Board Member Highlights

Each month we like to highlight a specific person on our board. Here you can learn all about their favorite events, funny stories and why they love being involved with One for the Kids.

*October Highlight* - Randy Stancik

RandyRandy Stancik has been with One for the Kids for about 10 years. Some of his favorite memories are tied to our great group of board members and their creative ideas to make our events a lot more “interesting”. Animal House, Howl At The Moon, Dunk Tank and a Mechanical Bull are a few of the best. If you’ve ever been to our Golf Outing, you can appreciate the laughs that have come from these moments.

Randy, who joined the Willis Tower team in 2007, brings twenty seven years of marketing, advertising and operational experience in the tourism, real estate and service industries.  As General Manager based at Willis Tower, he oversees all aspects of Skydeck Chicago’s business unit and provides marketing and communications direction for Willis Tower’s management team. He has created and developed a multi-million dollar redevelopment plan, including The Ledge, which modernized Skydeck Chicago while providing a rapid ROI.  Randy provided branding consultation throughout the negotiations to rename Willis Tower and directed the re branding design and roll out for the Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago and Ledge marks.  He is responsible for creating and implementing all marketing, advertising, sales and public relations plans that have increased Skydeck Chicago revenues over 285% while generating positive exposure for Willis Tower.  He focuses on improving operational efficiencies, developing guest/staff interactivity, maximizing revenues, and creating new revenue sources.  Randy, as spokesperson for Skydeck Chicago or Willis Tower, has conducted over 500 media interviews including Good Morning America, The Today Show and The Ellen Show.

Prior to Willis Tower, Randy was hired to develop the recently renovated Hancock Observatory atop John Hancock Center into a premier Chicago attraction.  During a ten year span, he tripled revenues and doubled annual visitation through a comprehensive mix of advertising, marketing and public relations.  He founded and coordinated “Hustle Up The Hancock”, a stair climb event that has generated $16 million for a Chicago charity.  Prior to John Hancock Center, Randy directed promotional efforts for a national mortgage company, provided marketing consultation to 20 national markets for a Fortune 1000 company, and implemented traditional and innovative marketing programs for a local transit authority.

Not only is Randy a loving husband, father and successful in his career, he is also a dedicated board member to this charity and we appreciate all of the hard work he has put into these last 10 years. Cheers!

September Highlight- Hugh McLaughlin

knITuXYc.jpg.part_Hugh McLaughlin is one of the founding board members of One for the Kids and has been a part of this very tame (yeah, right) group for about 23 years! He actually played a major role in designing our “legendary logo.” Remember this? Besides his above average artistry skills, Hugh is a very dedicated member of the charity and is committed to helping change the lives of children in the Chicagoland area.

He fondly remembers starting out as a small group of friends just looking to help. “We had humble beginnings,” says Hugh. “But the group really enjoyed spending time together and more importantly we had an opportunity to help others along the way.” Looking back on the last 23 years, Hugh says one thing that continues to drive him are all of the smiles on the faces of the Special Olympics Athletes at our Golf Outing every year.

As everyone knows, One for the Kids has 3 partner charities we donate to every year. One of these organizations is very close to Hugh’s heart; Advocate Children’s Heart Institute (previously known as Hope Children’s Hospital). When his daughter Grace was born, she ended up spending 2 months at Advocate Children’s Heart Institute to undergo two separate heart surgeries. Grace is now 18 and doing better than ever thanks to the help she received at Advocate! Hugh says it is an honor to be a part of an organization that gives back to all of the charities and this one in particular.

Hugh lives in Madison, Wisconsin and if you’re wondering, no, he hasn’t become a Packer fan and never will. Hey Now! Welcome to football season. He did mention that the Wisconsin Badgers are his 2nd favorite school to the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. He has been married to his wife Karen for 22 years and they have been together for 31 years. Karen is an excellent baker and specializes in custom cupcakes and cookies. Yum! They have 4 children. Hugh, who is 19, Grace, 18 Hannah, 16 and Sarah 15. This year they have 3 girls in high school with every year but Junior covered. Four years from now they will have 3 girls in college. That sounds cheap! Although the last 23 years have seen many changes in location, attire and hair lines; one thing remains the same. The commitment to the cause and the friendship that helped it all begin. Hugh is currently the General Sales Manager at Frank Beer Distributors. Tim O’Malley introduced him to the business and he has never been able leave. Cheers to that!

August Highlight - Tim Smith

Tim SmTim SMithith has been a member of One for the Kids from the very beginning, almost twenty-three years now. Tim met Tim O’Malley at Northern Illinois University (Hey Tim. Hi Tim) when they were working in the Advertising Department of the Northern Star College newspaper. He got to know several of his buddies and was part of the group that started One for the Kids. Tim plays one of the most important roles on the board. Mr. Finance.

He is from the small town of Big Rock, IL and got a degree in Engineering.  “I’m not sure how an engineer from a small town ended up part of a group that is predominately sales/marketing focused from the south side of Chicago,” says Tim. “Maybe that is why I handle the books.”

Looking back over the last 23 years Tim reflected on some of his laugh-out-loud OFTK memories. The Dizzy Bat Hole at the Golf Outing a few years back was one of the funniest things he’s ever seen. Men spinning around a bat then trying to golf. (It’s the little things in life) As the organization continues to grow, this yearly tradition of fun themed holes has become a staple for the One for the Kids Golf Outing.

Tim has a daughter Meghan, who is a senior at the University of Minnesota, a son Ryan, who is a Junior at Loras College and a son Donovan, who is a Junior at St. Charles East. His kids have always been very helpful volunteers at our events! Tim enjoys watching sports (pro, college, kids) and spending time with friends and family.

“We started with a shoe string budget and now we supply a lot of money to people who need it.” Since its beginning, we have raised over $1 million for our partner charities, so we couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Thanks for your hard work and dedication to the group, Tim!

July Highlight – Jim Seagraves


Jim Seagraves Jim joined the wonderful One for the Kids crew about 7 years ago when Eric Degnan approached him about getting involved. He felt compelled to jump right in when he learned that we support local charities and families coping with health issues of children. “I think one of the reasons I’ve have stayed so committed to OFTK is summed up by our mission statement, a great time for a great cause.” We like to think we really live up to that motto at every single event. (Cue the pat on the back).

Jim stresses that there is a lot of work to be put in, but the fun that everyone has working with this group and the support we bring to the charities is well worth the effort. The year he became involved with One for the Kids, we hosted the first annual Cocktail Event. It was exciting for him to plan and deliver a wonderful evening that raised a significant amount of money for a deserving family. The following year, Jim was in charge of the event and was able to incorporate new ideas and expand on the success of this special evening. This event, now called The Curve Ball, has become such a special fundraiser for our charity.

Through One for the Kids, he has developed relationships with some wonderful people that he wouldn’t have known otherwise and strengthened ones he already had. He says it is exciting to be a part of an organization like OFTK because it actively seeks new ideas and innovative ways to raise money for deserving charities. The status quo just won’t do for this group. Lastly, he’s proud to know that the money raised by the organization stays in the Chicagoland area and benefits local families. As a Chicago native, this is very important to him. Jim married his high-school sweetheart, Megan and has three adorable daughters, Mary, Claire and Julia that constantly keep them on their toes.

Look out for his swiiiing at our annual Golf Outing held on August 14th. Cheers!


June Highlight – Matt Scales


MattScales Matt Scales knows he’s in for a good yarn every time he gets together with the board at OFTK. He was invited to join a little over five years ago by fellow board member Billy Bracken, Matt has enjoyed every minute – from doffing a few tee shots at the annual golf outing to mixing it up at the annual cocktail event. Most importantly, he’s thrilled to have the opportunity to work with a great group of people who care about helping others in need.

Matt moved to the Chicagoland area a little over a decade ago from central Illinois. He quickly learned that anything south of interstate 80 is considered “southern Illinois” by the local natives. He knows he’s just a small fish in a big pond here in the north.

Work-wise, Matt has spent most of his time in start-up company environments in industries like real estate and gaming. He gets a charge working with a team to build something from an idea to a reality.

Matt is married with two daughters. Being the only male in the household, he’s used to losing most arguments and rarely getting his way. That said, the ladies at home help to make him a better man and keep him steered in the right direction (Aww). He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois, an Illinois Real Estate Broker License and certification in project management along with various other accolades that make him feel very special. Cheers to you Matt!

May Highlight – Chris Orvino


ChrisChris was introduced to One for the Kids about seven years ago by friend and fellow board member Eric Degnan. Eric, Chris, Jim Seagraves, and a few others wanted to get involved with fundraising for people in need.  The idea of a cocktail party was brought up to the board and the rest is history! The first Cocktail Party was for the wife and children of a friend of Chris’ who was killed in a motorcycle accident. He is very proud of what they have been able to do to help not only his friend’s family, but the six families that have followed. Read More

Chris is also proud to have helped One for the Kids join forces with Patriot Boxing with the Patriot Assault bike race. This Saturday will be the 4th annual event and all of the money raised at this fun and challenging event goes directly to One for the Kids. “The race changes every year,” says Chris. “And there have been some unforgettable memories thus far. So get on a bike and get out there!”

He says the best thing about being on the board is being able to help children and their families who are dealing with some serious life issues.  It is just as great being able to do this with guys who have been his friends for many years, as well as guys who he has met that have become friends. “Even though it takes a lot of time and commitment, we always have so much fun doing it…It’s for the kids.” Well-said Chris!

Chris is a Physician Assistant in orthopedic surgery. He lives in Elmhurst with his wonderful wife Renee and their two sons Johnny 8, and Michael 5.  He enjoys spending time with family and friends, coaching Johnny’s and Michael’s sports teams, and golfing with his buddies.

 

March Highlight – Pete McMurray


Pete McMurrayExciting things are happing for our board member Pete McMurray. If you have attended any of our events you have heard the inviting, exciting, and eloquent voice of the talented Pete McMurray. He is taking his talents The Morning Drive at the classic rocker WDRV FM 97.1 as a co-host alongside Dan McNeil. A morning drive with a side of Pete? We will definitely be tuning in.

The Morning Drive slot became available after 14-year morning man Steve Downes announced his retirement. Pete worked at WGN for the past 2 years and loved every second of it. “If we can make you laugh, think and not change the channel every morning, we’re doing our job.” He has been in Chicago Radio since 1998. Pete also hosts a TV show on Saturday nights on NBC called “24/7” which airs after SNL. During football season you can see him on “Fox Kickoff Sundays” during the Bears pregame. (Bear down?..touchy subject.) Pete has been with the charity for a “looooooong time.” He was roommates with Bob Lanigan and met Tim O’Malley when he moved to Chicago. “Tim introduced me to all the guys,” says Pete. “It was like the mob! Once you’re in, you’re in forever! I love the organization, we have FUN, we make events FUN and we raise money for tremendous causes.” He always talks about how Radio and TV are easy to do but the people that work at Special Olympics, Benton House and The Heart Institute at Advocate Children’s Hospital are the ones that really work hard. “When you meet the Janowiak Boys from the Curve Ball you think to yourself, life is so precious and if we can help one family like that, we’re doing something right!” What a guy, Pete is. Best of luck on your new venture!

January Highlight – Eric Degnan


Eric DegnanThis years Curve Ball Event Chairman first got involved with One for the Kids through his cousin Dan Degnan. He was looking to have some fun golfing and to support a great cause. He specifically remembers one year at the golf outing they had a cooler scooter, if you’re not familiar with this its a beer cooler you sat on with handlebars and drive around like a motorcycle. We told you our events are fun. It still makes Eric giggle like a kid when he thinks of his friend Dean Mourfield flying up and down the fairways.

After the event, he realized that being involved in OFTK would be a way for him to give back in a charitable way. He found it was a great group of guys, all having fun and he even got a client out of it. Eric is a Certified Financial Planner with Waddell & Reed. His office and staff are based out of Naperville. He has sponsored various golf holes and started the vodka luge at the cocktail party (hip hip hooray!).

When Eric isnt golfing, He is with his wife Shirley, daughter Aubrey 8, Callie 5, and son Braden 4 – Living the dream in the western suburbs.

 

December Highlight – Ed McMurray


Ed McMurrayEd became involved with One for the Kids through his brother Pete and Bob Lanigan. Pete and Bob would invite him to the golf outing and the cocktail party year after year. He thoroughly enjoyed himself at the functions and was very impressed with all the hard work and dedication of the board members.

His favorite event is the golf outing. The last few years he has been part of the group that sponsored The Bears Tailgate Hole. The star of the themed hole, besides Kevin Kickels or famously known as The Senator, is Eds wife Pat. Pat plays the Bears fight song on the trumpet all day long and adds quite an exciting element to the event each year. You sure picked a winner, Ed.

Ed is the Operations Manager for J&S Plumbing Company, located in Elk Grove Village. J&S was the proud sponsor of the Vodka Luge at last years Cocktail Party. Cheers to that. He lives in Villa Park and has been married for 28 years to his wife Pat. He has one son, Ed, who is 27 and recently engaged to be married. Both Ed and Pat have helped out at the golf outing event we host.

 

November Highlight – Phil Lukowski


Phil LukowskiPhil became involved with One for the Kids because he was a close friend with the founding board members, particularly Tim OMalley, McLaughlin and Glennon, the three amigos if you will. He attended the majority of golf outings and it still continues to be his favorite event. Phil was last years Cocktail Party chairman and is excited to see the new changes happening this upcoming year. While the ladies have always been welcome to the golf outing and witness their husbands ride a mechanical bull or run around in kilts, laughs Phil. The cocktail party allows a different mix of people and an opportunity for the spouses to be a greater part of the successful organization.

Phil is married to his lovely wife Debbie and has two daughters, Madison and Delaney. He is originally from the southwest side near Midway airport and his family now resides in Western Springs. Phil is the Executive Vice President, Chief Portfolio Manager at Waterton Associates, LLC. Waterton has been a continued contributor of signage and donations at our One for the Kids events each year.

 

October Highlight – Bill Kuhl


Bill KuhlBill Kuhl is a born and raised Mt. Greenwood Southsider. Before leaving town for 15 years on work assignments for the G. Heileman Brewing Company and Jim Beam Brands, He attended and worked many of the first One for the Kids events including the inaugural Charity Golf outing over 22 years ago. When Hugh McLaughlin, excuse me Hugh the most uncreative board member McLaughlin, came out of the closet as a (dare we say it) Green Bay Packer fan and moved to Wisconsin, Bill decided it was safe to move back to the Chicagoland area, phew, one less cheese-head for Kevin Kickels to make fun of. After attending a One for the Kids Cocktail Party and viewing the video of the host family and the support that OFTK was able to provide, he decided to join the board to support the vision of the charity. The energy of our great time for a great cause at each event is contagious, he couldnt resist.

Bill currently resides in Elmhurst IL, with his wife of 18 years Janene and three boys, Bill 15, Joe 13 and Michael 11. His boys were a huge help at our Golf Outing this past August, thanks again guys! Bill is the Midwest, Regional Sales Manager for the Gemini/Sazerac Wine and Spirits Company (http://www.geminispiritswine.com/about.asp) based out of Louisville, Kentucky. We appreciate the donations the company provides at our events each year. Bill enjoys spending time with his family doing any activity that makes them happy.you can often find him in the hockey rink where all three boys play travel hockey, watch out Patrick Kane. He also donates his time to other charities, the local Church and School as a youth football coach.

 

September Highlight – Tom Doyle


Tom DoyleTom has been with One for the Kids for many years now and loves being involved with such a great group of dedicated and determined individuals. One of his favorite events is the annual golf outing, the first event that really sparked success for the group. We dont blame him, who wouldnt love a Friday filled with sunshine (we have truly lucked out with the weather every year..knock on wood), drinking with new and old friends, and of course raising money for some pretty spectacular charities around Chicago. Tom loves the fact that everyone pitches in and uses their resources to make sure each event raises as much money as possible. When you combine good, hardworking, creative people and fun events, its a winning formula for success, says Tom. What a perfect way to describe the group we have. Tom is president of Accurate Printing (http://www.accurateprinting.net) and is responsible for all of our signs, banners and promotional items for every event we have. One for the Kids wouldnt be where it is today without all of the help from Tom and his company. Tom talks about how the golf outing sells out immediately and no other golf outing has as much fun while raising money for a great cause. Throughout the years, golfers have been able to ride a mechanical (some should just stick to golf), you can get your shoes shined up, listen to a Jimmy Buffett impersonator or watch skydivers land on the course. He is also grateful for all of the Chicago sports celebrities who have joined them at events over the years especially hall of famer Dan Hampton. Tom is extremely proud to be involved with One for the Kids and thankful to do it with such spectacular friends!

 

August Highlight – Bob Lanigan


Bob LaniganBob has a long association with Special Olympics & working with people with disabilities. He started working at Park Lawn Center (serving people with disabilities) in high school & continued to work there after college. He then produced & hosted the Special Olympics Illinois Summer & Winter games for Fox Sports Chicago. So for Bob, getting involved with a great group of guys for a great cause was an easy decision. Of course with Kickels & Pete McMurray involved, he joked. I might need to rethink that. Thank God Ed McMurray & Paul Windsor have balanced out the board…

He is very proud of what OFTK does and the support they have been able to give to charities and to families in need.

 

July Highlight – Joe Chura


Joe ChuraJoe joined One for the Kids in 2011 in an effort to help children in and around the Chicago area. Shortly after joining he was appointed as the marketing chairman, and has since lead the digital advertising efforts to better promote the organization.

Using the talents of his company, Launch Digital Marketing, they have generously been able to donate video production, web design, and many other digital marketing services. One of the services he is most proud of has been creating the family interview videos, which have been played at the cocktail parties and on their online channels. These have helped the organization raise money by highlighting these families’ respective stories.

Another rewarding aspect of OFTK is the camaraderie of the board members. Joe says it’s an honor to be part of such a great group of people, who truly care and donate their time to help the cause. These positions are 100% volunteer, and it’s amazing how much his fellow board members give.
Joe can tell you more: My day job is as CEO of Launch Digital Marketinga digital marketing agencyand Dealer Inspire, which is a company that creates software for the automotive industry. We have a team of 60 fantastic employees and an office in downtown Naperville.

I have three wonderful childrenTea, Morgan, and Greysonand a very, very understanding wife. In my spare time I enjoy playing guitar, being a computer geek, and hanging out with my family and friends.

 

June Highlight – Tim Carey


Tim CareyTim got involved with One for the Kids through Tim OMalley. They were both in their early 30s and were always out at one networking event or another for work. O’Malley asked Tim if he would be interested in attending one of the One for the Kids meetings and the rest is history. It just so happens, while there, they were looking for an excuse to get together more often. They decided that if they raised money for an incredible cause, Special Olympics Charities and Benton House Charities, their wives would be more understanding of their intentions; needless to say it worked.

I can honestly say I have not been together with these guys and not laughed, said Tim. Whether its a meeting or at either the cocktail party or golf outing. We have a great time raising money for a great cause. Im humbled and honored to hang with these guys, except of course for Lanigan, McMurray, Doyle, and OMalley… He cant say enough about this group, their dedication to the charities and their dedication to each other. Tim recalls one year at the Golf Outing that a person, who will remain nameless, tried running a group of them over while on the tee box-theres clearly never a dull moment with this group. Tim is President and General Manager of Hawthorne Race Course and lives in Riverside with his wife and four kids.

 

May Highlight – Paul Windsor


Paul WindsorPaul Windsor has been on the One for the Kids Board since June of 2013. He became involved with OFTK through connections with several of the board members, and attended the annual cocktail parties. Pauls band, The Paul Windsor Orchestra, has performed at this event for the last three years (and boy do they put on a show). He has led the band for the last thirty years and still enjoys performing for weddings and social events throughout the mid-west. Paul has spent his adult life as an educator in the western suburbs. He has been a teacher and/or administrator in Downers Grove for the last twenty six years. He lives in Naperville and has two children, Bradley and Bethany.

 

April Highlight – Kevin Kickels


Kevin KickelsKevin has been with One for the Kids for about 13 years now. He joined because hes always been a firm believer in giving back to those who aren’t as fortunate as many of us. He says it’s an incredible feeling to see how all of the hard work put into these events truly makes a difference in peoples lives. Kevin has worked in the casino industry for over 20 years. He is a huge Chicago Bears fan and attends all home games and many away games. He tailgates every home game with fellow board members Ed McMurray, Bob Lanigan, Billy Bracken and Pete McMurray (now thats trouble). So if you hear the Bears fight song at any of our events, you will know exactly who it is.

 

March Highlight – Dan Irwin


Dan IrwinDan has been attending One for the Kids events since 1999, when he moved to Chicago from New Jersey. He has officially been a board member since 2008. Dan thinks OFTK has become a lot more organized over the years. He believes the board is consistently striving for success and enjoys working with such a passionate group of guys. Sadly Dans father passed away last month. His mother generously agreed to have donations go to One for the Kids. We have graciously received around $4,300 in donations in memory of Dan Irwin Sr. We are keeping Dans family in our thoughts and prayers.