Hanson Center Thankful for New Pond

The Hanson Center occupies 12 acres of gorgeous land in Burr Ridge, nestled just around the corner from Hinsdale on 59th and Garfield. It features a barn, which is home to 20 horses used for therapeutic riding lessons, a small farm featuring goats, chickens, a turkey and Piper, a small potbelly pig.

Upon entering the property, which is open to the community year-round, there is a pond that has home to numerous ducks, geese and other water fowl. In the past few years, the pond had become unmanageable, but Lisle-based Ray Graham Association, the non-profit that owns and operates the Hanson Center, did not have the funds to install a new pond.

Elmhurst resident, and parent of a young boy who benefits from the Therapeutic Horsemanship Program, Cadden Kapsalis, started a fundraising campaign last year and raised $3,700 so a new pond could be built. “It’s the first thing you see when you arrive at the Hanson Center. The kids from the neighborhood and from the horsemanship program love to feed the ducks and watch them play. I knew we needed to do something.” The money raised wasn’t enough to install the new pond, which was once estimated to be $15,000 – until they met George Janowiak, President and owner of GEM Ponds, located in Roselle.

“George is a humble, modern day hero,” said Lorri Nagle, Chief Development Officer for Ray Graham Association. “He knew we were in a bind and came to our rescue.” First he offered to publicize our fundraising efforts and need for a new pond with all of his clients. Using his social media contacts, he directed them to our Go Fund Me Page. Janowiak was keenly aware that thousands of children and adults with disabilities visited the Hanson Center each year for riding lessons, to play on the accessible playground, walk the trails, and feed the ducks. He knew it was a special place, but what he offered next surprised everyone.

Janowiak assessed the property, sharpened his pencil and offered to provide all of the needed materials and labor for the project for less than cost. What he charged was only the amount that had been raised. “Thanksgiving came early for us this year,” said Cathy LeBeau, manager of the Hanson Center. “Because of George’s generosity, the Hanson Center has a new pond, and for that, the thousands of people who visit us each year, many of whom have disabilities, are forever grateful.”

The Hanson Center is owned and operated by Ray Graham Association and serves nearly 2,000 people with disabilities and their families through residential, educational, life skills, recreational and family support services. To learn more about the Hanson Center, visit www.raygraham.org