TOP: Anthony Rizzo, Alisa and Rick Heidner, and LEFT: Alisa and Rick Heidner celebrate a custom fire truck given to Rick by a client. RIGHT: Merlen with Sammy Bobby Anthony Rizzo’s Fundraising Grand Slam A local fundraiser benefitting the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation exceeds all expectations

BY LISA STAMOS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDA M. BARRETT

n the evening of June 22, Barrington residents Alisa and Rick Heidner and their family hosted an extraordinary event in support of the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. Proceeds from the event surpassed a stunning $530,000. O“I am overwhelmed with our community’s generosity,” Rick Heidner said. “This will help so many families through the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation.” The foundation, with its mission to bring relief and support to families who have a loved one battling cancer, was created four years after Anthony Rizzo completed six months of cancer treatment in 2008. While starting his career as a professional player in Greenville, South Carolina in Single A ball, he was abruptly stopped short with the shocking news that he had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Seventy percent of families who have a child battling cancer run the risk of financial bank- ruptcy, reports Abby Suarez, executive director of the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. During Rizzo’s treatment, his mom, Laurie, left her job. At the same time, Rizzo’s grandmoth- er was fighting breast cancer. “No family can plan for a medical experience such as cancer,” Suarez said. Knowing the weight that an entire family bears, Rizzo created the foundation to help others whose cancer challenges are reminiscent of his family’s. Anthony Rizzo, Rick Heidner, and Vince Foglia

A FAMILY WHO CARES WAYS YOU CAN HELP Anthony Rizzo’s family, close friends, and management team Anthony Rizzo is passionate about helping families who are experiencing a journey members run the nonprofit foundation, with Rizzo providing similar to his in 2008. Each year the foundation hosts Walk-Offs, Cook Offs, and oversight. On a nearly nonstop basis, Rizzo writes personal letters, other events to help others. While shopping online, the foundation benefits through autographs memorabilia, visits hospitals, and attends fundraisers. purchases using the Amazon Smile and ebay Giving Works programs. Donations can Laurie Rizzo, his mom, is on the board, and maintains daily ac- also be made through the Foundation’s website, rizzo44.com. tivities such as reviewing emails, making hospital visits, reaching Proceeds support partners in cancer treatment and research including the Ann out to sponsors, and talking with families. Rizzo’s brother, Johnny, & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, the Family Reach Foundation, Joe handles phone calls, accounting matters, emails, and runs the an- nual “Walk Off” in their hometown of Parkland, . John, DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital, and the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center their father, also helps run the foundation and attended the Bar- Lymphoma Program at the University of Miami Health System. Learn more at riz- rington event this year. zo44.com.

QBarrington.com | Quintessential Barrington • 117 TOP: Clare McLaughlin, a Musical Theater and Communications major at NWU, sings the National Anthem. LEFT: Andy and Robin Kelleher with Katie and Mike Wozniak RIGHT: Anthony Rizzo auctioned his personal golf clubs for the fundraiser.

118 • Quintessential Barrington | QBarrington.com TOP: Guests wait in line for a meet and greet with Anthony Rizzo and David Ross. ABOVE: Nathan Heidner, Cristina Venticinque, Jonathan McGee, Aleea Heidner, Alisa Heidner, Amanda Strong, Zachary Heidner, and Mitchell Voss

QBarrington.com | Quintessential Barrington • 119 TOP: Alisa Heidner and Vince Foglia (in front). Back row, from left: Rick Heidner, Emily Rizzo, Anthony Rizzo, Andy Kelleher, Robin Kelleher, Katie Wozniak, Mike Wozniak, and David Ross. LEFT: Anthony Rizzo and David Ross with (from second on left) Cristina Venticinque, Tatum Nass, and Chase Heidner. RIGHT: Several Joseph Nicola American-made luxury handbags were offered as auction items.

120 • Quintessential Barrington | QBarrington.com TOP: Mark and Stephanie Vakos (Emily’s parents) with Anthony and Emily Rizzo LEFT: Collin Heidner with Tatum Nass RIGHT: Jessica and Mark Hoffmann

QBarrington.com | Quintessential Barrington • 121