The Nora Project’s Garden Party Raises over $350,000

More than 400 friends and supporters of The Nora Projectgathered at Fields BMW Northfield on August 25 for the organization’s third annual Garden Party. Linda and Richard Price served as the event hosts which welcomed television journalist, Rob Johnson, as the event’s esteemed emcee.

Guests were serenaded by bluegrass music as they walked the green carpet leading them to the event festivities. Garden-themed light bites were served along with refreshing offerings from a specialty end-of summer lemonade bar sponsored by Tito’s Homemade Vodka. A presentation featuring Miguel Cervantes of Hamilton and award-winning Nora Project teacher Alexander Parker of Cossitt Elementary School gave attendees insight into the mission and impact of The Nora Project’s suite of empathy and disability awareness programs. A Golden Ticket raffle, paddle raise, and live auction enabled the event to raise $350,000 in support of this worthy organization.

The Nora Project curriculums, teacher training and professional development, student and family support, and program materials are free to participants. The organization therefore relies heavily on its annual Garden Party event to meet the needs of the schools it serves. Funds raised from this event will support the more than 50 schools, 200 classrooms, and 4,000 students participating in Nora Project programs during the 2019-2020 school year.

“We were blown away by the generosity of the community this year,” said Lauren Schrero Levy, Executive Director of The Nora Project. “We feel fortunate that so many people see the value of talking about disability, teaching the skills and values associated with the practice of empathy, and building inclusive schools and communities. With this kind of energy behind us, we hope to expand our programs to reach every school in Chicagoland in the coming years.”

The event was sponsored by Fields Auto Group, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, The Cookie Joint, Robert Mondavi Winery, Foodstuffs Events & Catering, and Lower Electric.

The Nora Project aims to normalize difference, demystify disability, and promote meaningful connections between students and their peers with disabilities.Our award-winning school programming allows students to explore disability, adaptation, and friendship in exciting and innovative ways. Since its founding in 2016, The Nora Project has grown from one school to more than 50, with teachers challenging students to practice empathy, exercise moral courage, and recognize the fundamental truth that as human beings, we are all more alike than different.