The History

In 1998 Thomas Martin, a little boy with cancer from McHenry County, was asked if there was anything special he would like for Christmas. His simple wish was twenty-five new hats for the children who were going through chemotherapy with him.

The Hats Off For Thomas Chamber Mixer was established from his request. Over five hundred hats were donated at that first event. For the next six years the Hat Mixers grew to include live and silent auctions and the money raised was contributed to Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago for pediatric cancer research. In 2004 the Hat Mixer was replaced by a Gala and It's All About Kids, a 501 (C) 3 organization was formed.

Since the beginning we have donated more than $130,000 to Children's Memorial and seventeen McHenry County families have received up to $8,000 each to help with their many expenses.

The "Hats Off For Thomas" Gala is held annually with live and silent auctions, dinner and dancing. The income is split between Children's Memorial and McHenry County families who have a child with cancer.

The long term goal of It's All About Kids is to raise enough money to eventually help one family in each McHenry County school district who has a child with cancer. With your help this goal will become a reality.

Sponsorship levels are designed to appeal to a wide range of businesses and individuals. Will you please help us by being a sponsor? Your consideration and generosity is appreciated.