Super Jake Red Cape Gala Breaks Foundation Fundraising Records
Thanks to the incredible generosity of so many, the Super Jake Foundation’s Red Cape Gala, held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at the Westin North Shore, brought in a record breaking $125,000 for kids with cancer! These much-needed funds will be used to support neuroblastoma research and to underwrite the Foundation’s super hero patient grant program.
A sold-out crowd of more than 230 people donned their red capes, ties and gowns and joined us in the battle against pediatric cancer. Guests were treated to a spectacular show of artistic talent by Art Beat Live and to a fabulous dinner and outstanding service by the Westin North Shore staff. As always, the Al Sofia Orchestra left guests dancing the night away.
A number of super hero families and medical professionals honored us with their presence, some of whom contributed to a moving video on the realities of neuroblastoma that started off the evening.
Guests were reminded why we do what we do when special guest speaker, Will Mishler, a June 2015 Super Jake Hero Grantee, took the stage. Will was was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of 14 and shared what life is like as a kid battling cancer. Will has overcome so many obstacles and we were delighted to hear that he has recently started taking real estate courses at Indiana University.
During the evening, Joni Lamb, an incredible social worker at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago who has partnered with the Foundation for years on its patient grant program, was awarded the Super Hero of the Year Award. Congratulations, Joni.
This amazing event was made possible by the generosity of the many friends and businesses who kindly donated items for our live and silent auctions. We owe the evening’s success to the guests in attendance who bid, raffled and bought their way to making this our most successful event yet!
We would especially like to thank our presenting sponsor, Abbvie, and our other sponsors and in-kind supporters, including Takeda, Patrick BMW, Brad Floden, Cobalt Photography, Tyler Furlan, Tff Productions, and Alec Basse, Video Production.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the Gala volunteers and to our amazing and dedicated Board of Directors for their unwavering support, passion, and generosity in making the 2017 Red Cape Gala a night to remember!