Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab’s "Evening At South Beach" fundraiser a WIN for 22q!

On Thursday, August 19, 2010, approximately 200 Chicagoans joined together in raising a glass at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab alongside Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster in support of the Dempster Family Foundation — dedicated to raising awareness and supporting families affected by 22q11.2 (DiGeorge Syndrome/VCFS) –- a chromosomal deletion Ryan and wife Jenny’s 17-month-old daughter Riley was born with that affects her ability to swallow and digest food.

Between mixing and mingling with Chicago Cubs including starting pitcher Randy Wells and relief pitchers James Russell and Justin Berg, guests were reminded of the main reason for the evening, with Riley present and interacting with guests. Mid-evening, Ryan took to the microphone and expressed his gratitude to everyone in attendance, sharing with the crowd the exciting news that Riley had recently started to consume food on her own — a step that many didn’t think would be possible. The evening was a knock-out success in raising awareness and funding, totaling more than $13,500, with all proceeds benefitting the Dempster Family Foundation.

At the event, guests enjoyed Joe’s signature cuisine including a mouth-watering seafood station complete with King Crab Legs and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Mini Steak Sandwiches as well as passed hors d’oeuvres that included the always delectable Colossal Lump Crab Cakes and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms. Cocktails were flowing throughout the evening with a variety of wine and signature Joe’s concoctions including the Sapphire Raspberry Mint, Sweet & Salty Dog and Bacardi Limón Mojitos on tap.

The raffle giveaway was a “homerun,” with guests eager to take their chances at winning out-of-this-world prizes including a three-night trip for two to Riviera Maya, Mexico courtesy of Apple Vacations, dinner at Joe’s with Ryan, a round of golf with Ryan at Olympia Fields Country Club, an authentic autographed Jonathan Toews Blackhawks jersey and Cubs tickets, among many others. The evening wouldn’t be complete without fulfilling everyone’s sweet tooth as Mini Key Lime Pies and Havana Dream Pies topped off the night!

The Ryan and  Jenny Dempster Family Foundationis dedicated to raising awareness of 22q11.2 deletion (DiGeorge Syndrome/VCFS) and families of children with this disorder – and the charities that support them – helping them deal with the challenges they face every day.  Visit www.dempsterfamilyfoundation.org for more information about The Ryan and Jenny Dempster Family Foundation.

Click here for photos from the event.

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