Seventh Annual Treasuring Our Kids "Decades of Success" a Tremendous Triumph

The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation recently hosted its Seventh Annual Treasuring Our Kids "Decades of Success" Fundraiser. The nearly 250 people gathered at Chicago Gaelic Park on April 2nd witnessed a remarkable evening that included a delicious dinner and wonderful musical entertainment along with chances to win exciting prizes through silent and live auctions and raffles. The final tally shows the "Decades of Success" event raised more than $31,000.00

The evening's agenda overflowed with memorable moments beginning with Emcees Giuliano and Maureen Cipolla's welcoming words. The couple entertained attendees throughout the night's busy schedule and kept everyone focused on the positive impact of the Foundation's support of childhood cancer patients. Honorary Chairperson Mya Tinajero and her family were presented with a treasure chest full of toys by Board President James Rodriguez, and the musical entertainment brought many dancers out on the floor while reflecting the event's theme of Decades of Success.

Throughout the evening, the words and actions of all those present reflected the Foundation's gratitude for the loyal support it has received as well as the incredible strength and courage of the children and families who are battling childhood cancer.

The POTCF is a unique organization whose services impact more than 9,300 young cancer patients each month. Nowhere else in the nation does such a program exist. Ms. Kisel founded the organization in 1996 after her then seven-year-old son Martin had been diagnosed with leukemia in 1993. She discovered that giving her son a toy after each procedure provided a calming distraction from his pain, noting that when children are diagnosed with cancer their world soon becomes filled with doctors, nurses, chemotherapy drugs, surgeries and seemingly endless painful procedures. Martin celebrated his 23rd anniversary of remission from the disease earlier this year.

If you would like further information about the Treasure Chest Foundation, please contact Colleen Kisel at 708-687-TOYS (8697) or visit the Foundation’s web site at www.treasurechest.org.

Photo 1 caption: Antonio Tinajero delivers a moving speech about his daughter Mya's treatment and the Treasure Chest Foundation's impact.

Photo 2 caption: Honorary Chairperson Mya Tinajero (center) and parents Antonio and Misti accept a treasure chest of toys from Board President James Rodriguez during the Seventh Annual Treasuring Our Kids Decades of Success fundraiser.

Photo 3caption: The Treasure Chest Foundation was fortunate to have two members of our Board of Directors, Giuliano and Maureen Cipolla, serve as Emcees for our Treasuring Our Kids fundraiser. Maureen is also the Foundation's Treasurer,
and she and Giuliano have both polished their public speaking skills
as members of Toastmasters.

Photo 4 caption: A successful event of this magnitude required an incredible level of teamwork and cooperation from the planning committee which was headed by Board President James Rodriguez (third from right).