Greetings, fellow Oak Lawnians!
The Oak Lawn Raiders presented the Advocate Christ Center for Breast Care with a $2,500 donation on Oct. 17.
An oversized pink check was presented by several members of the Raiders organization — John Hickey, president; Bill Lang, treasurer; and Jim and Laura Collachia — during Advocate’s 10th annual Paint the Town Pink event.
The Raiders’ donations to Advocate total $6,000 in three years.
“Our first donation was $1,500, then $2,000 and with this $2,500, we’re at $6,000,” Laura Collachia said.
The Raiders’ “Steps Against Cancer” team hosted various fundraisers throughout the year, including participating in the Beverly Breast Cancer Walk, an annual Mother’s Day event. Over the years, Raiders walkers have raised more than $70,000 for Little Company of Mary Hospital from the walk.
Laura Collachia said the Steps Against Cancer team had about 272 walkers — Raiders, family members and friends. The number of participants is a huge increase compared with “10 years ago, when the Raiders participated in the Y-Me Breast Cancer Walk with just five walkers,” she said.
Collachia, a breast cancer survivor, said there were a couple of reasons the Raiders decided to give money to Advocate. Raising money for breast cancer is personal for many Raiders members.
“It started with my breast cancer and three other (Raiders) members had family members with cancer. They also wanted to keep the donation local,” she said.
The Raiders help raise funds for charities, organizations and those in need in Oak Lawn and nearby communities. Over the years, the nonprofit has made donations to Make-A-Wish, Park Lawn, Advocate Children’s Hospital, the Beverly Breast Cancer Walk, the fight against multiple sclerosis, the Ralph W. Arnold Scholarship (which is administered by Oak Lawn Community High School’s Spartan Educational Foundation), the Advocate Christ Center for Breast Care, local food pantries, individuals and families in need.
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The Raiders meet every month at Homestead Barr, 9306 Central Ave. in Oak Lawn. For more information, visit www.raiderssac.com.
‘Celebrity’ announcements
Here are this week’s “celebrity” announcements: Happy 14th birthday to Jenna McDonald, from her parents, Andrea Maria and Dennis, Michael and grandparents. Sarah Dynia’s family wish her a happy 19th birthday. Happy birthday to Steven Sevening, who’s turning 25, from his Uncle Brian, Aunt Gina, Ashley and Rachel. Happy birthday to Jared Oksanen, who’s turning 27, from his parents and Sparky.
Birthday wishes go out to Sheri Latronico, who’s turning 29, and to her brother, Glenn, who’s turning 30, from their parents. Happy birthday to Angela Silney, and to her mother, Karen. Stacy Bieryla’s family wishes her a happy 36th birthday. Happy birthday to Sharon Douglass, from her “lucky leprechauns” friends. Birthday wishes go out to Dawn and Joe Sharon, from their daughters, Jessie and Nicole.
Sally Sendra’s family wish her a happy birthday. Happy birthday to Anne Marie Casey, from her family. Lee Hoffman sends his love to his wife, Jannine, on her birthday. Birthday wishes go out to Debbie Boyes, from her daughters and grandchildren. Lydia Melendez’s sons wish her a happy birthday. Birthday wishes go out to Kathy Parker.
Happy birthday to Kevin Michicich, from Deborah, Sam, Anna and their family. Happy 55th birthday to Jim Noble, from his family. Birthday greetings go out to Ed Adomaitis Jr., from his family, friends, Raven and Peanut. Betty Seidler wishes her husband, Dan, a happy birthday.
Wedding anniversary wishes go out to the following couples: Frank and Carolyn LoScuito for their third anniversary; Mark and Cathy Gillan for their fourth anniversary; Allan and Christine Cupicciotti for their 18th anniversary; Bob and Barbara McCarville for their 28th anniversary; Eddie and Debbie Brand for their 38th anniversary; and Dan and Betty Seidler for their 65th anniversary.
Keep your fellow Oak Lawnians informed about birthdays, special events or special “stuff” going on with your family or within the community. Contact me at (708) 899-9544 or email me at [email protected].
Until next time …
Cheryl Petzel is a freelance writer who covers the Oak Lawn community.