History of "A Toast to Life" Event
Sergeant Bob Madden, a 30 year member of the Glen Ellyn Police Department, was diagnosed with ALS in April 1999. Bob Madden passed away from complications of ALS on May 22nd, 2007, far outliving the life expectancy he was given when first diagnosed. He was 51 years old. “A Toast to Life” continues to honor his memory by raising much needed funds for ALS Research.

“A Toast to Life” began back in 2004 in Champaign, Illinois. Originally titled “Betting on a Cure,” this fundraiser was started
by University of Illinois senior, Sarah Madden. Sarah enlisted the help of her friends to put together a happy hour of family and friends to raise much needed funds for this terrible disease. In 2007 Sarah and her siblings, Tim Madden and Shawn Barth, decided
to re-ignite the event, this time in Chicago.

The event was renamed “A Toast to Life” as a reminder to live life to the fullest each and every day. “A Toast to Life” debuted in Chicago in February of 2007. The event brought out nearly 200 attendees and raised more than $10,000. It became clear that there is a growing need for ALS awareness and fundraising in Chicagoland.

“A Toast to Life” offers a chance for business professionals, family and friends to gather together to combat this terrible disease.
It is our intention that “A Toast to Life” will continue to grow into Chicagoland’s premier ALS research benefit in the coming years.