Rock for Kids Cranks up the Volume to Raise Money for the Edward Foundation's KidsCare Campaign

Kimberly Cummins

In the few years since its inception, the Plainfield Junior Women’s Club has stepped up to the plate and provided outstanding charity events for the community. The PJWC flawlessly put together an evening of auctions, raffles and community service at their second annual Rock for the Kids event, held on Thursday, June 9th.

The Rock for the Kids event, aims at raising money for the Edward Foundation’s KidsCare Campaign, which focuses on renovating newborn and pediatric Intensive Care Units and Special Procedure rooms in the Edward Hospital.  The renovations to the hospital will benefit the areas of diagnostic imaging, infant hearing and hematology and oncology. 

KidsCare and the Edward Foundation have it in their sight to build the first-of-its-kind Ronald McDonald Family Room in the hospital, providing a comfort zone for families in treatment.  The Family Room will be like a home away from home, with sleeping rooms, showers, kitchen and community room, where families can meet and support each other.  Siblings and other family members can also enjoy themselves in the Family Room, in a bran new play area.

The evening kicked off with musical entertainment from Rendition, a local band who has taken their talents far and wide.  The cover band played everything from Michael Jackson to Miley Cyrus to keep the crowd moving all night.  In between songs, a few lucky partiers received door prizes, such as gift certificates to local restaurants and shops.  The first door prize of the night went to celebrity guest Jarrett Payton, Former Bears star Walter Payton’s son. 

As Rendition continued their fun and upbeat music, partygoers were served dinner, from Limestone Brewing Company, the venue for the event.  Each delicious entrée was offered with a suggested beer pairing from the brewery’s own stores.  A photo area complete with a red carpet was set up, as well, to capture everyone looking their best at the event.  The more daring guests snapped pictures with props, like a pink feather boa and cowboy hats.   Guests could also buy bead necklaces, or send one over to a friend. 

One mother’s personal connection to the KidsCare Campaign gave insight into just how important these renovations will be to the care of children in the hospital.  She recounted the experience her family had while her young son was being treated for leukemia, describing the long hours of being away from the rest of the family.  This all changed, though, when the Edward Hospital became the primary treatment center for her son.  Her story shed light on the struggles that a family must face in order to get the best treatment available, and concluded in triumphing over disease.

This personal touch was just what the event needed, and soon partygoers were buying up heaps of raffle tickets and pitching their hats into the ring to win great prizes.  Among the big ticket items were Cubs and Sox tickets, a tour of Limestone Brewing Company where the event was held and golf excursions at some of the area’s top ranges.  Two of the night’s much talked about items were the Derrik Rose autographed photo and the Brian Urlacher autographed jersey.  Alongside these marvelous silent auction items were baskets filled to the brim with everything from beauty products to beer and wine.  There was something for everyone in the silent auction room, even a private singing session with Rendition for the vocally inclined.   All of the silent auction items came in the form of donations to the event, and each went home with the highest bidder. 

For those guests who wanted to be in the middle of some real bidding action, two live auctions took place throughout the night.  Among the live auction items were an in-home wine tasting party, a 32” flat-screen TV and best of all a five-night condo stay in beautiful Cabo San Lucas. 
The night was a greats success, and the Plainfield Junior Women’s Club has continued their mission to help charities of all kinds to reach their goals.  In previous years, the club has partnered with the American Cancer Society, Locks of Love and Share Your Soles.  Since the club’s founding in 2008, with only five members, the group has grown to 30 women all dedicated to giving back to the community.  The Junior Women’s Club plans on continuing its service to local organizations that benefit women and children in the community and across the country.

For more information visit Plainfieldjuniors.com.