Treasuring Our Kids “Superhero” Fundraiser a Tremendous Success

The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation (POTCF) recently hosted its Ninth Annual Treasuring Our Kids “Superhero” 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 250 people gathered at Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park on April 7th 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 Superhero event raised more than $55,000 to benefit childhood cancer patients.

The evening’s agenda overflowed with memorable moments beginning with Emcees Giuliano and Maureen Cipolla’s welcoming words. The couple entertained attendees throughout the busy evening and kept everyone focused on the positive impact of the Foundation’s support of childhood cancer patients. Honorary Chairperson and Lakewood resident Hudson Younge and his family were presented with custom shoes created by Astrotorf Customs and a basket filled with Superhero toys while Hudson’s mother Shelby and father Bryan 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 13,000 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 25th 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 (l-r): Honorary Chair Younge family dad Bryan, brother Braedon, mom Shelby, Honorary Chair Hudson, brother Evan and sister Avery at the Ninth Annual Treasuring Our Kids event.

Photo 2 caption(l-r): Honorary Chairperson Hudson Younge is joined by Astrotorf Customs Owner Brad Torf and Treasure Chest Foundation Board member and event co-chair Jose Rodriguez as they show off the new custom-made shoes during the Ninth Annual Treasuring Our Kids Fundraiser.