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From a news release from the Max Schewitz Foundation :
A June 21 benefit raised $154,000 for the Max Schewitz Foundation, allowing the organization to further its two-fold efforts to prevent sudden cardiac death in young adults and to support conservation.
More than 400 people attended the first part of Maxtravaganza, which was held at Lake Forest Sports Cars. The money raised was four times higher than the amount taken in last year.
During the annual event, guests mingled, enjoyed the cars, ate dinner donated by local restaurants, and bid on auction items with charity auctioneer David Goodman of Auction Results.
“The generosity of everyone in the room will have a direct impact on the lives of children who may otherwise have an undiagnosed cardiac problem,” said Dr. Sandy Goldberg, of NBC5, who emceed the fundraiser.
So far, the Lake Bluff-based foundation – in collaboration with Midwest Heart Foundation – has provided electrocardiogram (EKG) tests to more than 2,000 students in Lake County. The EKG screening helps identify students at-risk of sudden cardiac death and increase the public awareness of this issue.
Students at Deerfield High School will be tested on Oct. 16 and 17, making it the third high school to receive the testing. Students at Libertyville and Lake Forest high schools have already been tested.
“We are enormously grateful for the widespread community support,” said Dr. David Schewitz, Max Schewitz Foundation board of directors. "Raising awareness of hidden cardiac causes as a risk factor in the young is integral to our mission so it is very gratifying to see so many people understand that risk and support efforts to reduce the devastating loss of young lives."
The foundation is named for Max Schewitz, of Lake Bluff, who died in September 2005 at the age of 20 from sudden cardiac arrhythmia, having shown no prior signs of a heart disorder. In 2006, Dr. David and Mary Beth Schewitz, Max's parents, created the Max Schewitz Foundation in honor of their son.
The second part of the Maxtravaganza event will be held July 19, where family activities are scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Lake Forest’s Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm. The entire family can have fun mingling among exotic reptiles. The Wildlife Discovery Center, located at 1401 Middlefork Drive, features raptors, tortoises, lizards, and the largest public exhibits of rattlesnakes in the country. Its newest exhibit, a saltwater crocodile aptly named Maximus and sponsored in part by Foundation funds, will also be on display.
The $10 admission ($30 for a family) includes entrance to all exhibits, hands-on contact with a variety of reptiles and a craft to take home. The Lake Forest Cub Scouts will have a special “Survivor” challenge activity for small children.
“Conservation through education was Max’s motto and passion,” said Rob Carmichael, curator at the Wildlife Discovery Center. “He loved educating the community about oft-maligned reptiles. Few can carry on that work, and even fewer with his enthusiasm.”
For more information, visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.maxandthewildthings.com or call 847-234-2206.
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