Raising funds for cancer research continues to serve as a pillar for Scoreboard Charities as it prepares to host its fourth annual charity wine event.
This year to stay one step ahead of COVID restrictions, organizers have moved to a virtual event they say will still be rewarding.
"It is important to Scoreboard Charities to continue to help in the fight against cancer and to help provide kids with the disease a chance at being a kid," said Beth O'Malley, production manager for Scoreboard Charities. "We are working very hard to provide our attendees an evening of fun - virtually."
Scoreboard Charities' hour-long "Uncorked" event will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6. All proceeds will benefit Camp One Step by Children's Oncology Services and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.
Since its inception, Scoreboard Charities has donated more than $560,000 to cancer research. According to Rick Heinz, who started Scoreboard Charities after his mother passed away of cancer, funds raised at Scoreboard Charities' events has enabled the cancer center to conduct clinical trials, including a promising immunology drug for breast cancer.
Reflecting on the challenges of planning a virtual event, Heinz said that it has been challenging to host an event via cyberspace.
"Sadly, cancer did not take a break when COVID-19 hit," Heinz said . "In fact, it has been much more difficult ... and many events that were scheduled for 2020 have been canceled. We know that our virtual event will be fun, but we are also aware that we may not raise quite as much as previous years."
Emceed by sports broadcaster Kerry Sayers, the event will feature music, an online marketplace, a wine tasting sponsored by SavWay Liquors as well as a fashion show and raffle, with the chance to win a new wardrobe valued at $10,000, courtesy of local
retailer Sweet William.
Tickets are $100 per person and include a complementary bottle of wine, wine glass and sponsor swag. To purchase tickets or to make a tax deductible donation, please visit https://scoreboardcharities.com.
Design center hosts Wine & Design
Hinsdale's County Line Home Design Center will host "Wine and Design 2020" from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, to benefit the H Foundation - an organization that raises funds for research at Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.
Guests will enjoy a progressive wine tasting and appetizers as well as an opportunity to shop with local vendors, including Hinsdale jewelry designer Nora Tonn of Birdie Designs.
Locally-renowned artist Maureen Claffy will showcase her artwork as well as participate in an interactive, live painting experience.
"Wine and Design provides a safe way to network with area businesses and reconnect with neighbors and friends while supporting The H Foundation," said Rebecca Austin, design center manager. "Cancer touches everyone and this will be the 20th year our co-op member Hortons has been raising money locally to fund cancer research."
Over almost 20 years, The H Foundation has raised more than $9 million, donating nearly every dollar raised to the cancer center. These funds are used as seed money for basic science cancer research projects.
The design center's local artisans will be on hand to provide tours of the co-op's new showroom and guests will receive a booklet of discounts from building and décor partners.
To purchase tickets for a $25 donation, please visit https://www.hfoundation.org/county-line.
- Alexis Braden of Hinsdale is
the paper's society columnist. Readers can email her at
