Most Successful Ever Captures Dollars for Cancer Research

Click here to see pictures from the event!

After the last fireworks display had faded into the clear night sky over Navy Pier, and after the Lexus and TV had been given away, the 1999 Charita-Ball proved the most successful ever by raising $650,000 for cancer research.

More than 2,000 people crowded into the Navy Pier Ballroom for the September 18 event, which was sponsored by VisionTek and the Rory David Deutsch Foundations in memory of Rory David Deutsch. Everyone played casino games, enjoyed a sumptuous buffet and open bar, and finally took chances on first-class American Airlines tickets, a 61" TV, and a Lexus. Stepping in as the emcee for the Lexus drawing, Ron Harper, of the LA Lakers also escorted the Lexus winner to her new car.

For the attendees, the $75 entry ticket was a small price to pay just to know they were supporting cancer research for three different charities.

According to Edie Sue Sutker, executive director of the VisionTek Foundation, it was a daunting but worthwhile task for everyone involved in organizing the 300 volunteers, training casino dealers, and soliciting individual and corporate contributions and raffle prizes for the 4th Charita-Ball. Edie notes that her brother Allen Sutker, chairman of VisionTek, played a key role in the fund-raising efforts.

“My brother Allen worked four months straight to make the Charita-Ball happen last year,” said Edie, adding that her brother Allen, Brian Abrahams, and their business partners founded the Charita-Ball in honor of two special people: Brian’s father, David Abrahams, who died of cancer; and their friend, Jerry Shaftal, who died of leukemia as a young adult. The 1999 event took on particular significance for Brian Abrahams and Allen, who are long-time friends of Ross Deutsch (Rory’s dad).

“We started Charita-Ball several years ago as a way to remember my father and Jerry, but it’s also a way to prepare for the future,” said Brian Abrahams. “We’re proud we’ve raised a lot of money for cancer research, but we’re also happy that Charita-Ball has inspired others to go on and start other events and raise money.”

Because of Brian and Allen’s drive and inspiration, one-third of Charita-Ball’s proceeds will support the Rory David Deutsch Brain Tumor Research Program at Children’s Memorial Hospital, while another part of the funds will assist general research in pediatric cancer. From the “tribute” book to the fireworks and Ross Deutsch’s touching speech, this year’s Charita-Ball brought the memory of Rory and the need for research funding into the foreground throughout the evening.

“Rory loved the stars and fireworks, and I think everybody left with a little bit of Rory in their hearts,” said Edie. “Someone called me afterwards and said that when they watched the fireworks, they really felt that Rory was there and watching the whole evening.”

For more information about Charita-Ball and VisionTek, please call 847-360-7285.

Visit the Charita-Ball Website!