Benefit for Local Man in Search for Kidney Donor

Rick Bontkowski, William Fremd High School Graduate Class of 1986, is in End Stage Renal failure and is in desperate need of a kidney transplant to save his life. Rick grew up in the northwest suburbs, and currently resides with his wife and children in Plainfield, IL. His wife, Holly Gaylord Bontkowski, is a long-time resident and teacher in the community, as well as a Program Coordinator at University of St. Francis in Joliet.

Rick was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in 2010 after an infection in his foot caused him to lose part of his foot and toes. Though Rick eventually recovered from that surgery, the tides came in once again as Rick was diagnosed with kidney disease in June of 2014. The disease progressed rapidly and by January of 2015 it was determined that he was in End Stage Renal Failure. Rick is currently in dialysis three days per week. He began his search for a donor this month.

Though Rick has been listed on the national transplant waiting list, he is one of more than 100,000 waiting and unfortunately, in Illinois, that can mean up to a five to seven year wait.

A benefit will be held at Durty Nellie’s (180 N. Smith Street, Palatine, IL 60067) from 5-9 PM on Saturday, August 8th to support Rick and his family during this time and aid in his search for a kidney.

Rick is an accomplished musician and was a drummer for many local bands in his high school and college days. Some of his old bands - AWOL and BMW, among others - will on be stage from 6-8 PM.

Beyond the live music, there will be a Silent Auction and 50/50 Raffles, as well as food, included in the ticket price of $45.

There will be an incredible array of auction items including a Fender American Standard Sunburst Telecaster guitar; a 4-5 hour Sailboat Cruise for 3 couples; Shure SE535 Earphones; Longevity Spa Package; Isabella Rose bracelets; TaylorMade golf driver; rock memorabilia; Blackhawks tickets and autographed merchandise; and much, much more.

Tickets can be bought online at https://itrulycare.com/events/rock-for-a-kidney, reserved by email, or limited tickets will be available at the door.

If you have any questions about the event, or would prefer to purchase your ticket from one of our volunteers via cash or check or make a donation, please email rockforakidney@gmail.com

If you are interested in learning more about Rick or his journey to this point, or becoming a living kidney donor, go to www.rickneedsakidney.net