Tribute to Rory raised half a million

More than 1,650 people, including 835 children, “Soared to the Stars for Rory” at Adler Planetarium in April. This amazing event raised nearly $600,000 for pediatric brain tumor research and was considered the most successful first-time charitable event ever held in Chicago. Thanks to the tireless work of resourceful volunteers, this tribute to Rory featured extravagant raffle prizes that included a 1999 Lexus RX 300 and getaway weekends in New York. In serving as an Honorary Chair of the event, President Bill Clinton offered a videotaped message, in which he described Rory as a courageous and inspiring young man, that touched all of those assembled. The Silent Auction portion of the evening, which raised $47,820, was highlighted by the auctioning off of a tour of the White House with President Clinton.