PEORIA MAGAZINE August 2023

The actor jokes with fundraiser hosts Sid Ruckriegel and Andrew Rand

Yellowstone star Cole Hauser is welcomed by Mary DiSomma

Party-goers enjoy the band and each other's company, all for some worthy charitable causes

whose efforts to attend caught Hauser’s attention. The two live in the Chicago suburb of Elmwood Park, where they saw online advertisements about the event. “My mom and I have been fans of Cole's for many years,” Maria DiMaso said. “We aren't just fans of his because of the character of Rip Wheeler. We have seen just about every movie he has made, and I have seen him in most of the TV series he has been in.” They jumped at the chance to buy tickets to the fundraiser. But they faced a challenge in getting to Peoria. Maria DiMaso has a disability that prevents her from driving. Her mother drives locally but not on busy interstates. And

they couldn’t find anyone willing to drive them on the 330-mile round trip. “So,” Maria DiMaso said, “it was my idea to take a cab.” The fare was $560 to Peoria, with the cabbie waiting while they attended the fundraiser. The total cost, with tip, ended up at about $1,200. Ultimately, fundraiser guests passed the hat to help take care of the bill. “It was so worth it to see Cole,” Maria DiMaso said. “He is such a wonderful person. He was so sweet to us both.” Upon noticing the pair upon arrival, Hauser greeted both warmly before getting swarmed by the crowd. A while later, he slipped away to spend some time with the DiMasos.

Much like Cole Hauser, they were glad to have worked hard to get where they wanted to be. “We were so happy to support so many wonderful charities,” Maria DiMaso said. “We got tons of pictures with him. He was very generous with his hugs and kisses. “He truly is a kind soul.”

Phil Luciano is a senior writer/columnist for Peoria Magazine and content contributor to public television station WTVP. He can be reached at phil.luciano@wtvp.org

JULY 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE 89

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