BDI
The Brian Delanty Invitational
Est. 1993
February 2009
Dear Friends and Supporters of the Johnny B’s Candlelight Bowl,
In difficult and uncertain financial times, any discretionary money that one has is prudently allocated for only the most urgent of uses. For most of us, this is the certainly the most challenging time in any of our lives with jobs being slashed every day, retirement savings vanishing and wages being frozen or cut for those gainfully employed.
It is always a humbling task in any economic environment to ask for money to support causes that benefit those less fortunate than many of us. Knowing that many of you are carefully spending your discretionary income, it is with a humble heart that we ask you to continue to support Johnny and Patty Burke as they embark on their 15th Annual Johnny B’s Candlelight Bowl. This year’s event will be held on May 8th at the legendary Beverly Lanes in Arlington Heights.
This event is without rival as many of us who support Johnny and Patty or the BDI, come together in the spring to renew friendships and share in the good times that every Johnny B’s Candlelight Bowl is guaranteed to provide.
The Brian Delanty Invitational, or BDI, was founded after the death of Brian Delanty who lost his two year battle with leukemia in 1988. Brian was treated at both the University of Chicago Wyler’s Children’s Hospital and Children’s Memorial Hospital.
In 2001, the BDI established two separate funds, one at each hospital. The BDI is an all volunteer 501c (3) IRS recognized not for profit. Every dollar contributed to the BDI goes directly into these funds. The funds, both named the Brian Delanty Funds for Families, provide monies for the hospitals to use to assist families in paying for daily living expenses. Theses expenses range from bus fares, prescription drugs, rent, groceries, clothing, and other important necessities.
Most of these families have a parent with the child at all times during their treatment thus reducing the amount of family income due to lost time at work. Furthermore, almost half of the children treated at the University of Chicago come from households with incomes below the poverty line.
Through the tireless efforts of John and Patty, Johnny B’s Candlelight Bowl has raised over $107,000 for the Brian Delanty Fund for Families. Last year alone, your generosity allowed John and Patty to donate over $12,200 to the funds. Hundreds of children have been helped by the generosity of people like you who support Johnny B’s Candlelight Bowl.
We look forward to seeing you at Beverly Lanes in May. If you have any questions about the BDI, please do not hesitate to contact Steve Delanty at 847.869.8611 or Bob Widlowski at 847.776.1534.
Thank you so much in advance for your consideration of supporting and participating in this year’s event.
With much appreciation,
Steve Delanty, Chairman of the Board
The Brian Delanty Invitational