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More than 1,650
people, including 835 children, Soared to the Stars for
Rory at Adler Planetarium in April. The extremely successful
event raised nearly $600,000 for pediatric brain tumor research.
"We had a great turnout," said co-chair Robin
Baba. "One of the many highlights of this special
event was the warmth and positive attitude that permeated
the atmosphere. Those attending experienced these feelings
and emotions long after the evening ended.”
Event planners speculate that the fund raiser was the most
successful first-time charitable event ever held in Chicago.
There’s no doubt that it was the largest event ever held
at the Planetarium.
 "It
was at the Planetarium because that’s what Rory would
have wanted," said co-chair Beth
Conen. "Everybody in the room had some connection
to Rory, Ross and Mindy Deutsch.
This special evening was, indeed, a tribute to Rory."
Volunteers
made it happen
"We had tremendous
help from so many," said Robin. "People were willing
to use all their resources, which made the event work.”
Beth agreed. "We were amazed how everyone was willing
to give of their time and generosity".
Marc Miller chaired the raffle, which raised $136,000. Raffle
items included a 1999 Lexus RX 300, donated by Phil Resnick
of Schaumburg Toyota; getaway weekends in New York and Scottsdale;
a gold men’s watch by Cartier, donated by Howard
Kaplan of Henry Kay Jewelers; and a laptop computer, donated
by Barry Bakal.
Ellyn
Samsky, Rory’s aunt, and Enid Deutsch, Rory’s
grandmother, were responsible for the day-to-day duties involved
in such a huge event. They managed the major tasks that most
organizations hire full-time staff to handle.
"We even had a group of volunteers from DePaul University,"
Beth said. "There were about 50 girls who helped with
set up, clean up, face painting, hospitality, and a lot of
other jobs."
President
Clinton Helped the Cause
Honorary Chair
President Bill Clinton gave a videotaped
message that touched everyone, remembering Rory as a courageous
and inspiring young man.
Former Bears linebacker
and WSCR radio personality Doug Buffone served as Master of
Ceremonies. In one of the highlights of the evening, Doug
auctioned off a tour of the White House with President Clinton.
This live auction item was purchased for $17,000.
 The
silent auction raised another $47,820 from such items as sports
memorabilia, vacations, restaurant gift certificates, and
many others. "We doubled the number of items we thought
we could handle," Beth said. "Everyone was extremely
generous; almost everything was donated." One high bidder
won a walk-on non-speaking part on a future Third Rock from
the Sun episode; and another will take basketball lessons
from the Bulls star, Randy Brown.
Goodie bags, donated
by Donald Sliter,
were a big hit. The Arctic Zone lunch bags held a beanie
baby lion named “Roary,” a Hershey bar with
a Rory Foundation label, a key chain, and some other reminders
of the boy who loved to learn about the solar system.
"We had underwriters
for everything," Robin said. "That’s another
reason we were so successful.” Master Brew donated all
the beverages, and dozens of companies donated items or services
for the silent auction.
 The
evening’s invitation and program book were decorated
with pictures drawn by friends from Rory’s first grade
class. The designs were also printed on the back of t-shirts
which were sold at the event. (You can buy additional t-shirts
for $10 each by calling (888) 919-RORY.)
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