Goddard School Founders Send Special Needs Kids to Special Olympics

David and Donna Raye, Founders of The Goddard School in Third Lake, IL, were Co-Chairs for The SEDOL Foundation’s One Special Night for Very Special Kids. The charity event theme was Scenes from an Italian Restaurant featuring the music of Billy Joel and was held at The Lehmann Mansion in Lake Villa, IL on November 11, 2023. All proceeds benefit students with multiple disabilities and complex medical needs from 3 years to 22 years of age within The Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL).

SEDOL is partnered with two great organizations that provide highly structured activities to advance special needs children social, emotional, and physical growth through sports and other extracurricular activities. The funds raised will allow children to participate in Special Olympics and CAAEL (Chicago Area Alternative Education League).

“Many of these children would not be able to participate in these programs,” according to David Raye, “SEDOL families simply do not have the funds because raising a child with special needs over their lifetime is very expensive, and that’s where we can bridge the gap.”

"The SEDOL Foundation really appreciates the time and effort that Donna and David have put into this event each year," stated Ann Subry, Director of The SEDOL Foundation, "They have created a fun evening that features great music in a perfect venue."

The Raye's helped The SEDOL Foundation raise $75,000 this year. This was Donna and David's 10th year of hosting this annual event, accumulating donations of over $600,000 for various impactful programs such as music, deaf & hard of hearing, and much more for At-Risk children and their families.

For more information, call Ann Subry at 847-548-7032.