City Kids Camp is hosting a benefit auction of a Portugal Duoro River Cruise* with John Williams this October 3-10, 2025. The auction is accepting bids Friday, Feb. 21 at noon through Sunday, March 2 at noon. All proceeds go directly to City Kids Camp.

The Duoro River Valley is renowned for its picturesque landscape, rolling hills, rich culture, and exquisite regional wines. This cruise embarks from Porto where you’ll board AmaWaterways’ newest ship, the AmaSintra for a 7-day sail through Portugal and Spain. Trip highlights include the village of Entre-os-Rios where you’ll enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch with the best of the country’s renowned wine, tour the largest region for port wine, visit Salamanca, Spain’s “Golden City” with its honey-colored sandstone buildings, be escorted or hike up to the fortified village of Castelo Rodrigo for great views and a sampling of produce and wines, visit one of Portugal’s most important pilgrimage sites and much more.

The 7-night luxury cruise includes cultural performances, immersive tours in every destination, regionally-inspired cuisine, sun deck with a pool, daily Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks, unlimited fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, and more.

More information about this cruise, organized and donated by Kelly Cruises & Tours, is available here.

WGN Radio’s John Williams and Lisa Dent will host a radiothon benefit for City Kids Camp on Wednesday, May 21, 1:45 to 3 pm.

City Kids Camp is an Illinois-based 501(c)(3) that takes kids out of the city and into the country for a week away at camp. Located about three hours south of Chicago in Lewistown on 167 acres, City Kids Camp welcomes inner-city youth from 4th to 12th grade and provides them with refuge and respite and the adventures of a sleepover camp. Activities include archery, hiking, fishing, swimming, crafts, basketball, soccer, campfires with s’mores and more. A team of dedicated volunteers, counselors, nurses, teachers, mentors and motivational speakers work together to encourage and nurture the campers. City Kids Camp gives the kids the opportunity to become more independent, self-confident, learn new skills and make new friends.

*Valid passports are required to travel. Airfare is not included. The cabin and sailing date are set and cannot be changed. A 3-night pre-cruise stay in Lisbon may be added for an additional cost.