Sun City couple lead Walk4Life team battle ALS

If you're a recent reader of this column, you've probably noticed that there are quite a few fundraisers here in Huntley -- benefits to help a sick child or an injured veteran, benefits to boost youth sports, build a better library, fill the shelves at our local food pantry, or send a child to the Special Olympics.

This summer, almost every weekend brings another opportunity for Huntley residents to dig deep, reach out, and help someone in need.

This week is no exception.

Sun City residents Tina and Denney Roper have recruited 30 friends and relatives to join them next Saturday in the two-mile ALS Walk4Life, set for Sept. 8 along Chicago's downtown lakefront.

The Huntley couple will be walking to raise money for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) research, and to honor two special people in their lives: their daughter-in-law, Amy Roper, who is suffering from this incurable disease, and the memory of their good friend, Ken Reckamp, who died of ALS in 2006.

The Ropers and their friends, dubbed Amy's Army, will join 5,000 walkers on 175 teams taking part in this year's event, which starts at 10 a.m. at Montrose Harbor. Last year's walk raised $836,000 for ALS research, patient services and education. Registration is still open, and participants may choose to walk with a group or as individuals. To learn more, visit www.lesturnerals.org, call (847) 679-3311 or call the Ropers at (847) 515-3320.

Schultze benefit a success: Youth group members of Huntley's Trinity Lutheran Church raised over $17,000 this month to help their group leader, Gary Schultze, recover from injuries he suffered when hit by a car early this summer.

Schultze, a lifelong Huntley resident and community volunteer, has been unable to work for many weeks and faces mounting expenses.

On Aug. 19, the church's teen members held a six-hour dance marathon -- Swingin' for Schultze -- which raised $6,320.75 and garnered a matching $5,000 contribution from McHenry-Kane County Thrivent, said Carli Melman, who helped organize the event.

Additional church offerings, goods, services, and gift certificates donated by local merchants increased that total to over $17,000, with more pledges still coming in.

"Over 60 businesses donated generously, and the entire congregation really supported us," Melman said. "Dick and Elaine Tanney taught the kids how to waltz, Charleston, and fox trot ... and (there were) many volunteers who worked in the kitchen, ran the games, and helped clean up afterwards."

Donations are still being sought. Interested persons may call the church office at (847) 669-5780) or Melman at (847) 669-6563.

"Although there was a lot of work involved, it was so much fun that it didn't seem like work," Melman said.

"The kids had a lot of fun and were tired, but we would do it again if Gary needed it."

Methodist golf outing: Tickets are on sale now for the Christ United Methodist Church charity golf outing on Sept. 10 at Whisper Creek Golf Course. The $150 fee includes 18 holes, a box lunch, dinner and more. Hole sponsors and prize donors are also being sought.

Call Debbie Masek at (847) 515-1616.

Fall Fest fundraisers: Plans are being finalized this week for Huntley's annual Fall Fest on Sept. 15 at Deicke Park, with several charity fundraisers planned during the festival.

The Sun City Lions will host a pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m., and the Friends of the Huntley Area Library are planning a used book sale throughout the day. Tickets will be sold and a winner drawn at 6 p.m. in the Gazebo Quilters' quilt raffle to benefit local veteran Jeremiah Homuth.

In next week's column, I'll have more details of Huntley Fall Fest activities and entertainment.

Eleanor Roosevelt luncheon: The Huntley Area Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will celebrate the birthday of the former first lady with a luncheon to benefit AAUW's Eleanor Roosevelt educational fund. "Hats Off To Eleanor," the group's first major fundraiser, will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at Niko's Grill & Pub, on Freeman Road in Huntley. A special guest will be Margaret Rung, director of the Center for New Deal Studies at Roosevelt University in Chicago.

The $25 ticket price includes choice of entree, side dish, soft drink and dessert. The silent auction includes Eleanor Roosevelt memorabilia, antiques, gift baskets, and more. Attendees are encouraged (but not required) to wear their own Roosevelt-era hats or outfits, and the public is invited to attend.

To reserve a ticket or donate a prize, call Elaine at (847) 669-2513 or e-mail: huntleyaauw@ameritech.net.

Home of the Sparrow event: Home of the Sparrow domestic abuse shelter will hold its second annual golf outing on Sept. 10 at the Bull Valley Golf Club in Woodstock. Tickets are $160 each, or $600 per foursome, including lunch, dinner, green fees, cart, golf shirt, prizes and more. Proceeds will help provide transitional housing and life skills support for homeless women and children. For sponsorships or tickets, call Caryn Rigsby at (815) 444-1660, ext. 30.

Final days at Stingray Bay: The Huntley Park District's Stingray Bay water park will close for the season next week. The pool is closed today, but will be open from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday through Monday. Call (847) 515-POOL for more information.

•Send your Huntley area news and events to Diane Ayers at huntleynews@ameritech.net or call (847) 669-0848.