The Windy City Fieldhouse was transformed from a barren warehouse into a facility for all sports. The once empty edifice has become a giant playground for all ages. The many sporting activities available appeal to a multitude of sport enthusiasts. This indoor year-round structure lends itself to all types of events catering to the individuals or organizations. Not only did the facility have enormous capacity in terms of its size, its potential as a venue for special events was inspiring.

"Ross came in and I told him what our complex was about, and he told us about the Rory David Deutsch Foundation and its mission," explains Eric DeLau, who manages the Windy City Fieldhouse. Ros soon realized that the 3,000-person capacity fieldhouse, equipped with basketball and volleyball courts, a soccer field and ample open space, would be the perfect setting for a family-oriented, recreational event geared to both children and adults.

The seeds of the Rory David Deutsch Foundation's 2000 annual event, "Shoot to the Stars for Rory" were planted that day. With the help of so many tireless volunteers, generous sponsors and supporters, including many members of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority at DePaul University, the fundraiser, held on November 4th, raised nearly $600,000. A large portion of the evenings expenses were underwritten by sponsors allowing proceeds from the event go directly to support research on pediatric brain-stem gliomas.

As he did in 1999, President Clinton graciously agreed to serve as honorary chairperson of "Shoot to the Stars for Rory". His videotaped message described Rory as a boy who was "always looking onward and upward, truly shooting for the stars." He also spoke of the Foundation's progress: "In just two years now, the Rory David Deutsch Foundation has provided invaluable support in the fight against this pernicious disease. New avenues of research are opening up. And thanks to your work, that hope is growing. The fact that so many of you are here tonight in support of this cause is proof that Rory has left a wonderful legacy and that his energy and enthusiasm inspire us all still."

Of the 1,200 people who attended this event, over half were children. "It was a great opportunity for families to spend a Saturday night together" noted co-chair Robin Baba. "It's rare these days when a fundraiser is centered around children, but this is so much part of this Foundation's vision - to include and focus on children."

The recreational theme of the evening captured Rory's love of fun and play. Children as well as adults, were provided with a carnival of activities. Children played basketball and floor hockey. They participated in limbo and hoola-hoop contests and scooter relays. They had their faces painted, marveled at balloon artists, enjoyed a moonwalk, a 25-foot slide or a giant inflatable sea monster. The adults had ample opportunities to show off their own athletic prowess – in the batting cage or on the basketball court. The best free-throw shooters competed for a $10,000 prize in a "Shoot for the Stars for Rory" basketball shootout. Adding to the entertainment of the evening, the Jesse White Tumblers gave an awe-inspiring gymnastic presentation.

Many also tried their hand in a game of luck – the raffle, which featured donated prizes. For the second year, Phil Resnick of Schaumburg Toyota and Woodfield Lexus graciously donated the top two prizes. The first-prize winner, Lou Lang, won a new MR2 Toyota Spyder; the second-prize winner, Jack Bronstein, took home a Toyota Prius and the third-prize winner, Arch Moesta, could go "hog wild" on a 1998 Anniversary Edition Harley Davidson motorcycle. Other prizes included a Ladies Chopard diamond watch and a round trip on a private jet to the Camelback Inn Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The live auction exuded a warm and fuzzy feeling - in the form of an eight-week-old yellow Labrador retriever that was sold to the highest bidder. Other donated live auction items included a round-trip private jet excursion anywhere in the U.S., a nearly-impossible-to-find PlayStation 2 and four Chicago Bulls tickets. The silent auction showcased a broad selection of items, ranging from sports memorabilia to art work.

A delicious Italian dinner, catered and largely donated by Jim Lazar of Marcello's Catering, satisfied everyone's appetite. Beautiful centerpieces were donated by Denise Ricchio of The Balloon Fantasy. "The evening captured the Foundation's 'Small Planet: Kids Making a Difference' theme," said co-chair Beth Conen. "The children participated in the activities and witnessed everyone's great generosity. It was a fantastic learning experience for them. Many of them had known Rory personally, and this helped them see his life and the Foundation in a broader context. They saw how they can make a difference in their community and help others less fortunate than themselves."

The non-stop activity, camaraderie and goodwill of the evening symbolized a tribute to Rory's life. The gracious generosity of the Foundation's sponsors and volunteers enhanced the success of this very special night.

More Photos from the 2000 event!