The donation is part of the club’s annual “Kick-In for Cancer” fundraisers that support cancer programs throughout the northern Illinois region. The club started its program in 1998 and raises money through various events from April to August including dinners, a motorcycle run and golf outing.
“This is a great way for our club and members to support the community,” said Cyndy Lane, volunteer coordinator for the “Kick-In for Cancer” campaign. “Unfortunately, cancer touches everyone and this is an opportunity for our club to, hopefully, provide some comfort to the patients and their families who are going through a difficult time. It makes our members feel good to work hard and see the end result before we start planning for next year’s event.”
“We are extremely appreciative of the generosity displayed by the SM&SF Club and its members,” said Ryan Duvall, director of development for the OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center Foundation. “These acts of kindness mean the world to our patients and their families as they try to navigate what is most likely a stressful time in their lives.”
According to the club’s website, the SM&SF Club was established in 1898 as the Swedish Music & Sick Fraternity. At that time, Swedish singing societies were popular in the Midwest, with singing competitions being held throughout the year. The early Swedish immigrants were also a strong ethnic group that took care of each other, both physically and financially, during times of illness and death. Today, the SM&SF Club is a non-profit social club with more than 600 members.
If you would like to make a donation to the OSF HealthCare Foundation, visit: https://www.osfhealthcarefoundation.org/