About the Bearcat Ball
The Associate Board hosts the annual Bearcat Ball to benefit the Rehabilitation Institute's Pediatric Charity Care Program, which offers prosthetic devices and specialized treatment to children with disabilities whose families cannot afford this care.

The Bearcat Ball is named for the Stutz Bearcat, a luxury automobile manufactured in the 1920s purported to have carried the heroes and heroines of author F. Scott Fitzgerald's day to yacht clubs and dinner dances and secluded roadhouses. The ultimate statement of class, style and luxury, the Bearcat is as much a symbol of 1920s youth as hip flasks
and raccoon coats.


11th Anniversary Bearcat Ball
On Saturday, October 24, 2009, the RIC Associate Board will host its 11th Annual Bearcat Ball at an exciting new venue – Chicago Cultural Center, Yates Gallery. More than 500 people will gather to enjoy live music, charitable gaming, food tastings, signature cocktails and a silent auction. All proceeds from the black-tie evening help raise funds for RIC Pediatric Charity Care.

Fund a Need:
If you are unable to attend the Bearcat Ball or would like to donate further, please consider a "Fund a Need" donation. Your gift will significantly impact the lives of RIC's pediatric patients.

To make a donation and view the full list of giving categories, you can download the
Fund a Need form and return by fax or mail.

Silent Auction:
The RIC Associate Board hosts a silent auction as a part of the Bearcat Ball. If you are interested in contributing an item or package to help raise funds, please contact Bridget Vrba at 312-238-1252 or bvrba@ric.org.

Sponsorships:
A variety of opportunities exist to support RIC’s Pediatric Charity Care program at a greater level. For more information on participating in the 2009 Bearcat Ball, please contact Bridget Vrba at 312-238-1252 or bvrba@ric.org.

Thank you for your interest in making a difference in the lives of children with disabilities.

Tickets:
Individual tickets to the Bearcat Ball will be available Summer 2009.

Tree of Life Award
Each year the Tree of Life Award is presented at the Bearcat Ball by the Associate Board to an individual or individuals, who have shown through their actions and example, great character and spirit.

The 2008 Tree of Life recipient was Greta Neimanas, member of the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Cycling team.

Greta, born with her left arm missing below the elbow, found her passion in sports and motivated others as a camp counselor for Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago s Caring for Kids Program. She inspired her mother to establish Families of Amputees in Motion (FAIM) to support families of children born with limb differences. Through strength, determination and a true competitive spirit Greta, now 20 years old, was able to achieve her goal of competing in the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.

She was honored during the Bearcat Ball's Benefactor Reception and presented with an award created by Suzette Bross.

The award is based on the tapestry by Marc Chagall that hangs in the entryway of RIC and bears the inscription: "For there is hope of a tree/ If it be cut down that it will sprout again/And that the tender branch therefore will not cease."

Thank you for celebrating a decade of making a difference with the RIC Associate Board! With your help we met our goal of raising more than $100,000 for RIC's Pediatric Charity Care program.

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF 2008 SPONSORS AND RESTAURANTS

CLICK HERE FOR 2008 BEARCAT BALL PHOTOS