Ogres, Goblins and Ghouls - Oh My!

Friday evening was no ordinary night at The Center for Enriched Living (CEL). Normally, the CEL vans bring a steady stream of members ready to cook, watch movies and explore the community. However, on Friday, October 24, superheroes, minions, witches and even a piece of bacon arrived ready to dance the night away at the annual Harvest Dance!

The annual Harvest Dance is a favorite among CEL members. CEL provides social, recreational and educational opportunities for people with developmental disabilities throughout the Chicagoland area. With more than 150 members in attendance, it was one the most popular events of the season. The gym was packed with dancers singing and dancing the night away to DJ Ray who played current hits “Shake it Off” and “The Cha-Cha Slide” as well as Halloween must-haves “Monster Mash” and “Ghostbusters”. Members also had the chance to play Bingo, explore a haunted house, create Halloween-themed crafts, and enjoy pizza from La Rosa Pizzeria and Restaurant in Vernon Hills.

“The Harvest Dance allows our members to enjoy all the fun that Halloween offers,” says director of program services, Melissa Juarez-Ehlers. “Dressing up, dancing with friends and having an evening to remember are experiences that many of our members don’t get too often. We make every attempt to ensure that each Harvest Dance is truly memorable.”

The evening provides an opportunity for those in attendance to vote for their favorite costumes – including cutest, scariest, funniest, most unique and best overall. This year’s winners showcased the creativity spectrum with a piece of bacon, Princess Fiona, Stay Puft the Marshmallow Man, and Scream were among the favorites for the evening. “I have the most fun coming to the dances,” James Lamberts, who came as Stay Puft and won for Best Overall Costume. “This costume was definitely worth it!”
More than 35 volunteers also participated in the event. Volunteers had fun helping out in the haunted house, participating with the crafts and in the kitchen, and even making friends dancing in the gym with the members.

“Having fun with friends and that sense of belonging are important social components that are often missing for people with developmental disabilities,” says Executive Director, Harriet Levy. “It is our mission to provide those opportunities that are so readily available for people without developmental disabilities.”

The Center for Enriched Living exists to enhance and enrich the lives of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities – from youth through adulthood. CEL provides a space for our members to grow and learn new social, educational and independent living skills as well as have equal opportunities to fulfill their dreams and become vital participants within their communities. More information available at www.CenterForEnrichedLiving.org.