Treasuring Our Kids “Candyland” Fundraiser a Tremendous Success

The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation (POTCF) recently hosted its Eleventh Annual Treasuring Our Kids “Candyland” 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.

More than 300 people gathered at the Odyssey Country Club on March 25 and 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 “Candyland” event raised more than $71,000 to benefit children and teens fighting cancer.

The evening’s agenda overflowed with memorable moments beginning with welcoming words from Board President Salvatore Cirrincione. Emcees Michael Schofield and Kendall Coyne Schofield kept everyone focused on the positive impact of the Foundation’s support of childhood cancer patients. Honorary Chairperson Avery Quarles and his family were presented with a gift certificate to The Dirt Oval at Route 66 Raceway, along with a new bike and numerous toys while Avery’s mother Amy Quarles expressed her 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.

Thank you for your continued support of the Treasure Chest Foundation!

The POTCF is a unique organization whose services impact more than 16,100 young cancer patients in 66 cancer treatment centers in 21 states across the nation and in the District of Columbia. 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 30th anniversary of remission from the disease in March of this year.

If you would like further information about the Treasure Chest Foundation, please contact Colleen Kisel at 1-708-687-TOYS (8697) or visit the Foundation’s website at www.treasurechest.org