The "Stars for Sara" benefit concert was held at the Des Plaines Theatre. The event raised money for the "Sara Janz Take Your Shot Memorial Scholarship," created through the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
The lineup included Jim Peterik and The Ides of March, Carl Giammarese of The Buckinghams, comedian B. Cole, "The Chi" actress Yolonda Ross and several Chicago broadcast personalities.
Sara Janz, who died at age 29, was a former NATAS scholarship recipient who helped establish the group's Junior Board. Organizers say the scholarship fund will continue her legacy by supporting future students in media.
'Stars for Sara' benefit concert to honor late daughter of ABC7's Roz Varon
The event also featured an announcement that the Illinois House passed a resolution honoring Janz and offering condolences to Roz and her loved ones.
"I'm mostly appreciative to all of you, family, friends everybody who came out to support Sara, Stars for Sara, Take Your Shot Memorial Scholarship with National Association of Television Arts and Sciences Chicago Chapter," Varon said.
Stars for Sara was an evening full of remembrances. Janz was Varon's only child, who grew up essentially on the morning show.
"Sara would come to bring your daughter to work day, sweet, quite wonderful, well-mannered, how many of you want to go somewhere at 2, 3 in the morning," ABC7 Chicago meteorologist Tracy Butler said.
"My job was to make her smile, so mature, so serious for a little girl," ABC7's Hosea Sanders said.
ABC7's Val Warner was the emcee.
And Ryan Chiaverini performed with his band.
Varon said the event raised over $21,000, And donations are still being accepted.