taste appetizers at the fundraiser at Midtown Bannockburn.

Photo via GoFundMe