Weekend Reminders: Ellie's Fundraiser, Park District's 'Cabin Fever Party'

If you're looking to get out of the house, consider taking a few hours to give back to those in need with one of community fundraisers being held this weekend.

Hearts and Love for Ellie Night

On Friday at 7 p.m., the fundraiser will be held at , 206 Main St. The event was organized by Hope and Friendship Ministries to assist the family of Ellie Cuiching, a 6-year-old Oakwood student battling a massive brain tumor.

Hearts and Love for Ellie will feature a silent auction, drop raffle, 50/50 raffles and a performance by the band Fort Awesome. There is no cover charge for the event, but guests are encouraged to donate $5 at the door.

As of Friday morning, silent auction and raffle prizes include:

• A one-week vacation to Guatemala
• A one-week stay at Walt Disney World in Florida through the Disney Vacation Club
• A one-week vacation to Sanibel, Fla.
• A "coffee, tea and me" basket
• Family passes to Santa's Village
• Autographed Chicago Blackhawks jersey
• Football signed by Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears

Doctors discovered a large tumor on half of Ellie's brain in early January, and were able to remove 98 percent of it during two separate surgeries. Though she is back at home, Ellie is still receiving hospital treatment until the doctor's have a better idea of her condition.

Since the diagnosis, the Cuiching family has racked up more than $86,000 in hospital bills, according to "Hearts and Love for Ellie," the online journal kept by Kyle Cuiching, Ellie's mom.

"The love for Ellie is overwhelming," Kyle wrote Tuesday. "It’s a fantastic, overwhelming feeling."

Warm a Heart, Lift a Spirit

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Hope and Friendship Ministries will partner with , 1251 State St., for the campaign. Volunteers will be making Valentine's Day sack lunches for Morningstar Mission clients, as well as Lemont Township seniors.

The group is in need of lunch meat, peanut butter, jelly, bread, chips, drinks, snack bars, inspirational and uplifting notes, and $5 gift cards (McDonalds, Burger King, or Subway). Drop off donations at the Lemont Starbucks or at Hope and Friendship Ministries, 721 Hickory St.

Park District's 'Cabin Fever'

On Saturday, adults are invited to attend the from 7 p.m. to midnight at the , 16050 127th St. The event will benefit the Lemont Park Foundation, and will feature a professional DJ, food and drinks. Guests must be 21 years or older. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. For more information, call 630-257-6787.

Editor's Note: Patch contributor Terri O'Neill is the founder of Hope and Friendship Ministries.