Lemont Steps Up for One of Its Own: A Thank You Note to the Community

—The following was submitted as a letter to the editor

To the good souls in Lemont,

As Theresa Vejvoda spoke to a standing-room only crowd in Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria last Saturday night, it was easy to see Santa Claus in everyone in attendance. The community had turned out to support one of their own.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the story, Robbie Riley is a 34-year old Lemont resident who was born deaf as a result of fetal alcohol syndrome. You likely have seen him sometime, since a good deal of his spare time is spent walking—from one end of town to the other. Unfortunately it was walking that contributed to Robbie’s latest challenges.

A month ago he was walking home from work and was struck by a hit-and-run driver, leaving him lying along the roadside for 2+ hours. A few days later, as he lay in rehab recovering from multiple fractures, his apartment flooded, destroying most of his personal belongings. As the news of Robbie’s ill-fortunes became known, Theresa decided that she had to do something to help. Within a few days, a benefit was planned and the support started rolling in. As a result of posters, word-of-mouth, Facebook posts, door-to-door canvassing and soliciting total strangers, Lemont responded.

RESPONDED probably doesn’t do justice to what we witnessed.

Nearly everyone in town, as well as people from surrounding communities, contributed. From donations of merchandise to raffle off, to major monetary contributions, individuals, civic and charitable organizations, businesses and our civil servants and community itself dug deep to help somebody who really needs it. A special thanks is owed to all those who helped put this thing together. Karen, Debbie, Hillbilly, Nicole, Mike, Kathy, Reenie, et al, thank you for your efforts. It is inspiring to see that people still “get it”, that they still understand that most of us are truly blessed and it’s important to give something back. I have had the opportunity to be involved with many benefits, and I can’t remember the last time I saw the response I saw last week. Give yourself a hand Lemont. You’re what makes this a great place to live.

Signed,

Doug Wright