Every Spring, the Foundation hosts the Hope Through Caring Award Dinner. This night includes a reception, live and silent auction, dinner and dancing. The highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Hope Through Caring Award. This award was established in 1988 to honor those whose commitment to the fight against ALS has helped raise funds for research, provide services for patients and their families, and increase public awareness.
Thanks to everyone who participated in our 2012 Hope Through Caring Award Dinner. It was a record breaking year with more than 450 guests and upwards of $528,000 raised!
Special thanks to Lynne, Lauren and Blair, and Laurel and Bill Haarlow, our honorees. Additional thanks to Jonathan Eig, our gracious host; dinner chairpersons Diane Smith Cochran and Joseph Glossberg; Jenna Culliton for designing the event artwork; Ferrari-Carano for donating the evening's wine; Kathy Giangreco, our video producer; auctioneer Matt Goebel; Dick Judson Orchestra; Bill Walker, for donating all the floral arrangements; our executive committee; all our table sponsors and attendees; and silent and live auction donors.
Photos from this special night can be viewed here. In addition, the dinner video can be viewed below.
A. William (Bill) Haarlow grew up in Hinsdale, Illinois and graduated from Hinsdale Township High School in 1959. He attended Princeton University, where he was a starting forward on its NCAA basketball team. Bill graduated in 1963 and that summer married his high school sweetheart, Lynne Rupp. Shortly after earning his MBA at the University of Chicago, sons Bill and Blair were born. Bill spent his business career with Quaker Oats until 1984, when he and his partners bought QO Chemicals, Inc., which he ran until he retired in 1987. Before and after retirement, Bill dedicated extensive time to community service, especially in leadership roles at the Community House and the Wellness House in Hinsdale. In addition to golfing and traveling, he was devoted to spending time with family and friends. Bill’s life, but not his character, drastically changed when he was diagnosed with ALS in 2001, only weeks after the birth of his first grandchild. Bill lost his courageous battle with ALS just one year later in 2002.
Lynne, Laurel, Bill, Lauren and Blair Haarlow were honored at this year’s Hope Through Caring dinner not only to remember their beloved husband and father but also to recognize their extensive and unwavering contributions to the Les Turner ALS Foundation. Since Bill’s diagnosis, they have each played an active role in helping the Foundation fulfill its mission so that others will not experience the effects of ALS. Due to their ongoing commitment, the Foundation is proud to present the Haarlow Family with the “Hope Through Caring Award”, which was established in 1988 to honor those who are dedicated to raising funds and awareness about ALS.
