Spirits were high as a celebration of one little boy’s life brought in more than $15,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Austin and Julie Locke lost their 2-year-old son, Dax, Dec. 30 after a battle with acute myeloid leukemia.
The turnout at Saturday’s benefit, called “A Day for Dax,” proves that he has not been forgotten.
“Since I’ve gotten here, there’s been a constant flow of people,” said Julie Locke. “Our community is just amazing. I’m speechless.”
Co-organizer Jennifer Kaeb said more than 1,500 people came to the event at Five Points.
At least 30 vendors were in attendance to show their support and raise money for the hospital that treats young patients regardless of the family’s ability to pay.
“We have not stopped all day, it’s been awesome!” said Monica Daily, a cosmetologist with KLR Designs Ltd. in Dunlap.
Daily was there to give haircuts for donations. One hundred percent of the money KLR Designs Ltd. raised was donated to St. Jude.
Other vendors included representatives from Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Mary Kay and Shear Creations.
“We’ve been packed non-stop,” said Amanda Moreland of Shear Creations. Representatives from the salon offered eyebrow and lip waxing, as well as mini-manicures with paraffin wax. They called it “Get waxed for Dax.”
Kaeb said the majority of vendors donated items for the raffle, and some donated a percentage of their profits from Saturday’s event.
Raffle drawings took place every hour and included prizes such as gift baskets from Heartland Bank, tickets to the Shedd Aquarium, Maui Jim sunglasses and a baseball signed by Cubs starting pitcher Tom Gorzelanny.
Individuals and businesses donated items for a bake sale.
Visitors had a day of fun complete with balloon animals, face paintings, a visit from Dax’s favorite character, Dora the Explorer, and, of course, ice cream.
Tim Hennessey, owner of Emack and Bolio’s, an ice cream shop in Peoria Heights, said business was steady all day.
“My wrist hurts,” he said.
While the crowd was entertained, they did not forget the family that brought everybody together.
“As a mom, my heart just went out to this family,” said Lynette Lewis of Pekin. “The grace that
Julie exhibits is just a testament. I’m amazed.”
Julie Locke said she was amazed herself.
“This is a lot bigger than I was expecting,” said Locke. “I’m blown away.”
In her journal at caringbridge.org, Locke said she is planning an even bigger event, which will take place on Dax’s birthday.
“Mark your calendars now for June 26th, 2010,” she wrote Sunday. “I’m planning a day that will represent St. Jude and it will never be forgotten. Every penny raised will help us reach our goal of $1.6 million.”
