Evanston Resident To Be Honored by Area Autism Program Saturday

Fred O’Connor, an Evanston resident and Kellogg School of Management alum, will be honored by Have Dreams, a local nonprofit that serves children, teens and young adults with autism at their gala on Saturday at the Four Seasons in Chicago.

ALSO ON PATCH: North Shore Entrepreneur To Open Upscale Italian Restaurant in Glencoe

O’Connor, a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual, will be named the inaugural Ambassador Fellow for promoting Have Dreams’ mission throughout Chicago’s corporate, civic and philanthropic sectors, according to a news release. Specifically, O’Connor will be recognized for helping Have Dreams implement Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism at Northwestern University, the first Midwest site of a transition-to-employment program for young adults on the spectrum, developed by New York Collaborates for Autism.

“It is a great honor to be of service to the children, families and staff of Have Dreams,” O’Connor said. “I have been inspired by the powerful stories and by the dedicated staff who care so deeply for the young people they serve. I hope others will be inspired to give their time and talents to better understand and assist the work done on behalf of families impacted by autism.”

ALSO ON PATCH: ‘Chicago Fire’ Star Thanks North Suburban High School for Jumpstarting Acting Career

O’Connor volunteers his time with several other charitable organizations such as the Big Shoulders Fund, supporting inner city education and The 100 Club of Chicago, aiding the families of police, fire and paramedics killed in the line of duty.

“Fred is a model for all of us in the volunteer community as his energy and time devoted to charitable causes in general and Have Dreams in particular are enormous,” said Steve Gustafson, President of Have Dreams’ Board of Directors.

Have Dreams has offices in Evanston and Park Ridge.

Photo: Fred O’Connor, pictured far right, with Have Dreams participants at the Walgreens training center in Evanston.

ALSO ON PATCH: Three Young Women Bond Over Their Mothers’ Successful Fight for Survival