Above / Since 2007, local families have organized creative fundraisers to benefit Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a motor neuron disease affecting the voluntary muscles that are used for activities such as crawling, walking, head and neck control, and swallowing. SMA is the Number 1 genetic killer of children under the age of 2.
Above / Along with friends and Mayor Steve Chirico, U.S. Congressman Peter Roskam honored Naperville resident and top youth volunteer Jungin (Angie) Lee. (Photo courtesy Kate Schultz, City of Naperville)
Update, Aug. 17, 2016 / At 4:30PM Wed., Aug. 17, U.S. Congressman Peter Roskam and Mayor Steve Chirico honored Metea Valley High School senior Jungin (Angie) Lee, a 2016 Prudential Spirit of the Community National Honoree.
Named one of America’s top 10 youth volunteers of 2016 this past May, Lee co-founded a nonprofit youth organization that has generated nearly $200,000 over the past nine years through annual fundraising events to help fund a cure for her rare neuromuscular disease.
A statement about Lee’s service was entered into the Congressional Record by Congressman Roskam on May 11 and will be presented to Lee at this event.
Above / Earlier this year, Angie Lee was honored during the 38th Annual Distinguished Service Awards. Along with other community leaders, she received a 2016 Jaycees Distinguished Service Award in front of a rousing and supporting audience of family, friends and acquaintances in the Pavilion at Meson Sabika on April 28, 2016.
Update, Sept. 17, 2015 / The 9th Annual Kyra’s Idea Angie’s Hope fundraiser returns with a 2015 Big Ball Soccer Tournament, 5-9PM Saturday, Sept. 26, at Players Indoor Sports Center, 1740 Quincy Ave., west of Ogden Ave.
To date, Angie’s Hope has exceeded $150,000 in donations and the medical advances are more promising than ever. Visit Kyra’s fundraising page to read in her own words about Angie’s Hope and consider making a donation.
No skill or shin guards required. This game is wheelchair friendly and because of the giant ball it’s a fun game to play and watch.
“It takes a lot of volunteers to help us on the day of the event, so please consider signing up for a shift. Invite your friends and family to come out for a fun night,” e-mailed Kris Scadden, who now lives in Georgia.
Noting that the Scadden Team will be in Naperville for the event, she added, “We’ll have a DJ, concessions, photo booth, inflatables, the Chicago Fire street team, a silent auction and more.”
For more info or to register, visit www.AngiesHope.org.
Earlier Post 2013 /A group of students from Metea Valley High School attracted more than 150 friends and family to the 7th Annual Kyra’s Idea … Angie’s Hope, a fundraiser held on Sept. 21 to support finding a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Above / Teens in support of Kyra’s Idea / Angie’s Hope filled the upper level of the Foundry with their enthusiasm for a good cause Saturday evening.
During the first six years of Angie’s Hope, the students, most of whom had met at May Watts Elementary School in 4th grade, organized penny drives, raffles, humongous garage sales and numerous parties, a winning combination of fundraising initiatives that tallied $95,000 to fund research for SMA.
Their aim on Saturday was to surpass $100,000 with a motto, “Together we will find a cure.”
This year’s event, “Strike Out SMA,” focused on a baseball-themed, youth-inspired pasta party at The Foundry located near the Fox Valley Mall in Aurora.
Music, games, crafts, dancing and a Big Hugs photo booth stocked with silly hats kept the youngsters primping, posing and playing for four fun-filled hours.
When Stanley Tigno of Chicago heard about the fundraiser for SMA, he said he provided his Big Hugs Photo Booth that takes several pictures within seconds, creating a keepsake strip of photos to commemorate the occasion.
Thanks also to the generosity of more than 30 local merchants, the silent auction chock full of gift certificates and gift items was a popular attraction for parents.
“We are so appreciative of all the help and donations,” said Kris Scadden, Kyra’s mother.
The young organizers say the best part is all of the proceeds go directly to FSMA, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for SMA.
Rotary/Downtown Community Service Matching Grant
This year to add to their coffers, the youth applied for a Rotary Club of Naperville / Downtown Community Service Outreach & Matching Grant for up to $1,000.
The intention of this grant is to match fundraising initiatives that are organized predominately by local youth groups in support of nonprofit causes related to the philanthropic goals of the RCN Downtown. The primary goals of RCN Downtown are to target youth charities and causes, disadvantaged and homeless causes, education, cures for diseases/disabilities, and the arts, in that order.
According the RCN / Downtown Community Service Director Pat Benton, members of his Rotary approved the application unanimously. By 6PM Saturday, the fundraising event already had brought in $10,000, so Kyra’s Idea / Angie’s Hope secured the full amount of the $1,000 grant.
What is SMA?
SMA, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, is a motor neuron disease affecting the voluntary muscles that are used for activities such as crawling, walking, head and neck control, and swallowing. SMA is the Number 1 genetic killer of children under the age of 2.
The annual fundraiser is an opportunity to make plans and make a difference by helping a group of dedicated teens continue to help a very close friend and fellow student stricken with this devastating disease.
“The kids were so excited to break $100,000,” said Scadden. “I got chills when I heard they’d also receive the $1,000 grant from Rotary/Downtown.”
For more information, visit www.angieshope.org or www.fsma.org. All of the proceeds from this event will go directly to the Families of S.M.A. Charity, a nonprofit organization.
PREVIOUS POST 2013: Naperville teens / Rotary photo
PREVIOUS PN POST 2012: 6th Annual ‘Kyra’s Idea Angie’s Hope’ fundraiser
