Reflective of its reputation as “the small community with a big heart,” North Riverside will host hundreds of participants for the 10th Annual Betty Scheck Shuffle on Saturday, July 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Riverside Village Commons, 2401 Desplaines Ave.
The event, named after North Riverside Mayor Richard Scheck’s late wife, Betty, who lost her fight to breast cancer in 1997, serves as an opportunity to raise money in the fight against cancer while honoring her memory. Betty Scheck, who was married to the mayor for 29 years, served on the board of directors for the West Cook Region of the American Cancer Society.
All proceeds from the fundraiser support the American Cancer Society’s research program, cancer awareness and patient services, including The Betty Scheck Patient Services Room, which is a service providing local patients support, resources and information after a cancer diagnosis.
Like so many others, Mayor Scheck’s life has been affected by cancer with the loss of his wife and other loved ones.
“We have lost way too many good people to cancer,” Scheck said. “The purpose of the Betty Scheck Shuffle is to raise funds for cancer research and treatment. It’s an opportunity for me and others to really do something to help find the cure for cancer.”
A 5K run, a kids fun run, a one-mile walk and team challenge will comprise the main events. The Betty Scheck Shuffle will culminate with a “survivor’s lap” and ribbon ceremony, which honors cancer survivors and commemorates those who have lost their lives to cancer.
The eclectic festivities also will include food, music, contests, raffles, live sports auction, face painting, jump houses and a game room with table tennis, Wii and Xbox 360 systems for kids. Per tradition, the Jesse White Tumblers return with their entertaining, acrobatic show.
“We would love to have families come out and enjoy the day’s activities and support the event by making a donation,” said Dolores Garcia, West Cook regional director for the ACS. “Each person can make a difference and become part of a network of people who are committed to eliminating cancer.”
The Betty Scheck Shuffle, which raised $127,000 last year, truly has helped save lives. Since 1998, the annual fundraiser has raised over $1 million for the American Cancer Society. According to Garcia, between 1991 and 2001, cancer deaths dropped 9 percent, which means nearly 260,000 lives were saved in a single decade.
This year’s event will pay tribute to former North Riverside Village Clerk Charmaine Kutt, who lost her battle with cancer in February.
“Charmaine was the matriarch of our community,” Scheck said. “She is sorely missed and the ‘Big Heart Award’ [ceremony] is a way of honoring her. Charmaine was the type of person if you talked with her for 10 minutes, you felt like you knew her for a lifetime.”
The registration fee for the run and walk is $30 in advance of the event ($35 the day of the race) and the Kids Fun Run is $15. Participants are encouraged to raise at least $100 on their own via donations.
For those interested in more information or making a donation, visit www.bettyscheckshuffle.org. Donations also will be accepted the day of the event, or people can call the North Riverside village hall (447-4211), or the American Cancer Society office in Riverside (484-8541) to contribute money.