Megan Scheck(l) and Tami Wanless(r)
In 2014, Western Auxiliary members Tami Wanless and Megan Scheck turned their shared passion for Hephzibah and Tami’s musical experience into the first “Rock ‘N’ Roll for Your Heart & Soul” fundraising event. Since then, the event has skyrocketed to become one of the Auxiliary’s most popular events.
Rooted in the concept that music is a universal language that brings people together, the event has outgrown several sites, and now features multiple live bands, raffles and the Backpack Dash, benefiting kids attending Camp HepSIBah Summer Sibling Camp.
“It all started very organically,” Tami recalls. “The first year, I sang accompanied by an acoustic guitar and we were thrilled to raise $300. Music brings people together, and from that first event, there was a ripple effect and others were inspired to be part of it.”
The combined support and effort of all the Western Auxiliary members has solidified the popularity of the event, with the bands providing fabulous entertainment. “I remember a few years ago looking out and saying to the crowd how exciting it is for us to see the evolution. Everyone is having fun while raising a lot of money for the kids.”
To date, the event has raised more than $175,000 for Hephzibah.
More than 150 people recently attended the high-energy event, which held January 31 at Alter Brewing Company in Downers Grove. Guests enjoyed live music by Back Pocket Bourbon and Sgt. Pepper’s Tiny Hearts Band, appetizers, drinks and a fabulous dessert bar prepared by Auxiliary member Amanda Cyzen and Nicolette DiGiorgio.
The Rock “N’ Roll event supports Camp HepSIBah Summer Sibling Camp, a fun, safe summer camp experience for up to 75 children in Hephzibah’s Foster Care Program and Group Home who have been separated from their biological siblings through foster care. At Sib Camp, the children are reunited with their siblings to explore, engage and enjoy the full summer camp experience, including outdoor games and activities like canoe rides, campfires, s’mores and more. The funds raised from the Rock ‘N’ Roll event ensures that every child has all the support they need for a fun camping experience.
