BEVERLY — Brian Volkman was a man of many passions. He loved the Chicago Bears and the White Sox. He loved to travel. He loved pizza puffs.
Volkman's eclectic personality is reflected in the wide array of silent auction and bucket raffle items at a benefit in his honor.
The Volkman Foundation Benefit is set for 3-8 p.m. Saturday at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St. in suburban Merrionette Park.
The money raised will help offset Volkman's outstanding medical bills and pay for the future education of Brian's two daughters, Maggie, 3, and CeCe, 1.
Volkman, 40, died after a six-month battle with lung cancer on Sept. 7. In addition to his children, Volkman left behind his wife, Liz (Chomicz) and hundreds of friends whom he made along his shortened path of his life.
You can read all about Brian Volkman and his battle with cancer in a previous story written by DNAinfo. But it's worth noting the massive number of silent auction items and raffles planned for the event on Saturday.
The complete list includes a $10,000 grand raffle, 65 silent auctions, 60 bucket raffles and more. Here are a five of the more unique items available at the upcoming fundraiser:
• A wheelbarrow full of booze
• A "Game of Thrones" framed poster — signed by the cast
• A signed Mike Tyson boxing glove
• Dinner for six in your home prepared by Taryn Huebner, Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef
• Four tickets to the Grateful Dead concert on July 3rd
There are many, many more items on the list. To check out all of the silent auctions, bucket raffles and other ways to support the Volkman Foundation, visit the group's website.
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