25 Barndances Later, They’re Still All In

Billy Rinn and Steve Gavers became acquainted more than 30 years ago. They both lived in McHenry County, IL, and came from different walks of life, but connected socially. From the time Steve successfully battled cancer until today, Billy and his wife Jean marvel at Steve’s zeal and his constant smile — even when he’s carrying much on his shoulders.

“Steve’s unstoppable energy, positivity and joy for life, which led to his vision of Gavers Community Cancer Foundation (GCCF) and its annual Barndance, was something Billy and I were immediately drawn to,” Jean Rinn said recently of her family’s connection with the GCCF.

Twenty-five Barndances later, what Steve Gavers calls “the best 7 hours of summer” counts the Rinns among its many attendees and supporters. “If this were a baseball game, Steve, the GCCF Board and the whole Barndance team would all be batting 1,000 for the excellence they bring while helping people during some of their toughest of times,” Jean declared.

The Rinns can’t say enough good things about how Steve and the GCCF Board carry out the Foundation’s mission.

“The GCCF supports people throughout their cancer journey,” Jean explained. “It supports area physicians and medical providers in both treatment and research at renowned facilities such as the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund at Rush University Medical. It communicates the important, ‘Get Checked’ message for early detection, and several years ago the GCCF provided funding for the first 3-D mammography imaging machine at a Northwestern Medical facility right here in Crystal Lake.”

GCCF’s neighbors-helping-neighbors dynamic keeps the Rinn family involved. “The beauty of GCCF is that it’s based solely on the grassroots, heartfelt dedication of an entirely volunteer team,” Jean related. “It starts with Steve and his longtime GCCF Board and the 400-plus volunteers who bring the community the fabulous Barndance each summer. They are selfless — so kind, and the Barndance’s level of excellence —the tent, the generators, the entertainment, the beautiful flowers and décor, plus raffle and live auction items curated and all the food and beverages — is off the charts.”

“You just feel great afterwards,” Billy added of the Barndance experience. “At the end you know everybody had a good time. It’s just a special time —and you share it with special people.”