Barrington Residents Attend "Hope Through Caring" Award Dinner Dance

On Saturday, March 17, the Les Turner ALS Foundation held its 25^th Annual “Hope Through Caring” Award Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. The event, which raised more than $525,000, was hosted by author Jonathan Eig and honored the family of A. William “Bill” Haarlow III.

Guests enjoyed dinner, dancing, a silent and live auction, a paddle raise and video presentation. Proceeds from the Award Dinner help fund medical research, clinical care, and support services for people with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).    

Bill Haarlow IV accepted the award on behalf of his family.  His heartfelt remarks touched upon the day they received the ALS diagnosis, his father’s physical deterioration, their reliance on the Les Turner ALS Foundation and their ongoing commitment to fund research and patient services.  

Bill spoke fondly about his father’s character, values and commitment to family, friends and the village of Hinsdale. With dozens of childhood and college friends in attendance, some of whom had traveled internationally to honor the Haarlows, the evening was a celebration of a man loved and admired by many.     

As Dinner Chairpersons, Diane Smith Cochran of Clarendon Hills and Joseph B. Glossberg of Chicago helped make the evening a huge success. More than 450 people attended the event and generously donated to the cause. The live auction featured prizes such as tickets to the 2013 Masters Golf Tournament with a 3-night stay in a nearby private residence, and a luxurious vacation for eight people at the Monarch House in St. Andrews, Scotland. Additionally, auctioneer Matt Goebel inspired guests to donate a record-breaking $103,800 to support critical patient services through the paddle raise.  

Scott Heller, MD, a neurologist at the Les Turner/Lois Insolia ALS Center and member of the Foundation’s board of directors, recalled for guests the day when he had the unenviable task of delivering Bill's diagnosis to the family 11 years ago. After Bill's disease progressed quickly, he saw a resilient wife and family emerge. 

The Haarlows recognized the need for other families to benefit from the same level of care that they were able to provide for Bill, and so began their commitment to the Les Turner ALS Foundation. 

Dr. Heller asked that guests honor Bill by doing what Lynne and her children did, engage. Les Turner ALS Foundation president Harvey Gaffen also spoke during the evening’s program.  

He likened the organization’s journey over the past 35 years to a football game, recalling victories, such as the research breakthrough at the Les Turner ALS Research Laboratory in August 2011, and praising the fans, including the guests in attendance. Gaffen’s uplifting remarks encouraged supporters to stay in the game until a cure is found.