Three years into their efforts, a small group of dedicated people can sit back and smile when they see that they’ve raised more than $50,000 for a children’s charity.
Except the organizers of the annual Rock ’N’ for Research party have no plans on resting. And most have a vested interest in their charity of choice – Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) – as they have children who suffer with type 1 diabetes.
Chatham Mazda from Chatham Voice on Vimeo.
The crew handed over the $20,266 in proceeds from their Oct. 23 party recently to regional JDRF representative Sharon O’Leary.
Linda O’Hara, whose son Toby was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes more than 30 years ago, is one of the women behind Rock ’N’ for Research. She eloquently summed up the success she and her charitable conspirators have had.
“We’re an example of a small group of people who can work together to make a difference,” she said.
Linda, along with Nancy Tippin, Cheri Arnew, Joanne Mallette, Dawn McGregor and Michelle Reinisch, make up that group.
The inaugural Rock ’N’ for Research raised in excess of $12,000, while last year it brought in more than $18,000. This time around, with fewer people in attendance – as a crowd of about 300 attended – the event raised more than $20,000.
Organizers credit the support of a trio of corporate sponsors – TekSavvy, Mainstreet Credit Union, and Gary Van Hooren of The Investors Group – plus a host of businesses that donated prizes, with helping make this year’s version such a success.
The prize donations fueled a silent auction, and raffles were held as well.
A big attraction for Rock ’N’ for Research is the party element, and the party’s main attraction – the O’Hara Brothers Band. The guys are no strangers to fun and fundraising, as they’ve played events such as Relay for Life, the Festival of Giving and HallowSmash in and around Chatham.
This time around, it’s closer to home. Two of Linda’s boys are in the band, including Toby, her son with diabetes.
Linda said the timing of Rock ’N’ for Research is no coincidence, and it’s not just because of the chance for patrons and band members to dress up in costumes prior to Halloween.
“November is diabetes month. Our efforts are to not only raise funds, but to promote awareness of type 1 diabetes,” she said. “It’s a hidden disability. When talking to parents, there is never a day off.”
Constant monitoring of food intake, especially carbohydrates. Regular checking of blood-glucose levels. Shifting injection points every three days for insulin pumps. That’s just the tip of the diabetic iceberg for children and parents.
Having a child who has diabetes is no cakewalk. And then there is the expense. Sharon said test strips for blood-glucose monitoring and insulin – “You cannot live without it” – are not covered by OHIP.
The funds raised by the Chatham group and others is appreciated, and utilized, as the money helps pay for research into technology and perhaps one day a cure.
“If the researchers don’t get funding, however good their ideas are, they would die without funding,” she said.
