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What We Have Done...

2005

In December 2005 we held the 1^st Annual Gray Tie Ball.  It was a dressy gala affair at Casa Royale Banquets in Des Plaines that included dinner, dancing to a live band, silent auction, open bar and presentations by Dr. Jeff Raizer, neuro-oncologist from Northwestern Memorial Hospital. It was a great success!  From that event we were able to raise awareness and donate in Lori’s name to The Brain Tumor Research Fund at Northwestern University in Chicago and to the American Brain Tumor Association in Des Plaines. Photos from the 2005 Ball.             Please join us for our 2^nd Annual Gray Tie Ball on December 1^st, 2006!

2006

In January 2006 we attended the ‘Together in Hope’ Brain Tumor Conference in Tampa, Florida held by the Florida Brain Tumor Association and the American Brain Tumor Association.  We were privileged to have them show our 5 minute film entitled – ‘live, love, laaf!’ which was made for the 1^st Annual Gray Tie Ball in 2005.  The film encourages viewers to live life to the fullest, love deeply and unconditionally and laaf (Lori Arquilla Andersen Foundation) through life’s toughest challenges.  A moving and motivational film depicting Lori’s journey; moves viewers to imagine the cure for brain cancer and motivates them towards making a difference. Photos from the Conference.

April 29: we had the 1^st Annual Adopt-A-Cause 1 Mile Walk or Roll for Brain Cancer at Friendship Park in Des Plaines. Despite the weather, we had a good turn out for this event. Skates (Wolves mascot) & Benny the Bull entertained. Dr. Jeff Raizer & his family and Alderwoman Rosemary Argus attended.  A huge thanks to all of the walkers, pledgers, donors and volunteers!  A special thanks to our Top Fundraiser - Lea Roberts.  As top fundraiser she was the winner of 4 Chicago Bulls tickets.  Everyone involved made this very first annual walk quite a success!  We are looking forward to an even bigger event next year! Please adopt this cause every year when we have our annual event!  Photos from the Walk.

May 1-3: we headed to Washington, D.C. with the North American Brain Tumor Coalition for Brain Tumor Action Week, May 1-7.  We spoke to Congressional staff on behalf of brain tumor issues. The more people speaking up for the cause – the louder we become and the more we will be heard! We met with Cathy Hurwit, Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky; Janice Cotter, legislative aide to Congressman Henry Hyde; Molly Dunn, legislative aide to Senator Dick Durbin; and Michael Robertson, legislative aide to Senator Barak Obama. Senator Obama was able to take a few minutes out of his busy day to talk with us personally! Photos from Washington.

May 1-7:  Early April we learned that our request to Des Plaines Mayor Anthony Arredia was approved.  The mayor signed a proclamation making the first week of May ‘Brain Tumor Action Week in Des Plaines’. We also received proclamations from the mayors of Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Mt. Prospect, the city of Chicago and Governor Blagojevich for the state of Illinois!! Photos of the Proclamations.

May 6: LAAF joined forces with Six Flags Great America to offer “Coasters for a Cause” Charity Day.  LAAF sold tickets for this day for ONLY $25!  A fun day was had by all at a great price!! Great America donated a portion of the purchase to our organization. Twenty charitable organizations participated with LAAF selling the most tickets (approximately 400 tickets)!!  Photos from Coasters for a Cause!

June 12: LAAF was awarded $5,000 from the UPS Supply Chain Solutions Bensenville office. This was their 1^st grant ever awarded through their “Neighbor to Neighbor” program.

July: LAAF joined the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce.

November: LAAF interviewed by “Community Connections” talk show on Comcast, several local papers and North Shore Magazine.

December 1: LAAF held the 2^nd Annual Gray Tie Ball with 145 in attendance. Brain Cancer survivor David Bouhls shared his journey, strength and humor. Dr. Raizer spoke about the strides in Brain Cancer research, updated us on Northwestern's Brain Tumor Research Fund and spoke from the heart about his hopes for our foundation and about the importance of bringing awareness of this devastating disease to the community.

 2007

April 2: LAAF will hold a raffle drawing. Oprah’s personal chef, Art Smith, has donated a 6 course dinner for 6 guests at his home valued at $4,000.

April 29 – May 5: Brain Tumor Action Week – LAAF will again head to DC. We are planning to meet with Congressional staff to discuss brain tumor issues.

May 19: LAAF will join forces with Six Flags Great America to sell discounted tickets for ONLY $26.

June: LAAF will hold the 2^nd Annual WALK.

December:  3rd Annual Gray Tie Ball.

Our plan is to continue creating a strong presence in the Chicago area and then branch out to other cities and states. All while continuing to work on brain tumor/cancer issues at the national level in D.C.

                                Brain Cancer is known as an 'orphan' cancer -                                 Please support LAAF by ‘adopting’ brain cancer as your cause!

There are many ways to support LAAF:

·         Make a donation:

o        MAIL: LAAF – 1153 S. Lee St., Suite #201 – Des Plaines, IL  60016

o        ONLINE: www.laafinc.org – click on “Donate Now” & make a secure credit card payment  with PayPal

o        Donate an item or service for the silent auction at our Annual Gray Tie Ball.

·         Become an event sponsor by choosing one of the “Shades of Gray” sponsor levels.

·         Attend one of our events & bring your friends, family, coworkers

·         Volunteer – we are looking for additional board members and for volunteers/   committee members for each of our events.

 Thank you in advance for your support!  Your generosity is making it possible to win the fight against brain cancer.

Together, we will make a difference!