Programs and Projects

22Q Initiatives

The Foundation has created several programs and initiatives to continue the mission of raising awareness of 22q11.2 deletion (DiGeorge Syndrome/VCFS) and supporting the families of children with the disorder.

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Riley’s Team

Riley’s Team was created to encourage people to “join us” in the fight to raise funds and awareness about DiGeorge Syndrome. Funds raised in this campaign will directly support other children with DiGeorge Syndrome needing 24/7 nurses care to work through this disorder. Please join us today!

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Riley’s Place–Dempster Family Foundation’s 22q Clinics

The Dempster Foundation is targeting specific cities to create 22q Clinics within select hospitals. These 22q Clinics will specialize in dealing with children with a 22q11.2 deletion and the broad array of issues that can be associated with the disorder. With a focus on the collaborative healthcare model, these 22q Clinics will continue to have [...]

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Power 2 the Parents – Parent Empowerment Program

The Dempster Foundation’s Power 2 the Parents is an educational program that supports families of children with a 22q11.2 deletion, providing them with user-friendly templates for communicating information, and compelling dialogue to help them drive awareness of the disorder within their own communities.

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Dempster Foundation 22q Conferences Sponsorship

The Dempster Foundation’s 22q Conference Sponsorship program supports the medical community and conference planners to provide a wider geographical offering of conferences and parent meetings specific to the 22q11.2 deletion for families and healthcare providers.

Team Dempster

The Foundation is grateful to the many corporate partners and individuals that have joined us in the fight and made it their mission to help raise awareness and funds for 22q11.2 deletion. We are looking for more team members to help us reach our goal of $2 million in 2 years. For more information on how to begin your own TEAM DEMPSTER fundraiser, please contact Terri Grunduski at 312-415-9846.

Ongoing Team Dempster programs include:

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Strike Out 22 q Days at D’Agostino’s Pizza and Pub

Join us for Strike Out 22q Days at D’Agostinos… and help support the Foundation!

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Candyality’s Cubbie Gummies Program to support 22q

Candyality, a local Chicago candy store will donate $1 per pound sold of their #1 selling Cubbie Gummie Bears to the Foundation throughout the 2010 Cubs Season.

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The Ted Lilly Strikeout and Win Challenge

For every strikeout in the 2010 season, Chicago Cubs teammate Ted Lilly will donate $10 to strikeout 22q

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Bleed Cubbie Blue

NEW Bleed Cubbie Blue/Dempster Foundation T-shirt Partner Announced. Strange Cargo T-shirt store near Wrigley Field to Help “Strike Out 22q”.

Community Initiatives

Ryan participates in the following community initiatives through the Chicago Cubs:

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Dempster’s Dugout Ticket Program

“Dempster’s Dugout” is a charitable ticket program that benefits local social service agencies that assist low-income children. Through this program, Ryan and Jenny host over 500 children a year at select Chicago Cubs games.

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The R.B.I. Program

Ryan has supported the Chicago Cubs’ R.B.I.  program initiative by sponsoring his own team since 2005.  Nicknamed Dempster’s Dynasty, Ryan’s team participates in  Major League Baseball’s signature youth outreach program, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (R.B.I.) program, designed to increase participation and interest in baseball especially among minorities, and to increase the number of talented athletes [...]

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Military Family Visits to Wrigley

Since 2006, the “Military Family Game” has been a tradition for the Dempster Family.  Each season Ryan and Jenny invite family members of those serving in the military to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field to recognize these families for the sacrifices they make for our country. The “Military Family Game always takes place on [...]