Tenth Annual Treasuring Our Kids Fundraiser a Tremendous Success

The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation (POTCF) recently hosted its Tenth Annual Treasuring Our Kids “Mad Hatter Dinner Party” Fundraiser. The mission of the Orland Park-based non-profit organization is to provide comfort and distraction from painful procedures to children who have been diagnosed with cancer by providing gifts from a treasure chest.

The nearly 240 people gathered at Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park on March 23rd witnessed a remarkable evening that included a delicious plate dinner and live musical entertainment along with chances to win exciting prizes through silent and live auctions and raffles. The final tally showed the Mad Hatter Dinner Party event raised more than $53,000 to benefit childhood cancer patients.

The evening’s agenda overflowed with memorable moments beginning with Emcee CBS Channel 2 news anchor Jim Williams’ welcoming words. Jim’s professionalism was evident as he guided everyone through the agenda and kept everyone focused on the positive impact of the Foundation’s support of childhood cancer patients.

Trevor’s mother Mary and father John expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the Foundation’s services and urged attendees to continue their valuable support.

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 13,300 young cancer patients enduring 20,000 clinic visits each month in 19 states across the nation. Nowhere else in the nation does such a program exist. Colleen Kisel founded the organization in 1996 after her then seven-year-old son Martin had been diagnosed with leukemia in 1993. Ms. Kisel 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 26th anniversary of remission from the disease in March.

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.