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Suburban Football Team Raises $100K For Shriner's Children's Hospital

CHICAGO (CBS) -- 9-year-old twins Alyssa and Jeremy Potratz loved the Prospect Heights football team. They lived across the street from the field.

"We were both fans. We could hear the games from our bedroom windows when they were open," said Jeremy.

But when Alyssa died suddenly 8-and-a-half years ago, the team started fundraising in her name. WBBM's Lisa Fielding reports.

"My sister passed away in 2008," Jeremy said. "That Christmas the football team reached out to us and took me and my parents in. The coach set a goal to raised $100,000 by the time I was a senior."

Now, they've reached that goal. Jeremy's even on the team and plays wide receiver.

"It was a lofty goal," said Dan Potratz, the twins' father. "It was out there. It was just a number that was out there. As we approached it, we started realizing it's becoming a reality. It's been wonderful. Year after year, the juniors and seniors carry it forward. This has taken eight years and we've gotten to know all the players and coaches over the years."

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The Alyssa Potratz Memorial Fund, Shriner's Children's Hospital (WBBM/Lisa Fielding)

Every Spring, the team raises money for the Alyssa Potratz's Lifting Jamboree, a weighlifting challenge where people pledge for how much each boy lifts. They also sell gift cards and do other fundraisers during the year for the cause.

"I continued the fundraising after Brent left. It was something to give back. They play football for four years, but they play life for the next 60-70 years. We are preparing them for more than just wins and losses. To give back to the community is important," said Mike Sebestyen, Head Football Coach, Prospect Heights. "We've known Jeremy since he was little, helping us hold the flags. It became something that wasn't really a goal anymore, it was just something that we do for one of our own family members."

Jeremy said the fact that they raised this much money in his sister's name is overwhelming.

"We want to help people that can't help themselves," Jeremy said. "It's a proud day, the proudest day of my life."

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Dan, Maria and Jeremy Potratz could not be happier with the fundraising efforts. (WBBM/Lisa Fielding)

"These aren't selfish kids," Sebestyen said. "They focus on the fact that people come before them. They want to give back to other people. Dan and Maria and Jeremy are our family. Having him on our team has been awesome. He was in fifth grade when we made our first check presentation."

Dan Potratz said it means the world to his family.

"It shows so much character. They get it. They understand. It's come full circle when they look at Jeremy, it hits home for them because he's a friend, their teammate, one of their people," said Potratz.

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Jeremy Potratz presenting the lastest fundraising check (WBBM/Lisa Fielding)

The team presented the check to Shriner's Children's Hospital and also took a tour of the facilities.

"The coach set some lofty goals, but I knew we could do it," Jeremy said.

Jeremy choked up, when asked what his sister would think of all of this, "she'd be very proud."

Sebestyen said they'll chose a new fundraising goal and cause soon.

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