Join One Step Camp at their annual Campfire Ball at venue One!

When I was a kid, I had the best time at camp (I’m sure you did too!) – which is why I’m co-chairing this year’s Campfire Ball at Venue One, benefiting Children’s Oncology Services, Inc. and its One Step Camp for kids with cancer.

We’ll have fun camp-themed foods like tater tots, mini grilled cheese, s’mores and some spiked bug juice to give it a grown up twist! Thanks to Hub 51, Bub City, Theory, Stout, Bridgehouse Tavern and Cork Catering, these bites will be extra tasty. Plus, music by DJ STEP, a digital photo booth, a wine raffle, silent auctions, and a full open bar will keep you busy and entertained all night long. Our thanks to Goose Island, Svedka, and TY-KU for making sure the bar is stocked till the end! Tickets are just $100 in advance and $125 at the door.

For every $1000 we raise, we send one kid to One Step Camp for a week.

What’s so special about camp is that the kids are either currently in treatment or survivors of Leukemia and other cancers, and they’re able to build a huge support system while just enjoying the joys and fun of summer camp. For a couple weeks they get to relax and forget about the rest of the world and just be kids.

All counselors and medical staff volunteer their time to create this safe and fun camping experience for the kids. And, all kids are able to attend camp regardless of what they can afford because of Campfire Ball. Last year, we raised $115,000, sending 115 kids to One Step Camp!

I learned about camp through my brother, who was diagnosed with Leukemia in high school. His nurse recommended One Step, and after he stepped foot on campus as a counselor, he couldn’t stop talking about the water fights, snipe hunts and endless candy eating! Because of him, I support One Step camp in two ways: with the kids, as a volunteer counselor (this year will be my 8th summer and I can’t wait!), and with my friends and yours, by going to Campfire Ball.

We’re hard at work putting the final touches on the big day and we hope you’ll be there! Camp is truly the most amazing place with the most incredible kids. The host committee plus my co-chairs, Chris Eilers, Jordi Izsak and Michelle Weiler hope you’ll join us to make this Campfire Ball the most fun yet!

If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, you can do so here. And, if you have time, take a peek at what’s in store on the 18th here!

– Rachel Drescher