On Sept. 12, the local nonprofit Mady’s Way hosted its second annual golf outing and fundraiser at the Golf Club of America in Algonquin.

The well-attended event was a huge success and raised more than $33,000 for the organization, which matches diabetic children with professionally trained medical alert dogs.

Lizzie Ferrazza, a seventh-grader from Arlington Heights, was this year’s recipient of the Mady’s Way “Gift of Life Award.”

Ferrazza donated $553 to Mady’s Way from her own nonprofit venture, Lend Me Your Ears. The charity “upcycles” donated costume jewelry into unique bracelets and earrings and sells them at events around the Northwest suburbs, donating all profits to dog-related charities.

In addition to her recent support of Mady’s Way, Ferrazza has raised more than $5,000 to help give a second chance to dogs at 11 no-kill animal shelters in Illinois.

Berry-Yo Frozen Yogurt in Arlington Heights has collaborated with Ferrazza on more than one occasion.

“She is just a super kid with an unbelievably big heart,” said Berry-Yo owner and Mady’s Way sponsor Shelia Henneman. “Seeing her dedication to helping this wonderful cause has been amazing. We’re proud to support Lend Me Your Ears and Mady’s Way because they both epitomize the family values and sense of community that define our business.”

“I’m so honored to receive this year’s Gift of Life Award,” Ferrazza said. “Being here tonight and seeing these service dogs matched with families that are so grateful to have them is really special. Mady’s Way is doing awesome work.”

Mady’s Way is a nonprofit organization that provides professionally-trained Diabetic Alert Dogs that help monitor the blood sugar levels of a diabetic child. To learn more or find out how to help, visit madysway.org.

Lend Me Your Ears is dedicated to the protection and care of all stray and abandoned animals by supporting local no-kill animal shelters.

To learn more or find out how to help, visit lendmeyourears.net.

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