AED efforts, food pantry helped by Raider Nation
HUNTLEY — Huntley High School’s Raider Nation organization hosted its annual “Chuck-A-Duck” fundraiser event Feb. 14 at a Huntley basketball home doubleheader. The Andrew’s Assist organization and Grafton Food Pantry were the beneficiaries.
“Our Chuck-A-Duck event, that happened was a total success,” HHS Raider Nation sponsor Brad Aney said. “In total, we sold 850 ducks raising $4,250 for the Grafton Food Pantry and Andrew’s Assist. I speak on behalf of all the Raider Nation leaders, when I thank the students at Huntley High School, as well as the Huntley community for supporting this amazing fundraiser.”
Students and community members had chances to buy plastic ducks for $5 each, and if they were present, throw them to center court, with the closest to a spot earning the owner a prize.The fun added to a good game against Dundee-Crown as the varsity boys won, 39-34.
Grafton Food Pantry is located in Huntley. On its web site, it is mentioned one in six Americans is fighting hunger.
“We need your help to join us in the fight to end their struggle,” according to the Grafton Food Pantry web site. “Our mission is to improve the lives of neighbors in need by providing food and essential personal care items. We are committed to building partnerships and educate and work together to end food insecurity in our community.”
Grafton Food Pantry noted that with every dollar donated, it has the buying power of $8 at the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Located at 11481 Allison Court in Huntley, the food pantry’s phone is 847-495-0922, [email protected].
About Andrew’s Assist
Andrew’s Assist is a Huntley based effort which raises funds for research efforts to prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Andrew Fulcer played soccer as a goalie as well as basketball and is a 2017 HHS alum. His soccer career began back in the kiddie kicks program. He was the son of Rebecca and Mark Fulcer.
“The community has been very supportive,” said Rebecca Fulcer, Andrew’s mom. “We’re partnering with the Huntley Park District to have AEDs in parks, starting with two at Tomasso Park, and working with Huntley Fire Protection District and working to encourage heart screenings.”
Fulcer died suddenly and unexpectedly after suffering an SCA in his sleep the morning of May 19, 2022. He had a bright future, with a double major of management economics and financial planning from Illinois State University. He had a job lined up after graduation.
“We had no idea Andrew was at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. In an instant and without warning, our world was completely shattered and will never be the same. We miss him each and every day,” according to the Andrew’s Assist’s web site.
One child dies every hour of every day from an undetected heart defect, according to Andrew’s Assist. Andrew’s Assist is part of the Parent Heart Watch organization, which is supported by the National Football League. The NFL got involved due to Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills’ successful recovery from an SCA incident.
“When there is an AED present and people who are trained to use it, survival rate goes from two to 90 percent,” Fulcer said. “SCA is the No. 1 killer of student athletes in the USA, the No. 2 medical cause of death in youth under age 25, and is the leading cause of death on school campuses nationwide.”
